Although the area of the Southwest I live in is considered a desert, that doesn't mean a bleak and barren land. A desert is an area with little rainfall. There is isolation once one gets away from the towns and the infrequent roads. The plant life of the region has adjusted to the small and unreliable sources of water by various water conservation techniques. The flowering plants usually flower quickly, taking only a few days for each individual plant to mature its flowers.
I went into the Arizona desert during the late spring to renew my contact with the earth and the environment. This time I didn't rough it. I had my old motor home with a good supply of water, a shower, gas stove, and refrigerator. In short, I lived in a very deluxe manner as far as I am concerned. This is very different than the desert camping I did in my younger days with a pack on my back.
The area I chose is southeast of a small mountain range in Southeastern Arizona known as the Black Hills.
The last time I visited the area, for a spring equinox ceremony, the area was golden with poppies in bloom. Now it was different as the hillsides returned to their normal browns and greens. There were still flowers and plants though.
This is a view of Arizona as I see it, so grab a water bottle and a walking stick. Let's go.
These are some views from my camp area.
I spent some time in a small canyon near camp, searching for rocks and looking at things in general. Follow me for a trip in the canyon.
