Shoot 'em When They're Blooming

Setting off early on the west side of Tortugas Mountain

Becca and I got an early start this morning and cut the hike a bit short because this is the day I do my weekly shopping at Target and Albertsons.  And oh was it hot when we hit the trail on the west side of the mountain.  As you can see from one of Becca's photos she wasn't enjoying the heat very much.  I made a point of stopping frequently for shade and water breaks, though, and both she and I weren't too bad off by the time we got back to the car.  We're heading for 104F (40C) today, and I have little doubt we'll reach it.  It was already 94F when I returned from the stores at noon.

Thinking about smelling the roses

Side view of a Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus flower

I'm looking through you

Castor and Pollux

Small Strawberry Hedgehog

Want some mustard on that?

What can be said about these beauties?

In for a closer look

One last shot of these gorgeous blossoms

A small number of those actually in flower

Wow!

Growing with an Ocotillo

They almost look like Chrysanthemums

There she is relaxing in the shade

Blooming among the Ocotillos

Strawberry Hedgehog, Prickly Pear and Ocotillo

Same grouping

Last shot for today