Blooming ocotillo

Unusual to see blooming ocotillos in September. The hummingbird was not perplexed, though. She stopped for a bite then passed on.

I came up with 5 rules for desert hiking today.

1. Arrive home with no water left. And 90% of your water is for the dogs.
2. When you can't see where you are putting your feet, keep moving. This is the third year of exceptional summer rain, and our grasses are extraordinary. Snakes are always out there.
   
3. Check out all downed cacti. Replant ones that are whole and marvel at the life inside the ones that are rotting.
   
4. Engage all 5 senses. Besides the obvious seeing, feel the temperature changes with the microclimes, the wind, the warmth in the rocks. Hear the wind, insects, the hollow sounds steps make across volcanic rocks. Smell the aromas as different plants come into bloom. Taste the cool water and the grasses you chew on (helps make up for the water you gave the dogs!).
5. Think, or don't. But let your brain go.
   

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