Desert Flowers

We've been back home for over a week now and I've just now had a few minutes to work on my blog. I thought I'd share a few highlights of our vacation with you.

Palm Springs lies in a dry valley between two mountain ranges. Wherever there is water, the land is covered in green lawns, majestic palm trees and every type of shrub and flower.

However in its natural state the whole area is a desert and as soon as you leave the irrigated towns and head up into the mountains, dry, rocky landscapes and cacti are the norm. But even in the desert, there are many flowers that brighten the driest, most barren landscapes. Sometimes you have to look close to find the delicate beauties but others bloom boldly and they are hard to miss. Unfortunately I don't know the names of most of them but here are a few we saw on a hike near 49 Palms.

I'm always amazed at the way God has created these plants to bloom where they are. Despite the scorching sun during the day, the contrasting cold at night and their barren location, devoid of water or noticeable nourishment, they bloom where they are and bring delight to those of us who are lucky to come upon them.