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!

Life is Good!

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
February 18, 2016

Life is good! If you don't believe me, just ask any one of our three pups. Food, water, toys, a blankie and some cuddling goes along way with them! 

Early mornings
and late afternoons have been so nice for sitting on the patio.  Puppies love their ex-pen and freedom to play. 

As for us, life just couldn't be better. Joe had his year and half check-up.  The PET shows NO cancer and we are good to go for another six months...yippee! 


Just like our other stays here in Tucson, I have enjoyed the birds at our feeders. 

The hummingbirds continue to zoom in and out, fuss and consume lots of food. 

 The verdins also continue to entertain.  These cute little birds make me chuckle...the real "angry birds". 

A new partaker to the orange feeder this year is a Gila Woodpecker. He is a regular visitor every morning around 8:30 and again about 4:30.   

He is a medium to large size woodpecker (about 9.4 inches) and a bit tall for the feeder.  It is amazing how he compensates for his size by ducking his head down as he tucks  his tail feathers under the feeder to use them as a counter balance and clamp.  A real balancing act...

I have photographed these beautiful birds in and on saguaro cacti, but never in my backyard.  I read on www.allaboutbirds.org that the Gila is the only woodpecker in it's range with the black and white back...one of the gorgeous patterns of nature. 

It's a good thing the feeders hang on an orange tree. There are a few oranges left at the top of the tree which I expect to be bare by the time we leave.

I have noticed new leaves and blooms about to open on the same tree.  







Up next, a walk through a saguaro forest with friends...

Until then, happy days and happy trails!