Santa Rita Cactus Flower

I finally got a fairly decent shot of a full Santa Rita cactus flower.  They seem smaller this year.  I think it is because of the extremely dry winter.  Even cactus need moisture and humidity.  They generally absorb it through their pads.

There are really two "moist" seasons in Arizona - one more obvious than the other.  The infamous monsoons, the wicked thunderstorms, which run from the beginning of July through September.  Then the more subtle winter months, with gentle rains and humidity, spread throughout the season.