Teddy Bear Cholla
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
2020

A.K.A. Cylindropuntia bigelovii, the teddy bear cholla, is arguably the Sonoran Desert’s most attractive nuisance. It’s also known as jumping cholla for good reason. It seems you just have to look crosswise at one and a section, known as a joint, will stick to your clothes or skin. When I lived in Tucson many years ago, I pulled many a cholla joint from my dogs and the occasional friend as well.

Sawtooth Agave #9
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
2020

Sawtooth Agave #8
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
2020

If you ever needed a pictorial representation of the word “desiccation,” this would be a great choice.

Like Peeling a Banana
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
2020

A slowly decaying saguaro cactus.

Pencil Envy
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
2020

If I could draw worth a hoot, this is the kind of pencil sketch I would like to be able to make. Instead I have to settle with messing around with Photoshop to achieve a similar result with one of my photos.

Impenetrable #2
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona
2020

Sawtooth Agave #7
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona
2020

Sawtooth Agave #6
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona
2020

This dead agave looked like it got so hot in the desert heat that it just melted.

Sawtooth Agave #5
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona
2020

Impenetrable
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona
2020