Do Not Kick, Pester, Hold, or Hug the Cholla

One thing that was clearly learned upon our trip to Joshua Tree is that one should never hug a cholla. Why, yes, the signs did say not to do so... but one of us actually did. Unfortunately for that one person, the cholla like to say hello as well. And as you can see on the right hand side, that was quite an ouchie. The cholla have microscopic spines which prove not only quite efficient at sticking in the subject but also very painful to remove. So the lesson was learned.

However, this same person has not learned how to discipline Cherry Bugg after the Chee nips her on the hand.

Small steps.

Joshua Tree

Ah, back after a few days in Joshua Tree. I shall ramble on more about that later. But for now, a few pictures of our trip there.

On the left is a flowering cactus bloom. On the right hand side is an ocotillo. I'll have to go back and check my spelling later. But it was quite the relaxing trip into the high and low deserts of California.

It was the perfect time of year to go there. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right. And perfect for hiking here, there, and everywhere.

For those who wonder about the Joshua tree in the famed U2 album cover... it died about five years ago. Talk about a memorial tree. Oh well.