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Home » Uncategorized

Desert Beauty

We take every opportunity we can to travel with the kids. It's one thing to teach them about the desert while they are sitting at a desk -- and quite another to go for a walk in a desert garden.  We felt the heat on our skin, heard the crunch of gravel and sand beneath our feet, viewed desert species of birds we know at home, figured out names of different cactus, smelled mesquite in the night air, and tasted prickly pear jelly.  I'll be writing up more of our experiences on Trekaroo.com, but here's a sneak peak of desert beauty:

This is called a fish hook barrel cactus. The thorns have gradients of colors on them that I didn't notice until I looked closely at my photo.

This one has a sneaky bug on these about-to-bloom cactus flowers. I didn't notice it until I got home and looked at the photo. Is it a grasshopper?

What beauty have you found outdoors lately?

This is my contribution to Suz Lipman's Photo Friday on SlowFamilyOnline.com (just for fun!).

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About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

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