On the drive to the trail, this was the beautiful view; fields and fields of desert dandelions with Mt. San Jacinto in the background!
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| Desert Dandelion - Malacothrix glabrata |
With all the rain we've had,
the desert is teeming with wildlife!
At the beginning of the trail, I saw some movement,
and there was a little Southern Horned Toad Lizard
hiding in the sand.
I picked him up, then sat him down
and he scurried away.
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| Can you see him? |
Here is a photo from the internet that shows him more clearly:
Later, we saw quite a large
Fringe Toed Lizard
scurrying up a dune.
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| Photo from the internet |
There was lots of Wild Heliotrope,
also known as
Scorpionweed,
not only for the way it looks,
but for the blisters it leaves on
some people's skin!
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| Blue Phacelia - Wild Heliotrope - Scorpion Weed |
The Burro Bush was blooming, with nice fat flower heads.
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| Ambrosia dumosa - Burro Bush |
We saw lots of Freemont Pin Cushions.
The Creosote Bushes were also blooming.
This plant smells like creosote
when you crush the leaves.
It puts out that wonderful perfume
when it rains in the desert.
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| Creosote Bush |
I love the looks
of the Sand Blazing Star
with its delicate cream petals.
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| Mentzelia involucrata - Sand Blazing Star |
Joe found a bee hive in the bank of the wash.
The bees were busy with all the blooming flowers,
so busy there was wax and honey dripping
out of the hive!
If you make this FULL SCREEN,
you can see all the bees.
With all the wildflowers,
there is also an invasion of
Painted Lady Caterpillars
and Butterflies!
They start out small like this little guy.
Then get fat as my little finger,
and cover the streets and trails.
You literally can't walk without
having to swerve to avoid them.
Soon, they turn into pretty painted ladies!
THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF THEM!
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| Photo from internet |
It was a great walk and a beautiful day!
Now to get back to the drawing table
and finish up my latest pet portrait.
Happy Trails!
Annie
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