Tortoise Shell – 5/12/2019

Shell pieces. May 2019.
Shell pieces. May 2019.

Coming down MacDougal Ridge, looping back towards the Babad Do’ag Trail, I curse at the brown and white in the grass sure it is cardboard trash – but closer the shapes and textures come into focus, I stop and my mind slowly puts the puzzle together – not trash, remains, probably of a desert tortoise.

I hadn’t ever thought about what remains behind after a Desert Tortoise dies – I suppose in retrospect it is obvious that the shell would remain – maybe I have seen a shell in an exhibit at some point? Regardless seeing the shattered pieces bleaching in the sun was slightly shocking, oddly fascinating, poignant. I hope every year to see one – not the ideal first sighting of the year…

It has been a mild May – we had clouds in the sky and a few minutes of hail for this hike – the weather is making some of the trails I would normally start to avoid this time of year quite a bit more attractive!

Tortoise shell. May 2019.
Tortoise shell. May 2019.
Tortoise remains. May 2019.
Tortoise remains. May 2019.
Gila Monster near the Babad Do'ag Trail. May 2019.
Gila Monster near the Babad Do’ag Trail. May 2019.
Checkerspot. May 2019.
Checkerspot. May 2019.
Silverpuff. May 2019.
Silverpuff. May 2019.
Ocotillo with the Rincon Mountains in the background. May 2019.
Ocotillo with the Rincon Mountains in the background. May 2019.
Looking down on the Babad Do'ag trail - with gunshots ringing in the distance... May 2019.
Looking down on the Babad Do’ag trail – with gunshots ringing in the distance… May 2019.

Alamo Canyon, Catalina State Park – 4/17/2016

A Gila Monster outwitting my efforts to get a picture - just above Alamo Canyon. April 2016.
A Gila Monster outwitting my best efforts to get a picture – just above Alamo Canyon. April 2016.
Golder Dome - front - and Samaniego Ridge and Peak - back - from Alamo Canyon in Santa Catalina State Park. April 2016.
Golder Dome – front – and Samaniego Ridge and Peak – back – from Alamo Canyon in Santa Catalina State Park. April 2016.
Bighorn Mountain. April 2016.
Bighorn Mountain. April 2016.
Table Mountain in the sunset from Alamo Canyon - Catalina State Park. April 2016.
Table Mountain in the sunset from Alamo Canyon – Catalina State Park. April 2016.

The main trails in Catalina State Park are beautiful – but there are many smaller trails and quieter places too, very worthy of time and exploration…