The Phoenix area was hotter than hell (above 100F°/38°C the entire time I was there), but the desert has its beauty.
Route 79, Pinal County, near Oracle, AZ
Fishhook Barrel Cactus - Ferocactus Wislizeni
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ
Purple Prickly Pear - Duranzilla - Opuntia santa-rita
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ
Route 79, Pinal County, near Oracle, AZ
Teddy Bear Cholla - Cylindropuntia bigelovii
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ
Teddy Bear Cholla - Cylindropuntia bigelovii
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ
Totem cactus and Boojum tree
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ
Sonoran Desert, Route 238, Maricopa County AZ
Creeping Devil Cactus - Stenocereus eruca
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ
Boojum tree (Ocotillo) - Fouquieria columnaris
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ
Lizard at Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ
Route 79, Pinal County, near Oracle, AZ
Route 79, Pinal County, near Oracle, AZ
Although I love the seasons and the outdoors, I don't see much beauty in cacti. I wonder why? Too prickly....perhaps
Posted by: Mary Keller | Monday, October 03, 2011 at 07:43 AM
I LOVE the southwest. I'm so glad you got the chance to see it's incredible beauty.
Posted by: Joanne | Monday, October 03, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Yeah, that's why there are so many Arizona license plates in San Diego these days! We love the desert, though... looking forward to some time there this winter.
Terrific photos!
Posted by: Ron Walker | Monday, October 03, 2011 at 01:22 PM
Joanne: Yeah, the desert definitely has its beauty. This trip convinced me though, that I wouldn't want to live there. Just too darn hot...
Ron: Aaah, so that's where they all go...
Posted by: Basia | Friday, October 07, 2011 at 06:34 PM