in a desert not so very far from here

It's been so gloomy here in Tustin we went to the local deserts last weekend to find some sun. Of course there were bugs there. I'm not sure what this first beetle is.












The second one is a ground beetle although I do not know the species; it looks a lot like pristonychus complanatus.


Both of these guys were scuttling around a sandy bank of Coyote Creek in Anza Borrego State Park as the sun was starting to set. This pretty spot is called first crossing, where the jeep trail first crosses the creek. Makes sense, I like that.


Here is V.C., international photographer of mystery, casting a shadow in the warm desert sunset. Then off to Ocotillo Red's for wine and a toasted cheese sandwich.