Fall Blooms, I neglected to post earlier

Ariocarpus fissuratus

Ariocarpus fissuratus

Even ocotillos have fall colors.

Mountain Sage - Salvia regla, from the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park. 

Mountain Sage - Salvia regla

Stained Glass Wings

Some of my favorite butterfly pictures are where the subject is backlit and the butterfly wings have a glowing effect.

Blurry Elf in early Spring

I wish I had done a better job with the focus but I believe this to be Henry's Elfin butterfly (Callophrys henrici).

Thelocactus macdowellii

Thelocactus macdowellii

Escobaria runyonii 

Surviving Big Bend State Park 2

Big Bend State Park - After defying death in a 48 hour ill advised, ill equipped, ramble up and over many rock falls, washouts and small trees alone in a small family vehicle across one of the most remote and abandoned places on earth, we paused to observe the obstacles we had overcome and to thank the Lord for safe passage.

During this epic multi-day 4x4 trip, I hardly slept, spoke very little and almost never laughed, I realized fairly early on the danger I had brought my young family into. - Big Bend State Park, nothing like the other state parks you know.

Javelina - Pecari tajacu - About 45 pounds and are generally not hostile to humans but have been known to attack when they feel threatened.

My eyes and the javelina meet and he considers his options.

Big Bend State Park 1

Claret Cup Cactus - Echinocereus triglochidiatus

Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State University

Echinocereus stramineus, a common cactus in the region, has turned bright red from sun and winter cold, but should fade back to light green by the start of summer.

Echinomastus warnockii

Starleaf Mexican Orange, Choisya dumosa 

Alpine, Texas

In the distance you can see Alpine, Texas and further still the Twin Peak sentinels that watch over the town.

Some angles of the two peaks appear more twin than others.

Blue Gilia, Giliastrum rigidulum

Penstemon sp?

Fendler's Bladderpod, Lesquerella fendleri