Finally Sunny at Thunderbird,

Early sunrise in the Sonoran Desert

Finally it was sunny when Dr. K, Becca and I went out for our morning trek in Thunderbird Park.  We made it there exactly at sunrise--the time the park opens in the morning.  It was a wonderful way to spend Christmas morning 2015,  desert trekking and greeting other hikers we encountered by returning their "Merry Christmas."  On this trip to Glendale, Arizona we got to see my nephew, who's a pilot for Southwest Airlines.  Haven't seen him in about four years.  Good spirits all around--many of the alcoholic variety.

Midsize Saguaro Cactus

Volcanic hills

Tall Saguaros

Multi-armed denizen of the desert

Growth stages in the lives of Saguaros

Little Barrel Cactus and Cholla

On the trail around the south perimeter

Dr. K and Becca

Saguaros on a ridgeline

Clones

Middle distance:  footbridge over the road

We three at a desert picnic table

Merry Christmas cactus

Ramada and mountain