A Walk Through A Saguaro Forest

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
February 19, 2016


Joe and I have done quite a few desert hikes in the past few years. It was love at first sight when we arrived in Tucson back in January 2013 and I saw saguaro cacti for the first time up close and personal. The desert has since had a draw for us that some will understand and others can't figure out. 

The hike we did last Friday with John and Pam was one of the prettiest saguaro forests we have had the pleasure of hiking. Absolutely amazing how dense the forest is there...



We did a lollipop trail with the stick being a combination of switchbacks and an easy climb on the Camaro Loop Trail that connects to Boulder Belt Trail, the saddle section.  The lollipop/loop portion is the Flight Path Trail. 

Right from the get go, we saw colors that we didn't see the week before.  



Could it be that spring is not far away?

The Globe Mallow is just beginning to bloom...look at all those buds.

A hint of purple from the Wild Hyacinth is always nice... 

...along with the shades of pink from  from the Fairy Duster.  


The flowers on this low growing shrub attract hummingbirds and butterflies. 

And one more, the pale yellow of the Desert Rose Mallow. It's a delicate little flower on a weak stem so it usually grows up through other plants for support. 










                                                                                               

One thing Pam and I totally agree on and enjoy when hiking in the desert are the views...in all directions!

Feb. 19, 2016...crested #1

Just like our other hike with Pam and John, we knew we would be in for a treat because not 1, but 3 crested saguaro could be seen on this hike with all of them being right next to the trail.

 Sometimes a saguaro produces a fan-shaped form of growth at the tip. These growths are referred to as a cresting (or cristate) and are rare occurrences. 

crested #2

When you consider how slowly a saguaro grows (a 10 year old plant will be about 1.5 inches tall) the crested ones we have seen must be many years old.  

 

crested #3

A crested sighting is special and sought after by many.   

We have another hike planned with John and Pam so stay tuned for our next adventure. 

Until then, let the good times roll...

and happy trails!

Our Neighborhood

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
April 15, 2015

Just across the street from Distant Drums is a hiking area. Last year Joe and I never even explored this area. We were off to Sedona every chance we had which left little time for anything else. So, this year we do hope to not only return to some favorite Sedona places, but to check out state parks and national monuments in this area as well. That's the plan today anyway!

West Middle Verde Road

We spent about 21/2 hours walking, talking and taking pictures. Richie went with us...he has quite an eye with the camera!

The neighborhood...or area surrounding Distant Drums...didn't appear to be very colorful or interesting... 

until we started looking up close.



 Right off we found, (well, truth be known...Dave and Lynn pointed us...umm lead us in the right direction) dinosaur tracks.




And then, we came into an area full of delicate pops of color painted across the sandy landscape.

 

See what we would have missed!

All the colors in the rainbow!

Looking back towards Distant Drums and the valley...I'm liking the neighborhood!

Until next time, happy days and...

happy trails!

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
March 18, 2015

One of our most favorite places in Tucson is Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. We were up early and out the door by 8:00 am and hoping that the cloudy skies would deter other would be hikers. Our plan was to hike/walk for as long as we were enjoying ourselves and having fun. Hiking is not always about the exercise, it is also a time to connect with nature and all things beautiful...a time to relax the mind, heart, and soul. When we left Sabino Canyon, all was better than good!

It was not a first photographing a Gamble's Quail, but it was a first photographing one in a tree. I wish I could share the beautiful sound this fellow was making. The male's song is a single note caaw which we heard before we saw him.They belong to the "callipepla" family which comes from the Greek kalli (beautiful) and peplos (robe). 

A juvenile Phainopepla will gradually acquire black feathers throughout it's 1st year. 

Arizona Foldwing

Miniature Wollystar

Longflower Tube Tongue

Sasguaro Cactus bloom...first for the season.

Distant Phacelia

Wild Dwarf Morning-glory

Desert Rosemallow

Slender Janusia

From a picnic area where we stopped for water and a snack, we could see Sabino Dam. We decided to head that way...

I am so glad we did...

A Cooper's Hawk...I think...that we saw fly over the creek.

 And a mama duck playing in Sabino Creek...

 ...perfectly camouflaged.

Last, we were excited to see our first Gila Monster...not one, but 2 in one hike! Since they spend 95% of their time in underground burrows, we felt like we had hit the jackpot! Because of human encroachment, they are considered a threatened species.

 The first one was out in the open right next to the trail and not moving very much. 

I clicked away trying to get a picture of his forked tongue... 

 The second one we saw was under a tree and brush...he was moving a bit faster...

Our time meandering through the desert was about 5 hours...mostly very peaceful and quiet. Life is good!

Until next time, take care and...

happy trails!