Agave montana.  Possibly the reason for the trip was to see this plant growing in it's natural habitat.  I had heard so much about it and seen pictures, mainly Richard's, but to actually see it in the flesh was awesome beyond belief.  Here are a selection of beauty shots.

with me for scale - these are BIG mothers

same plant, closer

and closer still - the bud printing and teeth are incredible.

Here from further back giving an idea of the habitat

and here showing the way the plants colour when stressed or flowering, like a flaming beacon in the forest.

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