Greetings From the Desert

Saguaro cactus fill the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona.


We just returned from an eight-day trip to Arizona! 
Here are a few impressions of our adventure . . .

The palm trees and poolsides of Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix.

The contrast of mountains and pine trees north in Flagstaff.

Getting our kicks on Rt. 66 in the little town of Williams.

Staying at the charming Canyon Country Inn, also in Williams.

An old-fashioned train robbery on the Grand Canyon Railway.

And, of course, the majesty of the Grand Canyon.

Varieties of cactus back at the Phoenix Botanical Gardens.

Indian blanket and purple lupine grow abundantly there.

Blooms spring from the tops of cactus, bringing splashes of color.

I caught this little dove perched way atop a might saguaro.

This variety of cactus is aptly named "golden barrel."

The saguaro is key to the desert's survival.


Cool things to know about saguaro cactus:

1. They grow to be 100-300 years old. Their age is often evident by the number of
arms they grow.
They can grow up to 50 feet tall.

2. Their roots reach horizontally to the length of their height,
near to the ground's surface
to absorb as much water as possible.

3. Their accordian-shaped surface expands and contracts as they collect and hold water.

4. Their flowers are pollinated by bats, and they produce fruit for birds and small animals.

5. They can hold literally tons of water.

6. They are only found in the Americas.


I hope you've enjoyed my little travelogue. 
It's back to the fields of Kansas for us!

For life is what you make it.  So make it good!