Exploring Arroyos

Early start, puffy clouds

This morning was perfect for exploring arroyos, mostly cloudy and cool with a slight breeze.  The greater number of interesting desert plant species are to be found lining the banks of arroyos because that's where the greatest amount of moisture is located in this arid land.  On our exploration today we trekked through a large arroyo (aka "wash") west of Tortugas Mountain that we hadn't been in for over a year.  We were not disappointed.  The one downside came when--about two-thirds of the way through our hike--the sun made a prolonged appearance, reminding us that it can feel pretty toasty walking along the sand inside of an arroyo.  Nevertheless, Becca and I had a very good time.

Large Torrey Yucca in the western foothills of Tortugas

Pointed upwards

Under a nice cloud cover

Downright cloudy to the south

In the west, though, clearing sky

Can't get enough of these Barrel Cacti

Arroyo west of Tortugas Mountain

We had to bushwhack to get over to this large Barrel Cactus

It was worth the effort

Really loaded with flowers and buds

Daisies

Desert Marigolds blooming again

Large arroyo in the outback

Fuzzy seeds of the Creosote Bush

Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Having just climbed out of a major arroyo we took in this view

That Barrel Cactus in the foreground is 4' tall

4' Barrel Cactus

That's the 4-footer to the right of and behind Becca

Finding shade

We haven't explored this particular arroyo in over a year

Making herself comfortable

Ready to head out

This-a-way

Large Ocotillo, Tortugas and the Organs