Wow!

Nice shot!

That’s really nice. I don’t think I’ve ever captured that halo on the saguaros.

Of all the hundreds of photos I have tried to get the glow, here is the best I ever got, and it was, of course at the edge of Saguaro NP

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218410250663704&set=a.10218385593167282

I was pleased with that too, though at the time I was just interested in the birds. From the distance I wasn’t even sure they were thrashers. I wonder if the trick in getting the cholla effect to come out is to focus on the darker background around it. I’ll have to experiment with this.

That’s what makes it strange and unique, alright. We’ve yet to see another like it.

Interesting how the cresting returned to normal growth.

Of the half dozen species of Mammillaria in the area, I think most likely it is Graham's nipple cactus. Almost identical to both fishhook and pincushion cacti. One of my favorite cactus blooms in season.

http://southwestdesertflora.com/WebsiteFolders/All_Species/Cactaceae/Mammillaria%20grahamii,%20Graham's%20Nipple%20Cactus.html

Can't count the pictures I've taken trying to capture that glow... Good job!

Takes far less than that!

We laughed.

Until you give one a great big hug!

Great photo! I rode the park yesterday also. We were obviously there at different times. You must have been later in the day, as when I got there, there was no gate attendant to warn about the water. Car traffic was heavy enough to make the ride unpleasant. I was in their way on the uphills, they were in my way on the downhills. At the picnic area, not a parking spot was available, the cars were parked along the roadway! I ate my apple at the handicap spot, which was open.

Isn’t that great though? It’s really a beautiful time to be here.

I like the rosy color of the Santa Rita cactus but those spines are pretty wicked looking!