When we think of Mexico, we often think of the desert, cacti, rattlesnakes... Though much of those are true, the Baja Peninsula, especially near La Paz, has much more life than we think. We went on a hike into the mountains and saw much of this amazing life God created!
This was at a high point between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. This is looking toward the Sea of Cortez.
This is the fruit we sometimes call dragonfruit--there are at least two varieties, one that is red on the inside and one that is white, but they grow on this specific cactus variety in the mountains near La Paz. You have to take the spines off the fruit before eating, of course, but this one was delicious!
We walked along a dry riverbed ("Arroyo" is the Spanish word for these riverbeds) until it widened much more than this picture. Dry most of the year except for the few rains that come in the spring. Because it's so sandy, the water doesn't percolate down into the ground and flows quickly into these streams and down to the ocean.
As we walked along the "Arroyo", there was a small oasis of flowery shrubs in a corner with dozens of butterflies.
Black iguanas are common in this part of Mexico.
Our local guide, a new believer, called this rock formation "the protector of the mountains". Can you see the nose and mouth shapes?
Look at how this tree has put roots out to look for water!
As we were walking along the dry riverbed, we suddenly came upon this spot where water was flowing underneath the sand! It may not look like much, but it is significant!
Another tree fighting to stay alive!
This was a giant boulder that's a historic site--there's a cave underneath where native Mexicans used to live and cook.
This was affectionately called "the marriage tree" by our guide. Why do you think?
After hiking the prayer trail at Rancho El Camino with friends, we stopped to pray for the ministry God is using there.
Looks like some creature bending over to talk to me, but it's merely a dried out cactus that didn't make it.
This is at the top of a tall mountain looking down at the ranch property. On the way up, we ran into a large rattlesnake...quite scary!!
View of the sunset at Rancho El Camino.
The top of the mountain at Rancho El Camino!
On the boardwalk in La Paz.
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