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Sunday, December 12, 2010 - Leasburg Dam State Park, Radium Springs NM

Ocatillo, Leasburg Dam State Park, Radium Springs NM, January 22, 2009
Ocatillo, Leasburg Dam State Park, Radium Springs NM, January 22, 2009

Ocatillo in a sea of creosote

Creosote has taken over vast areas of the desert out here in New Mexico. I understand it emits a chemical from its root system that is inhospitable to other plants. And to itself I guess - the creosote bushes seem to be spaced at regular intervals with generally bare soil between bushes. There is the occasional exception like this nice ocatillo.

That plant with the yellow flower sharing space with the ocatillo is a cholla. Ocatillo have a red flame shaped flower at the tips of the stems in the spring - they are quite striking.

Night camp

Site 9 - Leasburg Dam State Park, Radium Springs NM

Growing up... it never stops

I am enjoying finally growing up, but guess what, boys and girls? It NEVER STOPS!!! For the record, there is no point where everything is "solved" and fine and enlightened and fixed in perpetual harmony and light. Oh, for a while, certainly. For years at a time, even. But soon you reach the next divide, hoho, and then it's grow or die a living death. The lucky ones keep struggling and discovering, challenging themselves, no matter how old they are. Don't believe anything else. NONE OF THIS IS LIKE IT SEEMS.

Farr Feed, John Farr

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