Winter Moisture in the Desert

It rained off and on in the desert for three days starting last Saturday, with snow in the mountains. The moisture was very welcome as the region has been in a drought for several years. This winter has been better; good rains fell in December, and this rain assures a good flower season starting in March. A few blooms have gotten a head start; this flower is on a paloverde tree in my friend Dave's back yard. Blow the pic up and you'll see water droplets on the branches.

In Joshua Tree National Park, snow fell above 4000 feet, coating all the mountains in white. The peaks around Palm Springs, rising to 11 thousand, were really laden with powder. The contrast between the desert and snow is refreshing!

Blow this pic up and you'll see a crow hangin' in the Joshua branches, no doubt looking for a snack. His urban counterparts can just cruise the parking lot in the nearest In 'N Out Burger, but the JTNP crow is more self sufficient.