Last week there were two nice rain events in the Tortolita Preserve (TP) with 0.7 inch on Wednesday and 0.3 inch on Friday for a total of 1.0 inch. A welcome relief! The TP and surrounding lands are looking like Ireland!
Early this morning I hiked the TP-Big Loop to see how things are looking. The ironwood trees are budding, saguaros are bulging, octotillo are leafing green and prickly pears are un-wrinkling. Almost out-hiked the approaching storm but did get wet with thunder/lightning on my heels for the last mile. See photo collage.