Floral Bonanza

Dawn

It was hot out there when Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I got started this morning, but it didn't feel as bad as it was the previous days; and a light breeze helped ameliorate the heat.

We did our usual hike, reveling in the number of barrel cacti that were in bloom or in the process of flowering.  A real bonus was the Nipple Beehive Cactus which was blooming way up in the Right Branch Arroyo.

After the trek I was able to take a few photos at home of a beautiful Painted Lady who was sipping nectar from a Climbing Milkweed that's entwined on one of the Desert Willows on our property.

This & next:  just getting started

This & next 7:  barrel cacti blooms

Frio and Willow

Tall barrel cactus

This & next:  Painted Lady

Climbing Milkweed

Desert Willow flowers

This & next 2:  Painted Lady on Climbing Milkweed

Nipple Beehive Cactus

The "O"s in the shadow of their favorite yucca