AN ARIZONA DUST STORM AND IT'S RAMIFICATIONS

TUESDAY, October 29, 2013 dawned bright and sunny here in Arizona City, but little did I know.  I started out to accompany a friend to the VA hospital in Tucsan for a procedure.

On the way down which was a trip of about 50 miles we encountered blowing dust.  OK!!!  I had been warned that they can be nasty so was on the alert.

 As we entered the main body of the dust storm visibility seemed to shrink to just a few feet.  Traffic came to a stand still and then started creeping along slowly.  As we moved along the traffic seemed to split to the two outside lanes.  As we approached the back of a 18 wheeler which was stopped we could not see the front of it until we came up almost to the back of the cab of the truck.  When that came into view we could see that the truck had literally plowed into the back of another 18 wheeler crushing the cab almost back to the windshield.   Amazingly they were the  only two vehicles involved in this accident.

I didn't get many pictures of the facility, but I was totally amazed that it is so clean and new looking.  Coming from New England many of the VA Hospitals are old and look outdated.  Many that I have been to have the same design which I assume is pretty standard for the government of the time they were built. One totally amazing thing I saw was the fact that the parking area we were in was covered in rows which seems so nice for this environment. We proceeded on to the appointment which was quick.  I then got registered with this facility and also got my flu shot while I was here.  Not sure if it is this years vaccine or the skill of the nurse but it was no where near as uncomfortable as those of previous years.  Even a day later I have no soreness in the arm.  I was told it would be a nightmare to use this facility, but that is not the case.  They pulled my information from the central data base and it was quick and painless.  The date of my intended departure was put in the system so I like many others are temporary at least for now.  Snowbird is the name for those of us who migrate south in the winter and I am still getting used to being in this classification.  But I can tell you so far I am in no way regretting my decision to retire and live life outside instead of hibernating for the winter months.

We decided to to go check out Old Tucsan and the Desert Museum.  On the ride out to the area I was totally taken with just the vista as we came through Gates Pass.  We stopped and of course the camera came out.  As we were on the road into the Saguaro National Forest the sentinels of the desert were everywhere.  It is truly a national treasure that needs to be protected for the future generations to come.  It is amazing how long they survive in this arid climate.  Just looking at the height of some of them and the number of branches the inquisitive thought process kicked in and off I went on the search for more information.  The correct pronunciation of SAGUARO,  Se' warou,  the G being totally silent and the U pronounced as a w.  And as usual rather than spout facts and figures I leave you with a link to go check out.  Saguaro Cactus 

It was late afternoon by the time we got out there and the Desert Museum was closed and Old Tucsan is only open on weekend so we just enjoyed the ride and scenery.

During this time we got word that there has been a massive accident on I10 with several  dead and the interstate 10 was closed.  It being the only way we knew to get back to Arizona City we had no choice but to set in traffic.  Checking news on iphone and radio we heard that the accident was a chain reaction  caused by the dust storm between 12 and 1 PM.  What should have been a short 1 hour drive back turned into 5 1/2 hours.  Poor Duncan must have thought we were never going to return.   I kept thinking about what I had been told and when the suggestion was put out that we find back roads I said emphatically NO.  I had no desire to become a statistic of the lost in the desert.  Even those who know their way around out there respect the danger of getting lost.  Not me!!!!  Even though the wait was long at least we arrived home alive and not one of those who died that day.  I said prayers for those families who lost loved ones that day because of natures unpredictability.

This was our view for those long hours and my imagination took over.  Where was he going to ride, where had he been, how much fun it would be to go cruising in the desert in one of these dune buggies.  The visual was much more fun that what I was actually seeing at the time.  

During the time I was getting ready to start out on this journey I was learning all I could about this area.  One of the tidbits I did learn is there are many wild horses in the area so every time I venture out I am on the lookout for them.  Just haven't been in the right spot yet.  Maybe before life takes me in the next direction I will see some.  

