I never thought that I would live in a place categorized as desert. I saw in my mind's eye images of the coyote and road runner chasing each other over barren landscapes. While that is the case in some deserts, it is not so here. I have learned much about the plants around this place, and will continue to do so. There is the ribbon wood, that smells amazing after a rain, or when you breath upon it letting the moisture of your breath release its scent. 
The manzanita, that has red smooth bark and can kill off parts of itself in order to survive during dry spells. The Yerba Santa that smells of strawberries and makes amazing tea.
I am just going to post a ton of pictures from my adventures on this post, so you all can get a feel for where I truly am. 
Above you see me holding a Coulter Pine Cone (the trees are also called Widow Makers because the cones are so heavy and could kill you if they hit you wrong).
Yesterday I went on a 12(ish) mile hike around the area to a place called Live Oak Springs where we refilled our water. On the way back I had my first major cacti experience. I accidentally chopped my hand into a yucca and a chunk of the spine broke off in it. So after some minor surgery (performed from a fellow naturalist) I am doing okay! Don't touch cacti...bad news!
I found a half marathon relay on 2/12 that I think I'll be running with two of my friends here. It should be fun, and is several thousand feet down in elevation from here (we are just under 5,000) so hopefully it'll be a bit easier!
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