Saguaro

Canceled July 27, 2012

Saguaro is the name of the odd, all-too-human shaped, giant cactus in the Sonoran Desert. It is the supreme symbol of the American Southwest. Saguaro National Park is separated into two regions.

In the West-Tucson Mountain district, we drove along the Scenic Bajada Loop Drive. We were astonished as we hiked The Valley View Overlook Trail. The tremendous amount of wildlife in such an arid environment was amazing. We heard the chirping and singing of countless birds that live in these whimsical plants.

Our lodging was adjacent to the East-Rincon Mountain District. Early the next morning, we took a long hike and were upset that we saw no wildlife. It was buggy, muggy and we were getting a little depressed. Just before our hike was over, all of a sudden on the trail path, laid a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.

Bill almost stepped on the snake, but he moved back. Alisa was terrified. She was wondering how we were going to get around the reptile. Luke and Winston were jubilant. It did not strike us. We walked around the snake and we unharmed. This motionless Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was one of the most memorable moments of any park.