Sagauro Sunsets

Phoenix in July.  I must have been crazy.  Temperatures hovered near 100+ as I shot this picture late in the evening.  The tall cactus that decorate Arizona, are unique; no two are alike. Saguaro, Cholla, Prickly Pear. The Suguaro pictured here was well over 20 feet tall.  They stand as sentries, dotting the desert floors and hills.  With the arrival of spring, the cactus don brilliant, elaborate pink, yellow, purple, red and green blooms.  What have these sentries witnessed throughout their steadfast posts?  Apache, Hopi, Yavapai, and many more Indians claimed this land as theirs.  From 1860-1865, the state was alive with Gold fever.  The cactus have etched a spot in Arizona's rich history, living up to 150 years.  At this time, they are also a protected species in the state's abundant plant life.  Last, but of critical importance, beware of the thorns!!