If you have seen enough cactus and dirt pictures, I get it. But that is what we have here.
Mike had surgery on his face for skin cancer and was in the process of healing. We wanted to get out in the fresh air and thought an easy hike would be a good idea. Sunrise Mountain wasn't a stroll but uphill.
The wind was a little unruly at times but felt good keeping us cool.
We have been learning about the geology of the area and how the mountains were formed here. Volcanos, moving plates and continental shifting over time changed the shape of the Sonoran Desert.
A long trek down to the parking lot way down there. You can see the cones of dormant volcanos in the distance.
We had never been to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum and decided to take the tour that was starting as we arrived. The volunteer was very knowledgeable and taught us much.
We came across this hummingbird nest as we were walking.
You can see the entrance on the side of the nest.
It was an easy 1 1/2 mile walk though the many different plants of deserts from around the world.
Queen Creek that Mr. Thompson would visit everyday.
Boyce Thompson's home overlooking Queen Creek to the southwest and the copper mines he owned to the northeast.
Desert pupfish and Gila topminnow are protected in Ayer Lake surrounded by some interesting volcanic rock.
There are many classes and educational opportunities offered throughout the year that would be great to attend. I find that I get much more out of experiences when a good docent is there to tell a good story.
Music by flute, didgeridoo, guzheng under the fall colors of the Chinese Pistachio trees made for a nice way to spend our day.
