The Abstract Desert

Deserts are places of harshness.  They are hot.  Dry.  Many plants are spiny.  Many animals are venomous.  But deserts are also places of abstract beauty.  Colors can be bright, especially in spring after adequate rains.  Shapes are fantastical.  It is often silent, except for wind and birdsong.  The end result is a feeling of peace, beauty, and awe...awe that the desert can be such a fine place despite its harshness.  Clouds enhance the experience, as here in Sabino Canyon near Tucson.

A universe of cholla spines.  Blow up the pic and the spines become a prickly universe.

Canterbury bells (L) and brittlebush.

These flowers are common in Saguaro NP near Tucson but I've had trouble identifying them.

A fine desert chicory, my favorite white wildflower hereabouts.

Desert hibiscus.

Indigo plant.

Ocotillo macro shot.

Blooming paloverde under glowering skies between Gila Bend and Yuma.

The Algodones Dunes, on I-8 west of Yuma.  Odd effect on the power lines at this scale...blow up the pic to solidify the wires.