Cloud piles explode into the upper reaches of the atmosphere along a dry line hugging the Eastern New Mexico border. Thunder, lighting, hail, and gusty winds foreshadow a needed dousing. The comforting smell of rain on the wind speaks of drought relief. An hour passes and the storm furies flee the area with a whimper. The brief splash of rain barely wets the rain gauge and scant hail pebbles disappear in short order. The full force of the storms races into West Texas.
On the open prairie the meager precipitation serves to knock down dust and erase tracks in loose soil. Yellow pockets of flowers grace the dry landscape. Delicate, purple blossoms adorn a resilient clump of Wire Lettuce (stephanomeria pauciflora) and join the tenuous Spring flora chorus. Yucca seedlings belie the bristly, bayonet-like weaponry of mature leaves and curl elegantly into the afternoon sunshine. Despite extreme drought conditions the Llano Estacado harbors unique, albeit reluctant beauty.
- © Ilija Lukić 2013 -
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Hover Fly On Douglas Groundsel
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Purple Whisper
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Ragwort Fan
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Static Motion
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