Fieldtrip to the southern California Desert

The hunt for Astragalus, western Death Valley.

Mojave Desert, southern California, including the Granite and Trilobite Wilderness areas, and Death Valley

Goal:

Collect Astragalus and other legumes, and enjoy the ephemeral desert spring wildflowers

Personnel:

Mike Sanderson, Marty Wojciehowski, Shelley McMahon, Rosita Scherson, Amy Driskell

March 5-10

2003

Rosita, Shelley & Mike, Death Valley.

Examining a fine Psorothamnus specimen, Trilobite Wilderness.

Echinocactus, Death Valley.

Ephedra ("Mormon Tea"), Mojave Desert.

Celebrating the successful extraction of the van from its sandy grave.

Drying out, after a remarkably damp (i.e. rainy!) night in the Granite Wilderness.

Shelley, Rosita, & Mike, warm and dry after a expansive and toothsome breakfast.

The botanists examining a specimen, Titus Canyon, Death Valley.

Eastward view, Death Valley. Dunes and snow.

Fine Outdoor Dining, eastern slope, Death Valley.

Panamint Valley, from the western slope.

The lords of Astragalus, Mike & Marty.