Moonshine Barrels

Late at night, wondering around in the backyard I spied gold on the side of a small hill next to my rock river. It was my Golden Barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii), dancing in the moon light. Tho the moon was just passed full, it was still bright enough that you could not look directly at it! I was struck by the way the moon light played off my cactus, I have 20 or more of these beauties in my yard, and when the full moon is rising the barrels just glimmer in the night. Moonshine is almost like sunlight, only softer and more enchanting, kind of soothing.
The golden barrels can grow to 3' high and 2' wide. Flowers appear in the spring like a garland or crown around the top. Need I add that like most everything in the desert, it is well endowed with many sharp spikes. You sure don't want to fall on one! They are some of my favorite and most beautiful cacti.
As for the rock river, I know, it seems like an oxymoron. In the southwest we don't get much rain, but when it comes down, it really comes down. In the summer we get the Monsoon, e.g. lots of water from big black clouds, really quickly. These rock rivers are the most efficient and visually pleasing way of draining the water off your property.

Well, hope you enjoy
and thanks for looking!

Here is the link to the original photograph.

And as always,
"Constructive Criticism Is Always Welcome"

3.0 Hours / Image Time Invested