“Exploring the back country roads outside of Catalina north of Tucson and at the base of the Catalina Mountains is perfect for wildflower watching in the spring.  Across a saguaro-dotted hillside, the vivid orange spikes of one of spring’s longest blooming, desert wildflowers, Globe Mallow, edge a slope strewn with showy, golden poppies.  Both are set off by the distinct, bristly spheres of deep, indigo-purple thistles whose long, slender stems sway in the desert breeze.”