I was fortunate to go to Saguaro National Park yesterday – a beautiful place just northwest of Tucson where the saguaro cactus sprout seemingly everywhere. It was beautiful, but sad. Sad in that it was a Saturday, we were one of two groups in the visitor center and when we returned to the park later in the day to do the highly touted sunset loop (which I’ve done twice before, once 20 years ago, the other time 12 years ago), we were the only one on the entire road save for one other vehicle. On a Saturday. In a national park.
It’s no wonder these parks are in trouble! Luckily my girlfriend did her part and paid the $80 for an annual NP park. It’s up to us to support these gems because the government certainly can’t.
Perhaps it was the heat (which admittedly I succumbed to like no way I ever have in my life – my face was purple from just being outside a couple minutes; I was extremely nauseous and had a pounding headache. I was beyond hot. I was feeling ill). Luckily once I got in a cool place, I was feeling much better. But hoo-wee, that heat is nasty!
We did get a moment to visit Mission San Xavier del bac – a Spanish-style white church that pops out of the dessert floor and a place I’ve once visited before (and wanted to share with my girlfriend).
We both share a love of old architecture and an appreciation of religious icons (though neither of us are religious) so this was the perfect place to satisfy both!
We then made our way into downtown Tucson for dinner at the suggestion of a friend who once lived there.
We made our way back to the park for our sunset loop before the 2 hour drive back through lightning and a light dust storm to Phoenix. It was one heck of a scenic day.
Today we head to Sedona *fingers crossed it’s cooler* Meanwhile David is texting me about how cool it is at the house (in the 50′s). Though there are charming (?) elements to the desert, you’ll never catch me living here!! I like the cold, thank you very much!
Hope you’re all having a great weekend (and that those of you on the East Coast are staying safe!)
Hi Jennifer, You were just a couple miles by trail from where I grew up. I love that desert.
OMG Jenn….these pics are AMAZING! LOVE that Church. Can’t wait to go to Santa Fe!!!!!
I’m sure the heat has something to do with the lack of attendance, but also to many, I suspect, a “cactus park” doesn’t sound very exciting. I like the black and white shot.
@ Katy, I didn’t know you grew up near Tucson!
@ Nancy, I know, you’ll find some similar scenery!
@ Rayme, yeah, cactus probably don’t make others skirts fly up, but I’m a sucker for nature and things you don’t normally see in your area