Somewhere in Indio Hills

Joe and I took a nice hike today in a place he asked me to describe as "somewhere in the Indio Hills."  ::laughing:: He likes to keep things close to the vest. 

On the drive to the trail, this was the beautiful view; fields and fields of desert dandelions with Mt. San Jacinto in the background!

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.

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.

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!

Blue Phacelia - Wild Heliotrope - Scorpion Weed

The Burro Bush was blooming, with nice fat flower heads.  

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.

Creosote Bush

I love the looks 

of the Sand Blazing Star

with its delicate cream petals.

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!

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