Oh, I miss the desert in Spring. For years I'd spent a lot of time down your way, or over in New Mexico, or up in Utah conducting field geology studies. Spring was the best time to go, Summer and Fall was reserved for mountain excursions, and Spring is the best time for field work in the desert.

Your post brings back many memories. Easter sunrise in the shadow of Fischer Towers along the chocolate brown Colorado River. A forest of blooming ocotillo cactus; tiny flowers on a stalk of inch long needles. Looking down an abandoned mine shaft into a owl's nest with three perfect eggs. Watching five foot rattlesnakes do that wrap-around dance they do. Mapping gold rich zones by following the flowering poppies (they like some of the metals in the soil). The orange orchards of Sonora, intoxicating for miles....

Thanks for your vignette. Now get that Hummer outta the garage and get 'er dusty out in the desert and spend the night under the stars!