Two Days Exploring Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

The giant Saguaro and Organ Pipe Cactus were blooming as I arrived at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument along the Mexico-Arizona border. At one point I was right at the four-foot-high fence with one strand of barbed wire separating me from Mexico Highway 2 busy with truck traffic. Border patrol was everywhere and the U.S. Park Service has compassionately placed water caches and emergency locator call buttons in the desert for illegal immigrants abandoned by their Coyote guides. I felt how fortunate I am to be secure and able to enjoy the May beauty of this special Sonoran Desert in bloom with flowers and insects and evening light. Enjoy these images of the desert.

Visiting the Oases of Palm Springs Indian Canyons

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians welcome visitors to the largest remaining oases of native Washington Fan Palms. I enjoyed a few hours of exploring the shady and cool groves of Palm Canyon and Andreas Canyon in the desert of Palm Springs. Enjoy these images of my visit.