Yucca bloom

Notice the Yucca bloom.  It's the tallest item in the photo.  It was just buzzing with bees.  They are loving BTA right now with all the blossoms.

One of the many types of Prickly Pear Cacti.

Art

They tell me that this is art.  But as my son told me,  "Art is subjective"

  I say,  "Hmm....."

Less than one week.

   Of the six spots occupied by volunteers, here at BTA, three are empty.  Mark and Leslie left last Saturday,  Jere and Teresa left yesterday.  The volunteer campground seems dark and lonely.  The warmer weather has returned.   The winter visitors have started to head for home so visitation has dropped.  Also, the heat means that the locals will not be coming either.   This is a normal seasonal occurrence for much of Arizona.
    One week from Tuesday, we will be in Yuma.  We have some dental work to due in Algodonas, Mexico before we head north.  As soon as we get back to Oregon, we will start at Bonneville Dam.    We know that our work schedule will be 3 days on and 3 days off but not much more.  May will be a busy month, but another adventure for us. 

Remember Red?

Remember the red caterpiller?

This is what it becomes.  

A Gold Rimmed Butterfly

Students from Germany

   This afternoon my job was to escort 15 German high school students and a couple of instructors around the park.  The schedule said it was to be a general tour, but the combination of language difficulties and high school hormones showed me that a desert stroll was more appropriate.  The students were well behaved, polite, but not really into learning about desert plants.
   They saw lots of blooming flowers, many of the smaller cacti are getting blossoms.  The lizards were out in force, but, unfortunately, no snakes were sighted.

This is the Easter Lily Cactus.   Front  

and Back  

Red

Found this cute guy this afternoon.  I wonder what kind of butterfly this will be.

Short time

Time is getting shorter.  Basically we are ready but it's not going to happen until next Tuesday.  As time approaches many little jobs need to be done.  Tire covers removed, check batteries , check tire pressure  on both the trailer and truck, organize and load the storage areas of the trailer. 
   As I'm outside, Randa is taking care of the inside; dishes, pans, clothes, food .  It's a big job.  After we leave here we will spend a few days in Yuma, getting dental work done in Algodonas.  Then we head north.  Three days should get us home.  The temperature reduction will be quite an adjustment.  80's and 90's here.  50's and 60's in Oregon.  Longer days will help in traveling.   It seems that fuel prices are rising because summer is approaching.  The local Circle K was $2.79 from Jan til two weeks ago.  Yesterday it was $3.09 at the same station.   Darn greedy oil companies. !!