Category: Native Trees and Shrubs

Big Bend Hikes: Long Chisos Basin Loop

My last hike before ending my season at Big Bend had to be one more walk in the Chisos Basin. Since I’m in training for a long walk in France, I chose to do the long loop around the top of the basin –… Continue Reading “Big Bend Hikes: Long Chisos Basin Loop”

Big Bend Flora 11.2.2022

Hiking the upper part of the Lost Mine Trail in the Chisos Mountains last week, I came upon the showy, bright red, tubular flowers of Salvia regla or Mountain Sage. Often blooming in the spring and, again in the fall, the flowers are attractive… Continue Reading “Big Bend Flora 11.2.2022”

Salmonberry

I first noticed this plant last week during our slow ascent up the Pacific Northwest coast from Northern California. We pulled into the Lewis and Clark National Historic Site in Astoria, OR to take a short break from driving before continuing on to our… Continue Reading “Salmonberry”

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Part 2

As I sit here in a very damp, cool national forest campground along the Oregon coast, I’m thinking back to the sunny, warm desert! I decided to continue on with my recap of our Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument visit in January while waiting… Continue Reading “Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Part 2”

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Adventure

From the Davis Mountains State Park in Texas, we drove two full days to arrive for a brief stopover at the Escapees Saguaro Co-op Campground in Benson, AZ. Our one-night stopover at the Las Cruces Overlook Rest Area was restful and surprisingly quiet! We… Continue Reading “Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Adventure”

Big Bend National Park Revisited

Big Bend National Park is quite possibly our all-time favorite national park. We’ve visited the park several times over the years and our last visit at the beginning of January 2022 re-ignited our love of this breathtaking area. Many things have changed since our… Continue Reading “Big Bend National Park Revisited”

New Desert Plant

We were walking out in the desert in KOFA National Wildlife Refuge the other day – winding our way through one of the many washes. A spot of bright red color caught my eye. I was thrilled to find this delicate little flower on… Continue Reading “New Desert Plant”

Rain Clouds and Cholla in the Desert

The Teddybear Cholla is one of my favorite desert plants! It literally glows in the landscape – especially in the early morning and early evening light. The other day the skies clouded up and we actually got a sprinkling of rain in the Arizona… Continue Reading “Rain Clouds and Cholla in the Desert”

Cactus and Birds

I’m at least 2 weeks behind in postings and need to spend time getting caught up – but just wanted to post this cute picture of a remarkably patient cactus wren, who perched nicely for me while I tried to get a decent shot.… Continue Reading “Cactus and Birds”

November Edisto Beach Trip III

My last full day on Edisto Beach was a busy one indeed. I embarked on my now regular sunrise walk noticing the very subdued colors this morning. There was a thick cloud cover as I started out but eventually the sun broke through the… Continue Reading “November Edisto Beach Trip III”