This past Friday I took an all-day hike into a remote area northwest of
Phoenix. A number of drainages there have proven to be interesting in the way
of scenery, plants, and animals. Last fall I encountered a Mountain Lion in
the area, but was not fast enough to get a photo. I never fail to encounter
something of interest in this area.
Hedgehog cactus everywehere are on the verge of blooming, and this one was
ahead of the game:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/6867822126/in/photostream
This inconspicuous plant, scarcely four inches (10cm) across later proved
to be Whitestem Blazing Star (Mentzelia albicaulis), a new species for my
checklist:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/7013937347/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/6867828260/in/photostream
Climbing up on a low ridge provided an unobstructed view of Pine Mountain
and Four Peaks with snow from Monday's storm still visible:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/7013935861/in/photostream
This Gila Monster did not share my enthusiasm and would rather I vacated
the premises:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/7014007769/in/photostream
This specimen of Tepary Bean (Phaseolus acutifolius var. tenuifolius) was
found just beneath the overhang of a large rock:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/7013932293/in/photostream
And this scene was a fitting end to a very pleasant day:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64004640@N03/7013934269/in/photostream
Chris
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