Century Plant and Purple Thistle

On a drive down the highway towards the desert basin, I found some more southwest plants to photograph.  We have been on the look-out for Century Plants--we had seen some in bloom across a canyon, too far away to get to.  Wilma finally located one right along the highway!  The plant takes a long time to bloom--not a century though!  Most things I found say around 10 years.

The upper blossoms are still in bud, therefore the peachy-orange color.

I also found this patch of Musk Thistle that was gorgeous in full bloom.  Lots of insect visitors like the purple flower!