I joined some folks Wednesday morning for a two-hour walk in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. We were there to see something that had not been in the desert for a number of years and that would soon be gone — wildflowers. It was a lesson in how briefly some things in nature can be around and in the value of the difference beauty can make in small amounts and often subtle ways.
The day was unusual weatherwise — cloudy and relatively cool (75-80). Great weather for a walk in the desert, and the morning clouds made for a beautiful introduction to Borrego Valley.
The walk was in Little Surprise Canyon, a quite easy and short hike. But we took our time as our guide would stop and point out different flora. At the risk of brevity (something I don’t usually suffer from), here is a gallery of photos of some of the flowers and other vegetation. (Click thumbnails to enlarge. Identification of plants was aided by friends at Anza Borrego Foundation, but any errors are mine alone [and I know nothing about desert plants].)
According to our guide, the Little Surprise Canyon has the name because it keeps on going, surprisingly long.
Of course, wildflowers are throughout the desert, thanks to a fortunate combination of longer daylight and rain. Some of the more “verdant” spots I saw were on the ride back up the mountains that form a western border to the valley.
Those of you who’ve been to the desert, at least with me, have seen much more muted colors than even these. This is pretty spectacular in desert terms.
Much of the vegetation will succumb to lack of moisture and heat. Many of them are sprouting now from seeds dropped by ancestors years ago in their brief time abloom. In the usual way nature works, however, they also supply food for other life forms, including the very numerous sphinx moth caterpillars.
These guys — voracious and tireless — can wipe out wide areas of plants quickly.
And, as we say farewell to Borrego Valley (I always remember how many of the old Disney nature films would conclude :)), a parting view.
