I have a sort of random question. There might not be an answer, but I thought I'd ask anyways.
I was at Desert botanical gardens over the weekend and every once in a while, my son kept complaining that there was a horrible smell in certain areas. It wasn't on the entire trail. Just certain segments and the cacti in the area didn't seem specifically similar when he complained (ie: Barrel, Prickly pear, cholla etc.) and he had never complained previously around any cacti in any other area that we went to. No one in our large group adults or kids could smell what he was describing as some sort of "stinky, poopy flower smell". He said it was stinky in the wet indigenous shelters, but it wasn't exactly the same smell. He ended up with hives a few hours later, but nothing that needed more than a quick dose of allergy medication. We know he's allergic to something as he's been having hives relatively frequently lately, but we're having a hell of a time identifying what is triggering the reactions. Allergist appointments are months out due to the fact it's not anaphylactic.
I thought maybe he was sensitive to a fertilizer or manure or something? But I honestly have no clue. Any ideas what it possibly might have been that he was complaining about? Pollen in December doesn't seem likely to me. It's a long shot, but if there's any suggestions, I'd be very grateful for any possible/potential leads.
We had a great time in Phoenix. I'll be certain to check the rental cars with a keener eye before driving off going forward, but in the end, the rental car staff was great and it's a funny story to laugh at.
