Ruby made 3 trips with me to the Grand Canyon in September, and kept me snug and dry during donwpours and chilly nights. I even managed to get her backed into a narrow space at camp.
Our next adventure in October was a bigger test - heading to Joshua Tree National Park. Unlike going to the Canyon, this was much farther away (nearly 7 hours compared to 2 1/2); unfamiliar roads and little idea of what to expect at the campground.
All went well - perfect weather, no travel issues, very nice stay at Black Rock Campground on the northwest side of the park. Joshua Tree was fabulous - a wonderland of rock formations, spiky-twisted-gnarly Joshua Trees at every turn, oases, birds, and howling coyotes. The nights were clear and star-filled, the days were warm and sunny.
Joshua Tree is very spread out, and quite a bit of driving is involved. I hiked nearly every trail I could find, and saw my first actual desert oases. The 49 Palms Trail was a rugged, rocky path that climbed through scrub over a pass and then, in the distance like a mirage, was the oasis. Truly an amazing sight in a parched desert landscape!
Before heading back northeast, I hit the road for more discoveries. Visited the beautiful Shields Date Farm in Indio, CA, and had a yummy breakfast of Date Pancakes. Followed by a Date Shake. Followed by an overstuffed, but happy, belly.
From Indio, it was a rather circuitous and confusing route to the Salton Sea. I found the signs to be inadequate, at best, and never found my way to the east side of the area. I settled for a brief stop at a rocky beach (strewn with fish carcasses) in the spot known as Desert Shores. I did get to see some cool birds, including Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, and White Pelicans (wonder if any of them have ever been to Nelson Lake?).
Our next adventure was to travel south to the Tucson area to commune with the Sonoran Desert. Like the Joshua Trees, the Saguaros covered the hillsides in every direction. And like snowflakes (supposedly), each one seems different. Hugging either Joshua Trees or Saguaros is not a great idea, but I would if I could.
Ruby and I enjoyed a stay at Gilbert Ray Campground in Tucson Mountain Park. Hiked every day, enjoyed Saguaro National Park West at both sunrise and sunset. The coyotes in the campground area were so loud (and seemingly quite close), that on my first evening trip to the "facilities" I carried a hiking pole with me. Ha!
Another trip blessed with fabulous weather, a nearly full moon, and all the desert scenery I could hope for.
I spent a wonderful morning at the Museum of the Sonoran Desert and their raptor free-flight program was incredible. Unlike others I have attended, where the raptors fly a few feet from one trainer to another, these amazing birds came from quite a distance across the desert, swooped just over our heads and perched in nearby snags. I got my first look at a Prairie Falcon, as well as enjoying close-ups of a Great Horned Owl and Red Tailed Hawk. My favorite thing to see - hard to pick just one - was a tiny Elf Owl perched on a branch outside of his Saguaro cavity home. This little guy is actually in an exhibit at the park, but I figure it's probably as close as I'll ever get to seeing one. He is a bit hard to see in the pic, (all of 5 1/2" tall!) but this one is the best of the 50 or so that I took. He would occasionally open one eye and seemed to gaze at me thinking "Enough already! I'm napping here!"
A short drive down I-19 and I was able to visit the Mission of San Xavier de Bac. Got to see it a few years ago with Texas Amy, but the exterior was mostly covered in scaffolding. This time, I was able to enjoy the exquisite architecture (inside and out) of the "White Dove of the Desert." When first viewed from the highway, it is like seeing one of those desert mirages near Joshua Tree - blazing white exterior rising up from a field near a major highway.
I spent a few hours exploring Madera Canyon - known to be a mecca for birders. Will definitely have to return here in spring and stay at one of the charming B&B's located in the Canyon. At Santa Rita Lodge, I was able to sit on a bench and watch the bird parade at their numerous feeders. In a short time, I added 4 "lifers" - Magnificent Hummingbird, Yellow-Eyed Junco, Inca Dove and Arizona Woodpecker. Wow!
On my way back north, I enjoyed several hours at the Tucson Botanical Garden. A small place, but lovely to explore its little nooks and specialty gardens. Their butterfly house held dozens of exotic species - but one had to endure the 95 degree temps and 98% humidity in order to see them. Just like New Orleans weather - how did I ever survive?
Ruby and I will be hitting the road one more time this year - Dec. 3-6 to Catalina State Park in Tucson. This will give me a chance to explore not only this beautiful park, but also the east side of Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon. And any place else I find...
I'm studying maps and guidebooks for next year, hoping to do more in southern Arizona. Including Willcox in January - where 20,000 Sandhill Cranes stop during their migration. The good news about that - it's only in one time zone (inside joke for my Nature Nerd pals).
The year is winding down, Thanksgiving is 3 days away. Can't seem to turn the calendar pages fast enough. If anyone needs a winter escape to sunny AZ - you're always welcome!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
