Right now many, but not all, of the wildflowers are gone. Much of the green is beginning to turn---but it is all still beautiful .
We always find the desert not far south of the turn off for Bahia de Los Angeles very, very different. To us, it looks like a planted garden with a
great variety of plants spaced almost in rows. Do need to take more pictures.
Does anyone else see it that way? It is just that one stretch that goes on for about 30 minutes, and then it changes again.
Diane
[Edited on 4-14-2008 by jdtrotter]Mexitron - 4-14-2008 at 04:39 AM
I dunno, the whole peninsula looks like some magic garden; even just after crossing the border something intrinsically changes in the
environment--never quite been able to put my finger on it but that's good since it stays as a wonderful mystery!islandhop - 4-14-2008 at 09:13 AM
Jd , I definitely see it that way. I always look forward to that section when driving down. Many times I pull off in there for a break. I have a
few photos of the elephant trees in full bloom there. My favorite landscapes of Baja are the Palo Blanco filled arroyos further south.Hook - 4-14-2008 at 09:57 AM
Agree completely, Diane. In terms of flora, it's my favorite stretch of the peninsula.
Came through one year in the 90's when a fire was still burning it's way through that area. Believe it was a lightning strike. Pretty substantial size
to the area it covered. Very bizarre around dusk with burning patches here and there.Skipjack Joe - 4-14-2008 at 10:13 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by jdtrotter
To us, it looks like a planted garden with a great variety of plants spaced almost in rows.
This is one of the best characteristics of the desert in my opinion. The plants compete for moisture resullting in very regular spacing between them
that gives an impression of organization. I find it gives, or adds, to a sense of peace and tranquility. It's uncluttered. The orderliness is somehow
restfull and pleasing to the soul.
Combined with the intense silence and a horizontal landscape that stretches endlessly it's probably the best aspect of the peninsula.Hook - 4-14-2008 at 10:41 AM
I have always concluded that this area is so lush because it takes advantage of water through three "processes"
1-conventional Pacific rainstorms
2-tropical moisture from the south
3-the coastal Guerrero Negro-type fog that I have seen extend up into this area.
Seems like some areas would be very difficult to hike through for any distance. Just so thick in places.Barry A. - 4-14-2008 at 11:29 AM
Hook (and others)
I think you have hit the nail right on the head------this area is so unique (in a subtle desert-like way) from the rest of the Peninsula that I have
always wanted to explore it more completely, and never have other than driving the San Borja loop. Must do that one day---------
Diane thanks for reminding me of this wonderful area.DianaT - 4-15-2008 at 10:04 AM
Nice to see others see it like we do.
It certainly is not to say we like it better than any other area---lots of favorite desert areas, and they all make us smile.
Need to stop next time through and get those pictures. !
DianeDavid K - 4-16-2008 at 08:12 AM
The title of this thread had me thinking of the "desert south of Bahia de los Angeles"... giant cardons in the Valle de la Bocana come to mind! Then I
read just below where you say the desert south of the TURNOFF to Bahia de los Angeles... VERY different desert scenery!
Here's one photo of that area... taken south of Punta Prieta:
David K - 4-16-2008 at 08:13 AM
and another...
thebajarunner - 4-16-2008 at 09:27 AM
I am assuming that you mean the road to Animas and on to San Francisquito?
That is truly a desert garden...
Several places in the stretch to Animas turnoff the road rises up on the East side of the valley and gives wonderful vistas of that desert foliage.
I think I always seem to stop there and snap a few fotos- and somehow the pix never do justice to seeing it live.Hook - 4-16-2008 at 09:31 AM
From my fading memory, the lushest part (and my favorite) is even before Punta Prieta but after the turnoff. Headed south.
[Edited on 4-16-2008 by Hook]Skipjack Joe - 4-16-2008 at 11:30 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Here's one photo of that area... taken south of Punta Prieta:
I know that butte. We call it 'La Teta'. htakai - 4-16-2008 at 10:02 PM
I visited this area for the first time, back in February 2008. Riding towards Bahia de los Angeles, the smell of the wildflowers was incredible. If
my memory serves me correctly, this shot was taken about 20 minutes outside of Bahia de los Angeles.
I can't wait to return next year!motoged - 4-16-2008 at 11:04 PM
Nomads,
It is a great section of desert....such a variety of vegetation...
Sunman - 4-17-2008 at 07:46 AM
Moto,
Love that third pic of the boojoom/blue sky/cloud contrast! Killer.Iflyfish - 4-17-2008 at 10:18 AM
Great pics you guys!
I recall as a boy and young man looking at this sort of landscape and thinking in terms of "barren", "desolate" etc. How wrong I was then, but also
no time to sit and "smell the flowers" then either. I don't think that at that age and stage I could really appreciate the "Aha" experience of coming
accross some wonderful little flower or tiny creature in the vast expanse of the desert floor.
One of the things about the desert in Baja is the stark contrast in vegitation that even a raise of one foot in elevation will support.
I think that for those who still have their sense of wonder in tact that Baja will always hold a profound fascination.
Thanks again for sharing your uniques, or maybe not so unique perspective.
IflyfishHook - 4-17-2008 at 10:31 AM
Can anyone tell me what that tubular, smooth-skinned succulent is with the orange "blooms"? It's the fifth pic down in that grouping by Ged. I've
always loved that one. Seems to grow in proximity to the cardon fields only. No spines or other noticeably defenses..........must have a nasty tasting
pulp or something.
Don Jorge, Mexitron, Taco de Baja, anyone.............?
[Edited on 4-17-2008 by Hook]Natalie Ann - 4-17-2008 at 11:45 AM
On that plant - if you break a piece of it there's a white sticky kinda sap inside. Applied topically it dries like liquid bandaid and is helpful in
healing cuts, keeps down the likelihood of infection.
Nenamotoged - 4-17-2008 at 12:55 PM
Nomads,
I once got some mild traces of cactus sap (a euphorbia house type) in my eye and ended up in the emergency ward...careful with that stuff.
