I’ve packed an arsenal of high SPF sunblocks, camera gear, and several light, long-sleeved shirts and am now on my way to the desert. The forecast says it will be 111°F in Phoenix when we arrive and I am already imagining myself in the Arrested Development scene where Michael reaches for the door handle of a taxi at the Phoenix airport and the hot metal burns his hand.

Should we make it through this incredible shock to the system alive, you can expect a few slightly crazed heat strock-induced dispatches from the desert peppered throughout the trip.

Please send cooling vibes our way!

Until then I leave you with this photo from my cactus bed at home. The new growth has been exceptionally beautiful and I particularly like what is happening here on the end of the Sante Fe cholla(Cylindropuntia vindiflora). Yes, it does indeed overwinter in my Toronto garden! I am incredibly excited about seeing much, much larger chollas on this trip. Hopefully, I will not return home feeling underwhelmed by the diminutive, cold hardy cactus that I am able to grow here.