Wednesday Chris’ sister Julie joined us after making it safely through the crazy windy and rainy weather (Arizona got snow on the mountains, but only rain and high winds here in the valley).. She was game for a bit of adventure so we went over to the Saguaro National Park which is very close to where we’re staying. It’s a magical place with miles of the majestic saguaros and other cacti and desert plants.
These giants can live to be 150 years old and don’t sprout their first side arms at about 75-100 years old. They have a small taproot, but t sends out roots in every direction absorbing what water is available. The cactus itself can expand and store the water and then contract as it’s used. We didn’t see any of the birds who make their homes inside the Saguaros, but here’s a picture of one I cribbed from the National Geographic:
And some pictures of our walk around the area near the Visitor Center
