Of the approximately 1200 species of cacti in the original distribution of these plants, the New World, possibly one of the rarest is the pencil cactus, Wilcoxia striata. A very rare and difficult to find thin cactus, it is characterized by the parallel lines or striations along its length, and very thin and tiny spines. The color is gray-green, and imitates a dry twig. It usually lives among other plants, as in this case a bush of jojoba, from which it receives support and camouflage. Each of the major roots has an edible tuber, which the natives that lived on this island found very tasty, nutritious and sustaining. Today we had the opportunity of seeing this species and many others on this island, where we tide-pooled, hiked up the high hills and made slower plant-observing walks. We snorkeled and kayaked in the crystal-clear water during the day. This remarkable day culminated with a barbecue on the beach, a bonfire to protect us from the chilling wind, star and planet gazing, and ancient stories of the heavens from very different cultures.