Desert Gloom

Superstition Mountains, east of Mesa, AZ

Who says it's always sunny in the desert? We've been having gloomy weather here in Phoenix over the past couple of days. Sun burns through the clouds, only to be veiled again by dark gray. We have been expecting thunderstorms--and desert thunderstorms are beautifully dramatic--but so far it's been uneventful. There is a certain, solemn beauty to the desert on days that are dark with the threat of rain. The brooding weather underscores the desert's capacity for mystery. I took this photo today during an excursion to the Superstition Mountains. This view was taken while I spent some time at a visitor's center, which also has an Old West museum. There is a saguaro on the left with an abundance of arms and on the right there is an ocotillo. Never mind the lack of sun! What's not to love?