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Big Bend National Park--The DesertMar 26, 2009
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A desert view
Another desert view
ocotillo is a large spindly cactus; each branch covered by thorns
Big Bend National Park is the largest expanse of Chihuahuan Desert in the United States characterized by gravelly soil and less than 10 inches of rain a year. Like you would expect, it is a dry, arid region where life exists in spite of the climate. Wildlife consists of packrats, jack rabbits, snakes and lizards, coyotes, and deer. We’ve seen it all except the packrat and the snake was dead so he may not count. The plants are low scrub, mesquite trees and many, many types of cactus.
It seems a very harsh environment and one that I don’t particularly enjoy. However, this is the peak cactus flowering season and to my amazement they are quite beautiful. You just can’t get too close.
The photos don’t do the desert justice. It is one of those things where you have to be there to experience the glare of the sun in you eyes, feel the breath of hot air as it moves against you skin, and endure the heat. But perhaps you can experience the beauty of the blooming cactus. Enjoy.
