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Teddybear Cholla… with a name like that what’s not to love? Except that getting a warm hug from one of these cholla (colloquially called “jumping cholla”) is more excruciating than cozy.
This hike feels like a trek through a landscape where everything conspires against your well-being. It's crucial to tread lightly and exercise caution, ensuring you don't inadvertently brush against these cholla, as captivating as they may appear.
It's not that these plants have it out for you; rather, they employ a cunning strategy for reproduction—they hitch rides on animals and humans that pass by.
In fact, it's been speculated that all of these cholla may trace their lineage back to a single plant, continually reproducing through time.
As humans, we have a profound appreciation for repetition. It signifies order and harmony, allowing our brains to find focus. When something is reiterated persistently, our perceptiveness sharpens, enabling us to discern subtle distinctions.
Walking amidst a vast expanse of cholla, stretching as far as the eye can see, can be a calming and almost meditative experience. We know what to expect as we walk through the treacherous pathways. The abundance of cholla gratifies our visual senses and transports us to a realm that seems to exist in its own tranquil bubble.
