Wildflowers at South Mountain

I was at South Mountain today for two purposes. One, to take a break from hiking Camelback, which I have started hiking twice a week, so I could do a moderate workout on my tight thighs to loosen up some. The second reason was a request for the wildflowers that are starting to be in full swing in the desert.
I went out to hike at 1430 hours. During the middle of the day and the highs in the lower 80s. Regardless of the heat, it was vastly pleasant to take a hike. There were nice breezes blowing through and I was protected with sunblock and shade (hat/sunglasses) plus water and electrolytes.
I am tempted to hike more often during the midday or afternoon. It is very different atmosphere than when I hike during the morning hours. I was contemplating what the changes were. Primarily reason may because there were less hikers and bikers on the trail. There were people out but very few, especially up on the National trail. But less movement and stillness, even though the wind was gently breezing. Not so many birds out chirping. A quiet feel that slowed my pace to being rather meditative and just being in the moment.
The next few are going to be pictures of flowers. Small flowers. The need to get up close and personal with the intimate characteristics of the subtle changing yellows, blues, oranges and the poise of the flowers.
I know the color contrasts are not vibrant...maybe looking a little bleached or more appropriately-dusty. But this is the beauty of the desert. It is so subtle. I am finding the desert is not a place to be hurried if one wants to appreciate the full gamut of beauty and the secrets the desert has to tell. Even though it was still, there were still plenty of critters out and about. The lizards were the most active. I saw a chipmunk and several beetles that can fly too. There was a hummingbird at one point. And I saw three birds passing through. Two looked to be some sort of miniature bird of prey of some kind.
And yes, your eyes are not teasing you, this is a snake. I made sure to include this one because I know there are so many snake fans out there and been asking about snake encounters. Cute little guy stretched out on the trail keeping warm, enjoying the sun. I was tempted to lay down with it for a spell to soak in some of the rays and hear any exciting tales of rattlesnake encounters. But no, I left it in peace. The snake did not seem bothered by my presence.
And thus my walkabout. It was nice to be out at South Mountain. It is like home now since I have been there so many times. Always nice to return to something familiar but yet observe the changes present. I had not expected this hike in many ways. I went with my before mentioned purposes but yet, the walkabout served a higher purpose that I did not plan for. Indeed it was very meditative. The pace just right to fit the day. To drink in the sights, smells, and what sounds that could be heard-the silence broken only occasionally by friendly greeting and smile with a fellow neighbor. The walkabout was also very restorative. I have needed this kind of contentment and peace for some time (especially with my February sickness streak). I am fairly certain that I will get much rest tonight. The kind that is deep and reaches down to the soul to dream the visions and mingles with loved ones far and near.

NOTE: Since I have already had some report interest in my snake encounter... I am going to give the snake a rest by declaring I have looked it up and identified my snake. It is a glossy snake, VERY harmless to humans.