Thunderbird Redux

Dr. K, Becca and I made a return to Thunderbird Conservation Park this morning for a 90-minute hike.  We got a little later start so it was a bit more crowded, but not unusually so.  We've seen it more packed in the past.  And, after all, this was Christmas Eve Sunday, so many outdoor enthusiasts more pious than us were undoubtedly in church.  The weather was much more pleasant, warmer and sunnier.  In fact, we had to peel off layers of clothing to stay cool.  Welcome to the Sonoran Desert in late December.

Large Cholla in sunlight

Palo Verde trees

Becca and Dr. K

Saguaro clones?

Palo Verde trees on a hill

Trail marker

Saguaro on a hill

Sign for humans and canines

Hedgehog Cactus

Another Hedgehog

Small Saguaro (maybe 10 years old) and older neighbors

Up a draw

Huge Saguraro

Saguaros up a canyon

Saguaro elephant

Cactus Wren on top of a Saguaro

Many arms

Near the trailhead

Young adult