As we are about to leave Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, I look back to beautiful hikes in this arid land and the memorable opportunity to see spring fade into early summer. Following a couple of pictures to show what it was like.

In mid-April 2023

In the past 7 days the daytime temperatures rose abruptly from 85° – 90° to 100° – 105° F (41°C). The yellow flowers of the Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) are fading for the brown colours of this arid land. The remaining greens will melt more and more with the browns, and the drought of summer makes it hard for the leaves to generate energy for growth and sustenance.

Meanwhile, the news inform that the rain of the past weeks is causing floods in many parts of Southern and Central Europe. California is fearing its own share of problems with flooding and landslides when the snow of the Sierra Nevada starts melting.