Desert Escape

watching a cactus bloom over the week


saguaro and penstemon going around the mountain


a cow carcass that has been dried and preserved for over a year


only one day the sun took off to let a dark sky perform


some happy desert visitors ;-)


always get a foot in for perspective


a girls choice: flowers and I9


catching a breeze on a rock, high above cherry tank


prickly pear, a new friend/enemy to Patti, and penstemon, supplying nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds galore


cholla: they look cute, but don't even think about it.


burnt mesquite

Once again, Art and I returned to the desert in search of some much longed for sun and warmth that is missed over winter. On arrival, the sun greeted us with it's warm touch, and the desert was alive and beautiful in many ways. Out the gate of the property onto the trail each day, we found great riding that is so different than what we have in New Jersey. After the days ride, we could chill out at Way Out West B&B. The property is the closest place I can imagine to an oasis, alive with the gentle sounds of nature and the welcoming colors of spring, that rejuvenate a worn down winter soul.

The desert has a distinct harshness, that is home to some amazing cool stuff. Some of the cool stuff must be well respected, as was reminded to Patti after falling on a prickly pear and getting hundreds of tiny thorns in her bum .....ouch! It took a few shots of tequila and several of us an hour to tweeze them out of her. She certainly deserves a badge for good sportsmanship for her cheerful de-thorning.

During our visit: Nine butterflies were born, cactus bloomed, Cheech the rattlesnake emerged from his den, Chester the rat gorged on bananas, and the hawks were building a nest among all sorts of birds and quail going about their daily business. Spring was there, and it was nice to be a part of it .... a much appreciated vacation. I patiently wait for the arrival of spring in New Jersey.