The "Living" Desert

We are on the road this weekend doing book signings for my wife's book.

Driving the I-10 between LA and Phoenix always reminds me how much I love some of the desert plants. I always smile at the first Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)we see. The Ocotillo Fouquieria splendens, with its long, spindly branches looks even nicer when in full bloom. Finally, the Cholla cactus look so cuddly some have earned the named "Teddy Bear", but you certainly wouldn't want to get close enough to hug them.

The extreme climate of the desert can look empty and lifeless to some who pass through. All you need to do, though, is get off of the freeway, turn off the car and life will appear all around you.