A Desert Spring
I don't think there's anyone who would argue against the beauty of the leaves changing in the Fall. There's a kind of poetry in the observing of the seasonal occurence. It's mesmerizing to watch a cycle come to its close. However, as beautiful as Autumn may be, I'm afraid I prefer Spring in the desert.
If you've had the opportunity to observe a desert Springtime, then you likely know what I mean by this and probably share the sentiment. It's one of nature's truly unique beauties to watch life spawn from the rocks and dust of the Sonoran desert. The Santa Cruz Valley is particularly striking.
Walking along the Santa Cruz river in April, guarded by the shade of the blossoming mesquite, I love to watch and attempt to photograph the butterflies at play. The air is filled with the songs of birds carried on a gentle breeze. The flowers bloom and the bees buzz. If you're lucky, like I was once, you may even catch sight of a flock of wild turkeys roaming the wilderness.
Palo verde in full bloom. Photo by Sandy & Phil LaVoi
Wild rabbits and deer are aplenty this time of year. It's not at all rare to spot them in your own yard on occasion. The same goes for Road Runners. There's one particular Road Runner that hangs around our house that enjoys teasing our Husky, Eve. The flightless bird approaches the dog, hopping inch by inch until it's close enough to get her attention. Then Even pounces and sprints, but the bird never flinches. Eventually Eve's leash stops the attack with no more than a foot between her snout and the bird whose chest is now puffed and feathers ruffled. Then the bird hops away, only to return later to play the same game.
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels.
Even the things many consider scary bring their own kind of magic to the desert. The crimson Coachwhip slithers across roadways seeking out shelter and food. Spiders spin their beautiful webs in opportune places to catch whatever insect comes their way, and to spawn the next generation of arachnids.
The flora that springs forth from the dust is indeed beautiful, but can also be dangerous. Nearly every plant in the desert has evolved to defend itself with sharp, prickly thorns. I, myself, have felt the pain of accidentally stepping on a cactus, or leaning against something that was not meant to be leaned on.
Caution must be taken and respect must be paid the the desert flora. Many of those same plants that hurt, can also heal. Spring brings out some of the most incredible, edible plantlife with natural healing qualities that have been used by the indigenous tribes for generations before Europeans ever set foot on the continent. Not to mention the natural foods that the desert has to offer, my particular favorite being the prickly pear.
If you're visiting the Santa Cruz Valley, or even if you live here, I highly recommend you take the opportunity to hike along Pea Blanc lake, or the Santa Cruz River. The beauty is hypnotizing, and the diversity of life is astounding. It is a spiritual experience that will stay with you for the rest of your days.
Joe Wright: Twitter