Yeah, its kind of wild how such an iconic feature has such a small range. One of the first things people think of when they hear the word desert is a Saguaro, and most deserts don’t even have them.

I’m pretty sure mental illness and possibly meth were a large driving force in this as well.

Bonus photo from the entrance to Slab City, is this delightful sign proclaiming that the speed limit in Slab City is 2 grams per day!

This was also right where I had multiple back to back interactions with a meth head on an atv where social awkwardness decidedly did not help the situation.

It was cool how artists have been able to reclaim something from the desolation, and with a backdrop like that, anything made really gets its message compounded.

Oh interesting, yeah I wouldn’t know anything about if they re-use those or not. I’d say maybe someone thought those where significant and just put them on it, but they don’t look they’d have any relevance and it sounds like they fit the guidelines as being an in use plane.

It really is crazy how stark of a contrast it becomes after rains. Everything just springs to life from apparent desolation.

Thanks, just x-posted it over there!

Yeah, Salton Sea was a real trip. I am usually all for visiting the places of desolation, but even that was a bit much for me. Some of the art exhibits along the beach were pretty moving as well… Missed out on the Date shake, but that sounds like it would be delicious!

Thanks! Yeah, it’s amazing seeing some of the contrasts you can find in the deserts of the west.

Thanks!

Haha, when I got to Saguaro National Park (later on this trip), there was an older gent hiking with his adult daughter who all of a sudden started saying how much his hand hurt. Daughter immediately knew he reached out and touched one, and was only mildly sympathetetic when she said ‘you were specifically warned this is what would happen and you did it anyways.’

I’ve accidentally touched one and even through pants they will stab right in and get stuck. Yeah, don’t hug the chollas, not matter how much they want to.

Thanks, always good to have confirmation! And the sunflower family would make sense since I saw a ton flowering in nearby locations.