Cacti: they're surrounding me!

Still no sewing--but I have highlights from Tucson!

So, I was at the University of Arizona for a work trip.
Here's a prickly pear cactus at U of A:

Saguaros in U of A's Cactus Garden:

Decorative cacti:

There was a paved trail next to the hotel that is alongside the dry river bed that fills up when the monsoons happen in the summer. It was totally dry the entire time I was there. 40's at night but 70's in the day. Perfect.

Good night, sun!

Friday afternoon we were set free. A colleague of mine and I went to Sabino Canyon in his convertible.

A tram ride takes you into into the heart of the canyon. Ours was narrated by a guy who loves his job. It was a riot, and a good way to draw a line under the work for the week and mark the fun part of the trip.

I don't remember what this tree is called; but it is outnumbered by cacti:

I love this to demonstrate just how many cacti there were:

We disembarked at tram stop 9, I believe, and started our little hike up the canyon:

Looking into the canyon:

Look at how blue the sky was!


Unsuccessful at pushing this boulder over:

My hiking companion Ron and moi:

getting an idea of the vastness of this place:

Dinner that night was at Cafe Posa Cosa, at Meg's sister's recommendation. It was not your typical Mexican; very cool.

The next morning I said goodbye to Ron and his convertible and hello to a Yaris.

First I went back to Ghini's French Cafe, for some crepes and eggs. YUM.
Before:

After:

Then I hit the road and drove to Saguaro National Park East:

Pretty amazing, right???

I hiked the Loma Verde Loop, a 3.4 mile trail, by myself. I can't say that was a smart thing to do, but I made it back in one piece.

This was taken on the Pink Trail Spur, ~60 feet elevation. That strip of shade was all the shade that was out there.

Pretty amazing view.

Cactus close up:

And even closer:

And closer still (different cacti):
 
So many cacti:

When they die:

Sometimes cacti look like people (or maybe Gumby):

I was surprised by the life in the desert. I saw (and heard) birds, flies, kangaroo rats (which looked like chipmunks to me, scurrying across the road) and even encountered two women on two horses while on the trail. Also, this bee made friends with me:

Did I mention, so many cacti?


I hope to sew next weekend. Maybe even cut something out during the week. Maybe. Be well and good night!