Bees and Blooms on Trail 302

For a change, I decided to hike Trail 302 with my grandson's dog, Ella, in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. I expected to find a lot of flowers. For some reason, I did not expect bees.

The brittle bushes, which two days ago were just starting to stalk, are now in full bloom.

Brittle Bush blooms.

And the blossoms were everywhere, adorning the desert landscape with brilliant color.

I was warned by another hiker that there were bees on the trail. They weren't kidding! I had to go off-trail to avoid these sizable and very active open hives.

Ella was grateful I saved her from the bees, or she would be if she had any idea what a bee was.

Ella and I taking a break on the trail.

Ella is an excellent hiker!

Even the cholla were starting to bloom!

And with all these flowers to harvest, no wonder the bees are active!

Ella.