Desert Dwelling

Translation:  "Everyone must check our shoes to see if you have pricklies." 

The kids have quickly become familiar with some of the dangers of the desert.  Like going barefoot in a place where the "Jumping" Cholla Cactus thrives.  It's packets of "priclez" really do have a way of jumping onto you even when you are very cautions. 

But there's a lot to love about the wildlife here.  Like the Ocotillo plant that looks like a giant inverted octopus on steroids... with thorns and occasional flowers.  And the ubiquitous rabbits and quail.  And the occasional roadrunner.  And the coyotes patrolling the neighborhood at all hours.  And the tarantulas hanging out by the front door.  And--of course--Joshua Trees.  For example...

A Sunday afternoon walk started with "parasols" in hand.  But then the parasols were traded in for rocks after we saw a few foxes (or coyotes?) trot across the trail.

If you're not careful at night around the front door, you may have some uninvited company enter the house.

Of course, we're loving it here.  Come visit us in the wilderness!