Gray skies yesterday~SkyWatch Friday 040210

We all awoke to gray skies yesterday. A storm had moved into our valley and by the time I finished my morning walk, it was sprinkling. It's good to have a day like this every once in a while here in the desert because it lowers our temperatures and washes dust off desert plants. Additionally, I LOVE the smells of the desert after a rain! These are some of the pics I took yesterday morning while on my walk. I peeked out this morning and it appears to be clear, since yesterday's winds moved the clouds away to Arizona and then New Mexico! SkyWatch Friday for April 2, 2010.

Hiking spot and SPRING BREAK!!!

Today is the last day of school before my spring break starts and believe me, I am SO READY for a vacation! I've had parent conferences this week and last night, after my last one, I came home, ate dinner, and FELL ASLEEP at 6:30 p.m. in front of the TV!!! I haven't been able to do my morning walks this week, except for Tuesday morning, and my leg is starting to stiffen up again, so I'll be heading out this morning for a 20 minute walk, then I have a whole week to walk! Here are some pics of one of my walking areas.

More wildflowers

I like this photo because it's unusual to see any kind of natural wood here in our desert. And, in the background is Mt. San Jacinto, towering above Palm Springs, CA. It was a warm afternoon when I took this photo, but not too warm. Soon our wildflowers will disappear. Apparently this weekend, they are at their peak.

wildflowers in the desert

I took these photos yesterday afternoon after spending the morning cleaning our daughter's house in preparation for her wedding this afternoon. I wanted to drive out by the Coachella Valley Preserve to see the wildflowers. A couple of weekends ago, they were just starting to come out. Now, they are in full bloom and the desert there is covered with acres of yellow and purple lupine! Aren't they gorgeous?

Hikers and blue sky~SkyWatch Friday and Looking at the Sky on Friday 032610

Last weekend was clear and sunny here in our desert and I went for a LONG walk Saturday morning. So did several other people, too. While I gathered up my courage and hiked to the end of the wash trail, a couple of other hikers took the high one, up through the rocky foothills. I'm reluctant to do that trail by myself, since I never know when my leg is going to give out! So, I stay in the wash. But, isn't it beautiful looking up at the hills? Can you see the hikers in the top photo? Skywatch Friday for March 26, 2010 and Looking at the Sky on Friday.

Morning shadows

On my weekend morning walks, I can see shadows on the wall of the visitor center. I don't see this on my weekday walks as the sun isn't up over the mountains yet!

Morning light

I took this photo on my morning walk Saturday. I was out and about nearly 15 minutes later than my usual walking time during the week and what a difference those 15 minutes makes! The sun is actually up over the mountains! I came across this little area of sandstone slabs and wildflowers early Saturday morning. Isn't it peaceful?