Swaths of golden grasses have replaced the green that carpeted the desert just two months ago. The top photo is from today's hike in Catalina State Park; the green one below is from February.
We're headed toward "dry" summer, which precedes the late summer monsoon rains here in the Sonoran Desert.
Today I didn't need these stepping stones to cross the wash, unlike two months ago, below, when I dashed across them to keep my feet dry.
But there is still water in the side streams -- enough for these tadpoles to hatch!
This Velvet Mesquite tree put out its own golden glow with long puffy yellow blooms.
The majestic saguaros are just starting to bloom, with little buds on the one above today.
Soon the buds will open into a crown of white flowers before yielding to juicy, seed-laden red fruit that the white winged doves love. I took these two photos a few years ago in June.
On today's hike, I spotted a lone Sacred Datura flower in the dry wash! The plant is used in cultural practices by some Native Americans, particularly for its psychoactive qualities. And Georgia O'Keeffe painted them. Here is my photograph ...
... below is one of O'Keeffe's paintings.
As I was waiting for my car's AC to kick in before I headed home I spotted the beautiful purple blooms of a Desert Willow in the parking lot.
This was my 31st hike on my way to 70 this year!
My t-shirt says it all.
Have a colorful day
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