The desert grows on you. These are pictures I took while traveling to Las Vegas in October 2006. These particular pictures were taken near Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. I must admit that at first I was not very impressed with the whole desert landscape. The average height of the vegetation in about 2 feet high. Basically it looks like a vacant lot covered with a few sparse and scraggily weeds. But I must admit that as I drove around it grew on me.

The beauty of the desert isn't in grand explosions of color, sweeping vistas, or mighty trees that tower above you. No, instead it is in small and hidden ways. You have to go looking for it. It is in little lizards and ground squirrels scurrying among the rocks and bushes, the ubiquitous Joshua tree that faces off with the fierce desert heat, the delicate flowers that hid in mountian cracks and cervices. The handiwork of the master is everywhere if only you will look for it.