We drove to the East half of the Saguaro National Park, again getting there before it opened. It was CROWDED with Guess they try to get it in before the heat of the day. We did a 1 miles hike out to a lime kiln ruin and a mile back, and saw just one sparrow and 2 small unidentified birds, possibly gray vireos. All in all we preferred the other half of the National park. We are very grateful for our seniors free pass to the parks too.
The mountains nearby were pretty, and the saguaro cactus varied. We learned to recognize a few types, including the fish hook cactus. We shall have to research if the Native Americans used the thorns this way. They dont get very tall – perhaps 4. We did spy at last a saguaro that had the fanned out tops, called fasciated.
So what else do we know about Saguaros. They sometimes have droopy arms because a frost has damaged the shoulder. It cant hold water, mushy, and droops. This side of the park must receive more rain,
The fruit of the saguaro is like a fig. The Oodham Indians ferment the fruit into an alcoholic drink consumed in dances that encourage the summer rains.
It must be quite something to see dry washes in this area fill up with rushing water in the raining season.
After the hike we were hot and hungry, even tho it was a much easier hike than 2 days ago. We stopped at a simple Mexican restaurant for quesadillas and taco salads and then stopped at Costco for gas ($4.15/gas was a good price and some dinners we will take to Portal AZ with us. It will not be as built up as this area so wed better be prepared.
After a bit of down time at the casita, we headed out to a nearby wetlands, probably part of the water reclamation, and it was wonderful. It was a bit dark so Davids photos didnt turn out all that great, but it was a cooler time of day, with a mild breeze, and it was
lovely to walk around and spy: mallards, coots, cinnamon teals, Northern Shovelers, teals, vermilion and many more. No new birds today tho, so off to Portal!!!!!
Miscellany – what we learned – Tucson holds the largest boneyard of discarded airplanes in the world. We drove past the area – rows and rows of planes, all looking in perfect condition.
We also finally got a lovely sunset – there havent been enough clouds in the sky for color until this evening. The sun sets early here because it rises so early too (they dont change their clocks to daylight savings).
