We're in the Gilbert Ray campground, which is part of Tucson Mountain Park, west of Tucson. TMP once included what is now the western portion of Saguaro Nat'l Park. In the mid-60s, a portion of TMP was spun off and declared a national monument (later upgraded to NP status) to protect it from proposed mining operations. Would have been a darn shame to ruin this beautiful area by mining.
The pix of TMP speak for themselves, and elegant prose it is. There are thousands of towering saguaros plus ocotillo, barrel cactus, mesquite, cholla, prickly pear and many more. It's the Sonoran Desert at its finest. We stayed here 4 years ago and are delighted to be back - and to share it with Doug & Jan, who are in the campsite adjacent to ours. We head back to LHC tomorrow AM.
This interesting specimen is just a few steps away from our campsite.
Cholla, prickly pear and EDGE.
The sticks, both on the ground and upright, are saguaro bones. That's what's left when they die and dry up.
Fish hook barrel cactus. They get about 5' tall and often grow in a swirl pattern.
Here's a huge saguaro that died more recently than did the one two frames back. Much of the flesh is still there. You can see the 'bones' near the base.
The best of friends, saguaro and palo verde are often seen together, sometimes totally wrapped up in each other.
Sundown at the park. Say goodnight, Dick.
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