Springtime in the desert.

The current weather here is so good that we decided, before it gets hot, to see what's happening in the desert west of us.
So, we packed up the motor home and spent last week there;

Three hours, 200 miles, west of SA on the Rio Grande border with Mexico, is Seminole Canyon State Park;

about half the distance to Big Bend National Park. 
And since we only had 4 days off, we chose the closer park.

This is what we expected to see as we got there:

Beautiful sunsets differed every night.

But, did you notice the fresh buds coming out from that cactus?

(Sorry, but I forgot to show you a picture with my dog.)

Well, it be early Spring in San Antonio, with leaves now on all the trees, bluebonnets along the freeways, and many other flowers coming out.
But, in the desert to the west and slightly south, it is now mid Spring!
So, it is time to enjoy the dessert life, before the heat comes in.

Everywhere you look, even just below your feet, 

you'll see the reproductive cycle of life beginning.


Some flowers are so dainty, with thin layers making them look transparent.

The Acacia's are so soft, that you just want to put their flowers in your hands and roll them all around.

But, just be careful of what spiny things may lay around it.

And, take a look at these guys.

It's like asparagus, but with tiny flowers at it's tips

It's called the "candelilla". 
Don't let the name scare you. It's not a plant that will burn or hurt you.
It has a waxy material that can be used for candles or waterproofing.

So, just enjoy its flowers before the sun bakes 'em away.

And how about this little rose? 

It's the Claret Cup.

Beautiful it truly is.

But, be careful with this little one, 'cause this is where it comes from:

A truly spiny cactus.

So, look everywhere before you approach, to be sure your hand is not going to get pricked.

Think we'll quit with just these pics for the night.

You got our message:

just watch where you unclothed hands might be, and

enjoy our deserts of the South West, 

before the pods drop out their seeds, and life just seems to bake away.