Mojave bursts

Happy 2009 spring wildflower season, which for us here in socal is in full swing. I finally got out to check some spots in the Mojave this past weekend Traveled out the 14 and noted a lot of green in Antelope Valley but still early for any real color though. Some patches of goldfields in the highway divider and other perennials blooming along the road, but pretty dull until Red Rock Canyon State park.At the park, there was a nice bloom started and sure to get better over the next couple of weeks. The ranger said they had got a good amount of rain though the website for the park says not. Saw to much to namebut here is a quick list, gilias( a yellow one I had never seen), crypanthas, phacelias, monkey-flower, rangers buttons, asters, lots of dandelion, some greenish-yellow sulphur? flowers covering big areas. Chicory, evening primroses and yellow throats.
Went over to Randburgs and by Red Mountain, both further along bloomwise with nice patches of color and green. Finally, I went to the desert tortoise natural area. Hoping to see one. Alas by the time I found it, it was too dark. On the way did see a big patch of desert candles and lots of great annuals right along the Randsburg Mojave road. Looks like a good year for that part of the Mojave.