A number (12) of little orange ant looking things were walking about on my cactus one May day in 2007.  Surprised at the sight of these new critters I photographed them in hopes that someday someone would tell me what they were.

Just this weekend a biologist friend of mine “JD” visited and I finally got to pull a file photo of the buggers that I found roaming about.  He didn’t know what they were.  Sadly.  He suggested using EOL.org, but I looked unsuccessfully.  So here I am now asking The Internet for answers to a long standing question of mine.  What kind of little buggies are these?

The extent of my description: Six legs, Color: translucent orange, small spikes on the thorax, long antenne, highly aware of photographer as they moved to the opposite side of the cactus when I was photographing them.

-a short movie of the insects-

To JD’s credit, we showed him a picture of a beautiful flower we saw yesterday along the road, and he identified it rapidly and once again fully impressed us.  Hoorah!

That’s a “Passion Flower.” and there you have it.

passiflora incarnata – is a naturally grown medicinal herb, approved by the German Commission E in the treatment of insomnia and nervousness. It is also used as a sedative in nervous disorders (including gastrointestinal complaints of nervous origin), difficulties in sleeping, and anxiety or restlessness. Passion Flower reduces spasms and depresses the central nervous system. www.passionflower.org

Tucson, Arizona, USA

Just to keep our selves busy, we went for an evening walk and then a morning adventure with friends and family.  A few in the park and a few on the University campus just before a delicious breakfast at Joels.. now that’s the REAL cache!

Caches Found:

GC1XQCQ: CWB-Himmel Park Library

GC1XTZP: Defying Gravity

DNF

GC1W1JW: Pool Side

GC158B2: On A Level

and now, we’ve gone. Gone from Colorado Springs and on our way to Tucson. From there to Orange County. With our final destination by the end of next week, Berkeley, California, where we’ll finally drop our bags for a stay of more than a few months.

Thanks to Colorado for the hospitality, the beautiful weather, the reasonably unique people, and of course the great family that will keep me coming back.

-John

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Dan gets all the fun..

His last night in Tucson Kira sets up a dinner and a potluck of a scavenger hunt down 4th ave. Dan accepts, Dan performs, Dan cuts some corners, but we’re several drinks in and no one can figure out his magic. Dan buys the next round. Dan wins at pool – or did he lose?

Dan’s gone the following day, only I will see him soon.

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Kira & Tara share the mic. Tara not so much, Kira a little bit much. Who’s that in the background, won’t you be quite? Where is this girl from, someone get here a gig – or at least a snuggie.