The tree with the pink flowers is a mesquite tree. In the full summer heat, they smell just like the mesquite wood you use in the grill or smoker. This morning, they smelled fantastically floral with just a hint of the more familiar smoky undertones.
I don’t know the name of the smaller, thorn covered plant in the foreground. Behind it is another mesquite tree. Behind the mesquite tree is a palo verde tree. The palo verde trees around here have put out new leaves in the last couple of days. What is striking to me is the layers of greens and browns in the image above.
A young native plant. If you look closely, you can see the tiny flowers along the branches. Those flowers weren’t there before the rains started. Notice that this plant has no real leaves. It survives using its green stems and branches.
This is an exposed hillside along the trail. Each of the color bands in the dirt represent a different geological phase of the area. In other words, what you are looking at is a page of Earth’s developmental history. Erosion caused by the relentless sun and wind and the force of water have exposed it over time. At the top, you can see where the flood waters have tumbled over the edge and down the side of hill.
This afternoon, we’ll begin to feel the full effects of the storm. Flood warnings and high wind warnings stretching into tomorrow have already been posted. We are used to the wind; it’s a constant companion here. But, as much water as we’re expecting can be deadly.
A high pollen warning was just posted. Because the amazing, patient, resilient, and resourceful Mojave Desert we call home is ready and is taking advantage of Hurricane Hilary.
The question is, are we humans ready?