BACK IN CACTUS COUNTRY

This was the view from the huge, flat, sun-drenched rock where I rested while Darell explored higher up the mountain

A long drive on bumpy roads, and then an off-trail hike for a quiet picnic lunch next to some huge mountains reminded me that we are back in cactus country. And you know what that means: more close-up photos of barrel and cholla cacti!

I've never seen such a clump of barrel cactus - they're usually solo!

This beauty was right near where I rested, high up on the mountainside - they seem to like the high slopes

The spines look other-worldly, close-up

This cholla looks yellowish, which they do when the sun hits them straight on

And this snowier version is when the sun hits at an angle

This looks like a great new hairstyle!

And here's the clump in its context - it lives on a flat area below a mountainside, near other chollas and saguaro cacti