a teasel

This is probably Dipsacus sylvestris or the common teasel, which I noticed while hiking out in Malibu Canyon with Lyle, a good old friend of mine. We were crazy enough that we headed out on when it was 89-90ºF and during the middle of the afternoon! And crazier still, instead of heading straight for the swimming holes like most other people we decided to go up a steep, hot path towards the old site where they used to shoot M*A*S*H*. But it was well worth it because upon trudging up that slope Lyle excitedly said "Deer!" and we saw a doe peer at us, halt, and then dart across the path into the trees. Moments later, her fawn looked at us and then dashed after its mother. It was probably my #1 nature moment in life thus far. It was special, and seemed like a good omen.