Saguaro National Park

We took it easy yesterday and did some grocery shopping.  Kirk and I walked on the trail several times.  Our travelling companions, Teri and Louise,  got here on Saturday and are in the site beside us.

Today Teri and I went on a guided tour in Saguaro National Park with a Park Ranger.

Tallest Saguaro in photo is 102 years old

Ranger Bob and our group

This is a fairly lush portion of the park especially since it recently rained.

Empress Leilia (Asterocampa leilia)

Teddy Bear Cholla, Prickly Pear Cacti, Brittlebush

Exposed portion of Saguaro is very hard

Saguaro with weird growth pattern

They are currently researching why this particular area has lots of young Saguaro.

Gila Woodpecker nest in Saguaro

The ranger gave us a very informative one hour talk about desert plants and then left us to finish the rest of the trail on our own.

 Hedgehog Cacti

Red-gland spurge

Mesquite shrub and Barrel cactus

Desert Globemallow

Wet area in arroyo

Back in air conditioning!