We’ve passed this Saguaro cactus many times so we were sad to see that it had fallen. They can live to be more than 150 years old and this one was probably approaching that age. Damage from lightening strikes and freezes can cause tissue damage which can weaken them. Then hard rains like we’ve had the last few days can do them in. This giant will now become food for many organisms.
Monthly Archives: November 2008
blue shirt
Stewards of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve wear blue shirts. The one here belongs to Allan Willey who was enjoying a solo hike to Windgate Pass. I added a little drama to the photo making the weather look ominous when it was actually sunny.
(upgrading my computer this week so I’m behind on posting)
coyote thanksgiving
Spotted just outside the garage, this Coyote’s Thanksgiving meal looks eerily like a cat 🙁
creosote aroma
Hooray for the rain…finally! Tourists are probably disappointed but many of us know that rain at this time of year is critical to germination of many wildflowers. Another bonus to the rain is the glorious smell that fills the air courtesy of the Creosote bush. All our windows are open.
this is an edit from my initial post where I was thinking creosote but typed ocotillo 🙂
inspiration viewpoint
I finally hiked up to Inspiration Viewpoint in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It’s only 3.25 miles but the elevation gain is 1000 feet so it’s a little challenging. Chris and my photographer friend Barry went too. Click for a panoramic view.
photo walk
Yesterday I led a photo walk in the desert with a theme of shooting close-up. The desert has endless photo ops so a good time was had by all!
The MSC offers free guided hikes every weekend from Sept through May.
Interpretive Trail evaluations
One of the most exciting upcoming aspects of the Gateway area of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the Interpretive Trail. Today, temporary interpretive signs were put up and a large group of people walked the trail to give feedback. Their comments will help fine tune and improve the signs.
curvy shadows
Shooting on a sunny day can reveal some fun shadows like these curvy shadows on a Prickly Pear Pad. The cactus was dehydrated which was causing the pads to buckle.
midden
Because Packrat Middens continually get built upon and the materials are uniquely preserved, they are like time capsules. Some have been studied and found to have material over 40,000 years old! Click below to learn more.
PackRat Midden
a closer look
I was on the hunt for macro subjects yesterday and found this wonderful dried flower. No identity yet. It was about 3/8ths inch wide.