The Amazing Cholla Cactus

Click to enlarge.

This is the result of a lot of wonderful summer rain. We're in the monsoon season here in northern New Mexico and everything is really benefiting from the moisture. Take this little prickly cactus for example. It amazingly survives and blooms in the most arid of conditions, not unlike what a cactus does. But in the 13 years I've lived here I've never seen so many lovely blooms—usually late June or July—and this year has been really exceptional. After I backed into this bush (ouch, lots of tiny little prickles wedged themselves in my trousers) I got closer, this time facing it, and captured these blooms at dusk.

I waited a little longer, and looking out toward Bobcat Spur I saw this. 

Click to enlarge this one also!