Home finally came into view at 11PM.  Tomorrow it is back to the VA for the second procedure for my friend so am designated drive for another day.  Not sure where the day will take us but we are taking advantage of the need to go south to also see some of the sights in the area..

REMEMBER!!!!!!

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

HOW GOOD LIFE IS AND THAT IT CAN END ALL TO QUICKLY!!!

Until next time.....

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2013 BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM

On the way back from the mountains a stop was made at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  To see so many of the different species of cactus as well as many of the plants from other states and countries that can survive in the arid desert environment was really interesting.  I won't even begin to remember the names of plants.  The trail through the exhibit was wandering and beautiful.  The main trail is a mile and a half, but as we got there late we only went through about half of it to Ayer Lake at the far right of the map.

 The above is just one of many beds done to showcase a variety of plants.  Below you will see some of the more unusual ones and also some that are blooming right now.

 The cactus seem to find even the smallest amount of soil to thrive in.

 The rock formation in the above picture really caught my eye the way it was framed by the other foliage around it.

The iridescent blue on this butterfly was so amazing I chased him around in the camera lens for awhile before I was able to get it in the sun to showcase the color.  These butterflies were all over this shrub and we heard many hummingbirds, but I was unable to get one in a shot.  I did see a tile that showed a picture of a broad-billed hummingbird and would have loved to see one. I did see a picture of one from Birds and Blooms identification guide, but was not sure I should use it here, but you can check it out if you like by just hitting the link Birds and Blooms Broad-billed Hummingbird  The hummingbirds I have seen in New England have been limited to the Ruby Throat Green ones so I am hoping I will be able to see more species of this bird while I am here.

 The Saguaro are like sentinels of the desert with their many arms, some having stood for a hundred years or more.  They are all around the arboretum, but cover the surrounding area as well.  We had seen them throughout the day until we drove through the tunnel and then into another environment where the cactus seemed to disappear from the landscape.

 Even the bugs have found the cactus to be of use to them.  We also saw several bird nests tucked into the branches of cactus as well.  This beetle was at least 1 1/2 inches long.  Have no idea what it is, but the size was enough to get his picture on here.

As we came back into the valley the sun started to set, this is the first one I have caught on camera and wish the telephone poles has not been in view, but for a first one I didn't care.

The way the sun just slid behind the mountain was just gorgeous.

I found the following today and it just spoke to me.  I think, no I know, that this is what life should be and it is how I want to live it. 

Yes I am ready:
Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

 

 For he who goes into the Valley of Fire may the road be all you want it to be!!!

 REMEMBER HOW GOOD LIFE IS AND HOW QUICKLY IT CAN END!!!

Until Next time......

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26,2013 HEADED NE OF PHOENIX TO GLOBE, AZ

Today found my heading NE of Phoenix to Tonto National Forest and one of the scenic rides in the Arizona Tour Guide.  Initially I thought the road would lead another direction but as life does we find we don't always have control over life and what it brings us.  It was a beautiful ride and I was able to get a lot of pictures up through the mountains.  The elevation went from the desert floor to about 4900 feet.  The day was beautiful and I even saw some fall foliage along the road.

For those who wonder at the haze seen in the distance.  In the east it means humidity, here in the west it is dust.  As we moved into the mountains the beauty came through more and more.

Chimney rocks stacked on top of each other.  How do they withstand the wind.

It was breezy at about 4800 ft.

Can you imagine trying to keep your footing on a slope like this. 

Headed up to the Queen Creek Tunnel

This tunnel was built in 1932 so has been around awhile.  While not a long one is still pretty impressive.

Valley below the tunnel.  The road we traveled is just above the railing  on the left.

We continued to drive as far as Globe, AZ and stopped to look around town a bit before heading back the way we came.  It is a quaint town with many shops and restaurants. 

 On the way back we stopped at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, but will save that stop for the next post as it will be pretty picture intensive as well.

I would also like to add that comments are always welcome so let me know what you think.

REMEMBER HOW GOOD LIFE IS AND HOW QUICK IT CAN END.

Until next time.......