Linda, Bob, Jerry, and I hiked 9.3 miles starting from the Trailhead Staging Area.
Sunrise:
Stoneman Wash:
I think this is White Thorn Acacia:
Barrel Cactus with new blooms:
This might be another Acacia.
We were wondering about the plant next to the agave – Linda, with help from Steve Jones on iNaturalist, identified it as boundary ephedra (mormon tea). But, while we were pondering this plant, Bob noticed the rattlesnake between these two bushes. It was really mellow for a good while, but then started rattling like crazy.
Another view of the rattlesnake:
Bluff Wash:
Bob, Linda, and Jerry:
Saguaros on the wash bank:
Another view of Bluff Wash, after crossing the Granite Trail. (This wash eventually flows into Stoneman Wash.)
Susan Davis says:
Love the “eye opener” first shot!! And, yes, that is probably Mormon Tea–can have a small, fluff of a bloom, I think. The surprise pic of snake was great, too. Good to see the happy smiles, too:)
September 5, 2016 — 10:15 am