December 30, 2018, A nice hike up to an overlook at Picacho State Park, AZ.

Temperatures have been in the low 50’s and high 40’s with overnight lows in the high 20’s. Last night it rained and we woke this morning to low hanging clouds below the snow-covered peaks. The sun finally came out and it tuned out to be a nice day with a high of 48.

Our hike on the 30th was very nice. We took a trail that was “training” for us in hopes of climbing to the top of Picacho Peak. Don’t know if we will make it, but it will be fun and interesting trying. Thursday is the day!

I don’t know why, but the fallen skeleton of these giant Saguaro Cactus fascinate me. Interesting fact sheet on the Saguaro Cactus can be found here:  https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Saguaro%20Cactus.php

Just a couple from the fact sheet: simply amazing!

Life Span-With the right growing conditions, it is estimated that saguaros can live to be as much as 150-200 years old.

Size-Saguaro are very slow growing cactus. A 10 year old plant might only be 1.5 inches tall. Saguaro can grow to be between 40-60 feet tall (12-18m). When rain is plentiful and the saguaro is fully hydrated it can weigh between 3200-4800 pounds.

Yesterday, the 31st, I spent some time trying to capture a few bird shots at the motorhome. I don’t like to take photos of birds at the feeder, but with no trees around I had no choice.

This male Anna’s, spent so much time watching for other hummingbirds. It is comical to watch.

I would like to wish everyone a very healthy, happy, loving, and adventurous, new year. Enjoy what nature has to offer.