After the spectacular superbloom in Walker Canyon we proceeded to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This park is always worth a visit in the spring when the desert comes to life after the winter rains. Since we had so much rain this year the bloom in the desert was stunning, however, not quite as bright and "happy colored" as in Walker Canyon (you really can't beat a California poppy in that). Anza-Borrego is a very different landscape, rocky and barren - a hot hot desert in the summer.
But spring is the time to be here - it's warm, but not unbearable. Actually a really nice change after the rainy, grey and rather chilly days.
The dominant colors were purple - lots of phacelia here - yellow, white and pink.
The Red Barrel Cactus had blooms and so had the Silver Cholla.
We saw a lot of old wood decaying on the ground with new growth around it. It was like seeing the circle of life in one place.
The Ocotillo stands out because it's taller than all the other plants and birds often like to land on it. When it's blooming the orioles (and probably other birds) like to feed from its nectar.
Deserts are interesting and unique landscapes since they're all different. I'm not quite sure what attracts me to them, but they sure are places I enjoy tremendously.
Carola, the dessert is so dry and barren and hot, and it takes someone with a special talent to show all the beauty it deserves.....and that is YOU. The Purple flowers are brilliant surrounding all the cactus and shrubs, and those yellow ones are sweet and so pretty. I'm not familiar with this state park, and being a California gal, I'm learning of a few places on your blog. I just took some pictures of the Poppy on my post, but they don't hold in comparison to the ones you took recently on your trip to So Calif. The old twisted trees in the dessert are something else, and the way they grow and form are amazing. I will never look at the dessert the same way again after seeing your photos.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Absolutely gorgeous landscape. Its overall color tone is so tranquil. I have never explored an environment like this but would definitely love it!
ReplyDeleteAnother collection of fabulous photographs Carola, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 'deserts are interesting and unique landscapes' and very interesting to see.
All the best Jan
The cactus flowers are so vibrant!!
ReplyDeleteSimply glorious.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it is the constrasts in a desert which attracts you - an elegant minimalism, which can be transformed into a riot of colour.
One of my sisters-in-law visited a desert in our 'red centre' just after rain and saw a myriad of brief blooms. Sadly she was disappointed because it didn't meet her expectations. (I was jealous.)
Deserts are beautiful places. So much to appreciate and your photos are lovely.
ReplyDeleteOh Carola, your photos are just fabulous. There are so many textures in the desert, arent'there? And a surprising amount of color too. What a delight to see this.
ReplyDeleteI love hiking in desert landscapes but have never had the opportunity during a super bloom. I like all the texture and unusual shapes in the desert landscape. Beautiful photos, Carola!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been in a desert before however they don't attract me. :(
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, Carola. I didn't expect to see such a variety of flowers in a desert. So beautiful. No wonder you love it.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Hello Carolla: A few years ago Miriam and I spent three days in the Anza Borrego desert and had a marvellous experience. The topography and wildlife were enchanting. Many of the desert blooms were at their best and it was quite magical.
ReplyDeleteOh wow,the place is stunning ☺
ReplyDeleteWonderful photographs. We spent quite a few vacations in the Palm Springs area and explored so many desert areas. I would imagine the flowers are fantastic this spring after the rains. Thanks for taking me back to some wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteThe cacti looks gorgeous! Nice time to visit the desert.
ReplyDelete