Yestereve was perfect for highlighting the simple beauty of living in the desert. We set out late in the afternoon on horseback.

As I pulled on my boots to head out the door the sky was darkened by a large cloud that blocked the direct light of the sun. Soon however the large cloud broke up and we were treated to a stunning sunset. Sinking low in the sky the sun played through the clouds, alternately sending streaming beams of golden light to the ground and backlighting the clouds as dark pillows with a glowing red fringe. We set out through the silver-green of sage and towards a mesquite bosque.

Named for the prevalence of Mesquite trees in the area mesquite bosque are much dryer than their wetland counterparts in other climes. In the Sandy-Mesquite valley there are two mesquite bosques, with the largest area being in the southern end of the valley. Rains a month ago would have rendered this area impassible for some time, but the dry air leads to rapidly drying surface and passable paths. Tough the late summer rains bring a new greenery that would have been more a dried shadow of spring six weeks ago.

As we reach the protective cover of the mesquite trees the ground cover becomes much more consistent. On the way to the wetland area the flora has gradually changed, but here Gray Rabbit-brush has taken over and its yellow-tipped green stalks are prevalent. It is also notably cooler in the protected area of the mesquites. A solo Monarch butterfly floats by and the birds sing as they flit in and out of the brushy trees.

With the sun moving ever further behind the majestic mountains, and the shades of each mountain range fading further away it is time to turn for home.