the fourth corner: the path

There most certainly are many path's we walk in this journey called life. Some of which, for us all, are quite bumpy. Some are definitely smooth and some just make us wonder. Through all the twists and turns there are times when we just close our eyes and let what happens happen. And there are other time's when we open our eyes wide and really take notice. I think there are probably more times when we should be taking more notice and learn to worry less.

Last Saturday the four of us found another trail near our house and went for a hike. We heard that it was a nice one for seeing some of the spring blooms that are happening right now. We did not know what to expect but at least expected desert landscape. As we started along the path we were instantly surprised. We definitely went in with our eyes wide open.

There were, of course, lots of cactus... of all different shapes and sizes. This was an interesting combination of one still in it's prime right next to one that was just a skeleton of what it had been.

The wildflowers were blooming. There were many that will be blooming in a few weeks, encouraging us to come back and see how the landscape will have changed.

Many cactus were blooming too. It is so interesting that such a soft flower can be nestled in all the prickly thorns.

Some of the cactus, although sharp and full of thorny spikes can still look so delicate.

Wildflowers were tucked in between shrubs and cactus. The colors were so pretty.

As we kept walking we were surprised as to how the landscape kept subtly changing. The dusty, rocky path led to full, thick underbrush that then opened up to grassy knolls.

These feathery little flowers bloom on a plant with very spiky branches. They were such a nice shade of pink.

And then as we turned the path the landscape changed again. We saw these lupine that reminded us of the mountain wildflowers in Colorado. These were so pretty.

Surprisingly the rocky dirt path then turned to this soft fine sand. It reminded us of being along the beach. Leah even took her shoes off and walked barefoot for awhile. We were smiling. The handprint is Rachel's.

The cactus were taking notice and smiling too.

Speaking of cactus...

They are an incredible sight to see. Some of them are huge and so interesting. It's amazing how their arms grow around and intwine themselves around other cactus arms. Just like they love each other.

And then our sandy path started to get grassy and more green. These two sisters walked on ahead. Arms in arm. Just like they love each other.

Can you believe that there is grass like this is the desert?

Another lupine hidden among the tall grass.

Around the next bend was this fallen cactus skeleton.

Next, our path led us to a stream of water. The only way across was over the rocky path. Everyone made it over easily. Except for me. I was a little nervous of the first rocks that were moss covered. I didn't feel very sure footed. Rachel gave me a hand to steady myself and once I stepped over the first slippery one's... I made it to the other side.

While giving me a hand, Rachel also took the pictures.

And then, because it is always greener on the other side... we found ivy trailing in and out of a cluster of trees. The morning sunlight was shining through just right.

Towards the end of the lush area of our hike we came across a small pool of water. They are working on a project for re-developing the eco system and have put in a small pond. The water that is pumped in is done on solar power. This bench was sitting under a tree facing the pond. A nice resting spot.