Superstition Mountains, Arizona

Snowbirds (read geezers from the north) come to Arizona to get warm and avoid the tiresome snow, rain, wind and ice as winter grinds on. When they get to Arizona they expect a little heat but when first we arrived at Lost Dutchman State Park east of Phoenix, we could see the recent snow still on the Superstition Mountains above camp and we heard about it from everyone that had the three inch snow before we got there! There's been no snow at our home this year, so I guess we aren't snowbirds.

This first photo shows how fast desert plants responds to moisture. Snow is still on the ground and the green blush of new growth is taking over. There might have been snow, but it was more like spring than deep winter that resulted.

A visit to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum provided insight to the value of year-round running water in the desert. This little canyon became a show place of Arizona plants under the guidance of Thompson before it was turned into a state treasure with desert plants from throughout the state, southwest and further afield. It's being used for research and education and provides a great field trip for all of us. The remaining house at the top of the canyon suggests an opulence desired by Mr. Thompson as well as his grand selection of the best view for his arboretum. As he was disabled soon after the house was built, the entire area was made wheel-chair friendly before most public parks and that makes the park so accessible today.

Trails wind through the canyon and well trained docents pointed out the wide variety of plants and stop at strategic viewing points.

Back out at the Lost Dutchman we made use of the trails along with the many locals who come out for the exercise. You can challenge the craggy points in there or stay to the foothills in your meandering. My favorite hiking and birding buddy here is at the intersection requiring a decision.

Every western documentary requires a horseman by the saguaro, probably headed out to look for that lost gold.

While the early gold and silver mining is romanticized in Gold Field, the touristy village across the road from us, latter day mining is
quite devastating as depicted in Edward Abbey's book The Journey Home. Mines are opened, millions of dollars earned from extraction and a miracle happens, the mining company is bankrupt and is unable to pay for restoration they agreed to upon the outset. While we all benefit as consumers of products based on mining, we also suffer from the shell game going on when it comes to our environment.

These last couple of photos take us back to canyon country just because I like the photos!