Massive

This Saguaro was posted before as an example of a cactus soaking up water after rainfall. I asked Bob to go back and see if it looked different during a dry spell, but, as it happens, he was able to get to it after another rare day of Scottsdale rain. We'll try again, but , in the meantime, compare this photo by Bob on a sunny day with my shot in the rain.

Classic

Looks like the Arizona license plate come to life! Photo by Bob Connolly

Soft & brittle

The springtime bloom on this cactus contrasts with the sunlit barbs surrounding it. Photo by Bob Connolly

Micky Mouse

The pads on either side of this Beavertail's "head" bring to mind Disney's famous rodent, which has a tie to Arizona: The Arizona State Sun Devil logo is said to be modeled after Walt Disney. Yesterday we showed a Beavertail that had a pinkish tinge. Photo by Bob Connolly

In the pink

The flesh of this beavertail cactus has a pinkish tinge, although this specimen is more often green. Photo by Bob Connolly

Tender fingers

No doubt the spikes on this cactus are sharp, but clustered together, they look like soft down. Photo by Bob Connolly

Incalculable

I've seen a lot of Saguaro, but never one with this many appendages. Look closely between the branches on the lower right to see what appears to be straw from a nest built within the sheltering arms. Photo by Bob Connolly

Welcome spring

Bob's back from Arizona with some new beauties to add to the blog.

Little star

A view from the top of a small potted cactus.

Sun-soaked

Marjorie painted this potted cactus in fourth grade.

Resignation

 Is this cowboy ready to draw or putting his "arms" up in surrender?

A challenge

Amazing how frequently the Saguaro seems to take on a belligerent stance.

Stages

Saguaro in this scene range from relative youth to death and decay.

Silhouettes

Saguaro backlit against the mountains.

A bolt into the blue

Wormy

A cluster of cactus "fingers" at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Delicate

Small cacti in a greenhouse at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Desert hike

Aidan and Bob hiking in a wash near Palo Verde trees and a Saguaro. Lucky Bob is in Arizona now -- and may be supplying some new photos next week.

Close encounter

Another look at spines and patterns of a saguaro.

Look sharp

Cactus spines from another point os view. 

Dangerous

These fearsome spines contrast with the smooth bark of this Saguaro.

Bare bones

Another Saguaro skeleton.

Desert Vista

Long shadows

This is the 100th post on this blog -- although I have missed a few days. See all photos on one screen.

Scruffy

Yet still dignified

Rain swollen

Ever get that bloated feeling -- that's what a Saguaro is like after a rainfall as it stores water for the dry days. More...

Family in the mist

Mists were rolling off the Superstition Mountains on our first visit in 2003.

Bright horizon

Saguaro National Park overlook.

Put 'em up

Sun and shadow play on the mountains beyond this Saguaro, which appears to be wearing a crown.

Balmy

Passing clouds soften the hues in the desert at the foot of the Superstition Mountains.

Long view

Clear skies and backlit cacti in the Sonoran Desert.

Atmosphere series

The next few days will feature vistas with cacti. While the sun often blazes in blue skies over the desert, the clouds add  beautiful dimension when they come in. And there's nothing quite like the lightning and dust storms that accompany the late-summer monsoons. There was a taste of the atmospheric effects in Wednesday's photograph.

Old bones

Nora and Aidan examine a Saguaro skeleton. February 2003.

Don't stand so close to me

Tucson, Arizona, on an overcast day

Tumultuous

The first time I saw Saguaro country, these turbulent clouds were washing over the Superstition Mountains. I've been drawn to the Sonoran Desert ever since.

In captivity

Dwarf Chin cactus at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. It reminds me of one I have growing on my windowsill.

Change of scene

Thornless Blue Cactus at the botanical garden in Athens, Georgia.

Unbending

Morning light on a single Saguaro.

Towering

Cacti loom along a path at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.

Desert oasis

Water management is, of course, a big issue out West. This desert scene is near the shore of Bartlett Reservoir, near Cave Creek. The canals that feed the Greater Phoenix area are built upon the remains of a system built by the Hohokam beginning more than 2000 years ago.

Unadorned

A simple cholla cactus -- New Mexico.

Variety

Three lovely specimens: Prickly Pear, Saguaro, cholla

Looking back

Here's young Aidan on a cactus-studded slope in Superstition Wilderness.

Rugged

Aidan relaxes against a Saguaro trunk, apparently undaunted by its tough coat. Photo by Bob Connolly. This marks the end of Bob's series of shots from Saguaro National Park. Thanks for some great material. Tomorrow: Aidan in earlier days.

Subtle verdure

Lovely patterns of light, bristles and spots on a Prickly Pear. Photo by Bob Connolly.

Join the crowd

An inviting specimen. Photo by Bob Connolly.

Octo-Saguaro

Looks as though the main trunk of this Saguaro met with disaster, but it survived by growing a handful of new appendages. Photo by Bob Connolly.

Audacious

I love how Bob so often captures his Saguaros in a heroic stance. Photo by Bob Connolly

Beeds & bristles

Closeup of a cholla. Photo by Bob Connolly

Spiked and pleated

The posture and appenditures of each Saguaro give it a personality, but even the skin/bark can differ on each specimen. Compare the complexions: mottled, smooth, yellow. Photo by Bob Connolly.