While all around the Rocky Mountains, the change of season has the colors in full bursts, a recent trip to Nevada had us stopping in the Virgin River Gorge on the border of Utah and the tip of Arizona, along I 15. A mild, even balmy 75 degrees gave bursts to the beautiful cactus that call this area of desert home. While some may be zipping through the Gorge on their way to the city of lights & casinos, we could have easily spent our entire weekend exploring the continuous beauty of the desert and slow moving Virgin River as it carves its way through the canyon.
Taken by my wife, Ann, with a point & shoot Canon, our faithful dog Molly was so content the day this was shot. A St. Bernard/Collie mix, Molly was never one to shy away from adventure. What is it about dogs and open windows? Is it the utopia of scent passing through their nostrils? Or, perhaps it is the wild dog genetic trait of their ancestors rising up from deep within, with imagination and dreams of past lives? Molly lived a life full of frolicking, chasing birds, rabbits and even our 2 children, when they were youngsters. She took many, many road trips to marvelous destinations. On this day, as we cruised 89A in Arizona, Molly allowed the crisp breeze to fly through her mane, and we are left to wonder about the mystery. We miss you!
City light, city bright. Schisms between hot urban concrete and desert sands are evident in the "Valley of the Sun". The inferno though, offers no division - 115 degrees feels the same, no matter your location. Giant Palm trees can be found lining city streets, offering shade for the concrete jungle. You might think you're in hell once a wave of desert heat hits your face, but to desert rats, Phoenix, and it's surrounding geography, nothing is laconic. The desert surrounds you, and within the scorching amphitheater, you are apt to find an abundance of swimming pools, water fountains, golf courses and sweat. Camelback Mountain,(2704 elevation) rises to the north of downtown Phoenix and Mount Suppoa,(2690 elevation) rises to the south. While Camelback offers the adventurous hiker brilliant red rock trails, South Mountain is home to copious groves of cacti. Enormous Haboobs tear through the landscapes, leaving a crust of sand on everything it touches. In late June through August, the monsoonal rains offer respite and the parched earth is soaked with moisture. While some might consider the heat of Phoenix akin to Dante and his inferno, in reality, the city and surrounding areas are alive with a multitude of flora, fauna and fantastic desert life.
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!!
