Today we took the Ajo Mountain Tour run by the Park. We could have done this on our own but it was nice to have an interpreter there to tell us about things along the way. So here goes:
This is the spines left after a Saguaro dies – it was and still used by the native peoples to build houses, etc.
An unusual organ pipe:
Another unusual organ pipe. Our guide told us this may have been caused by periods of moisture and periods of drought:
This is the jojoba plant. The sides of its leaves face the sun (rather than the top of the leaf) to prevent moisture loss. The plants produce nuts which have long been used as a medicine by local Indian people. Today the plant is grown commercially for the oil which is used in many cosmetics.
And how about this arch. This arch in Arch Canyon was formed by the freezing and thawing of water and the carving force of wind. The arch is 36’ high, 90’ wide, and over 720’ from the road.
And the flowers are starting to bloom. These are Mexican poppies:
Notice the light strip in the mountain. This is made from tuff which is compressed volcanic ash spewed out in volcanic explosions. This band is more than 30 feet thick. Now think about this – Imagine how much ash fell to have it compressed to 30 feet. WOW!!
Unusual Saguaros – notice the arms:
Just nice pictures:
And my favorites:
What a great tour and we learned so much more about the desert and how the plants and environment was and is used by earlier settlers/native peoples as well as the animals.
And tonight’s ranger program was on the stars and the night sky in the desert… oh my!
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