They make great firewood too! burning down to really long lasting coals. But don't make the mistake I did when we first moved there... I used a creosote stick (crooked as they are) to roast a hotdog. That cooked the chemicals out of the wood into the hotdog, and even hungry as I was, I only had one bite... A lesson as a 10 year old that is as clear today as it was over 63 years ago!

I love the creosote too. It’s one of the few plants I recognize with confidence over here. That and the chollas. I hadn’t heard though what a primitive plant they are though. What a great thing to know!

Also notice the dark green larger bushes nicely spaced... Creosote bushes are quite interesting. Some believe the oldest living organism... older than even the famous bristlecone pines. The wood is considered by some experts to be one of, if not the densest wood known. I like to use it to make knife handles because of its lovely golden color and its ability to polish to a shine like plastic.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Clone

Punctures are likely due to goatheads... Western cyclist's nightmare. Treating tubes with slime works for them, but patching a larger hole can be a nightmare. Another drawback of course, is the increase in weight of the wheels. Tire liners work too, but can work through tubes and puncture them.

Best is to avoid them. Sticking to pavement is best. They are also usually de-horned by passing vehicles near the pavement, but a few feet off, and it is the absolute worst because they thrive in the disturbed soil that is watered by rain runoff from the pavement. Be vigilant!

https://www.slime.com/us/blog/goatheads-a-thorn-in-your-tires-side.php

Last year was a superbloom. I got to see the tail end of it in April. Magnificent, even as it was drying up. I posted a ton of pictures on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/william.shaneyfelt/media_set?set=a.10218444616762835&type=3

That’s the goal, though I imagine most of them are still sleeping it off for another month. I’m really hoping to win the live snake count though, and would rather not see the flattened ones. I’ve always liked snakes, for some reason. I used to keep garter snakes as pets when I was a kid.

We’ll see. We’ll still be in the desert into early February before heading north again.

Feb/March might surprise you... If they get winter rains.

Maybe this will be where you catch up with Bruce on the snake count?

Though, I vote for mostly live snakes seen from a safe distance.

This time of year, that little lizard is likely a side-blotched lizard. They take advantage of every warm up possible.

I remembered you have roots down here, and have been thinking of you. I’m no board flipper, but we’ll see what turns up. I did see a small lizard scoot across the road today east of Borrego Springs, which is promising.

Following this segment with interest. I grew up in Mojave, (age 10-20) about half way to Death Valley. It is where I became a desert rat, but only after about 5 years to get used to it. Eager to see what critters you find! It is couple months early to find reptiles unless you flip boards, etc.

I left the desert in 1970 and really miss it. That is one of the reasons I started following cycle touring journals.

Sounds like a great few days ahead. Here's to continuing good weather and AFDs!

Things that make you say, "Hmmm."

Well done! This makes my day. 🙂

I was worried that you may soon be leaving coot territory without a good look at their feet.

Have you seen any bird feet more interesting than these?