Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Saguaro National Park - AZ

Feb 4 2014
Saguaro National Park is devided into two sections. One is east of Tucson AZ and one is west of Tucson. Several years ago I visited the section west of Tucson. Today I visited the section west of Tucson. These two parks were established to protect the giant Saguaro cactus, but they are home to many variaties of cactus and other desert plants and animals. I highly recommend a visit to either or both of these parks if you are in the Tucson AZ area. http://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm

Saguaros grow branches after they are about 75 years old

Giant Saguaro with Santa Catalina Mountains in the back ground
Cactus garden in the desert
By 100 years old Saguaro reach about 25 feet tall
Saguaro NM - AZ
Saguaros that make it ot 150 years or more can reach hights of 50 feet or more and weigh as much as 16,000 pounds
Saguaro NP - AZ
Other desert plants help protect the young Segauros from the elements and hungry animals
Teddy Bear Cholla and Ocotillo - Saguaro NP - AZ
Black-throated Sparrow - Saquaro NP - AZ
Harris's Antelope Squirrel - Saquaro NP - AZ


Harris's Antelope Squirrel - Saguaro NP - AZ

Chiricahua National Monument

Jan 30 2014
Today I drove up to the Chiricahua National Monument AZ. The park is full of Native American history and early white settler history as well as some wonderful geologic features.

View from Bonita Canyon Drive
View from Massai Point
Wouldn't want to be here during an earthquake
Mexican Jay - Chiricahua NM
White-tailed Deer - Chiricahua NM