Today we are heading back to Gallup. This afternoon Tim and Garrett were putting more DEF in the truck for our trip home. He sure loves to help his Dad!!
Phew, it's a hot one out there!!
All ready to hit the road!!
Getting on the 101 in Phoenix and then going through Scottsdale. Scottsdale is one of the prettiest cities!!
We decided to stop for Dinner in Scottsdale at Munich Gyros. Yummy!!
We finally got on the road about 7 pm. A little later than what we originally wanted to.....but you go with the flow!! Our drive is so scenic when we go the back way. One of my favorites.....the saguaro cactus!! Here are some fun facts.
The saguaro cactus is one of the defining plants of the Sonoran Desert. These plants are large, tree-like that develop branches (or arms) as they age, although some never grow arms. These arms generally bend upward and can number over 25. With the right growing conditions, it is estimated that saguaros can live to be as much as 150-200 years old. 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. When rain is plentiful and the saguaro is fully hydrated it can weigh between 3200-4800 pounds. Most of the saguaros roots are only 4-6 inches deep and radiate out as far from the plant as it is tall. There is one deep root, or tap root that extends down into the ground more than 2 feet. After the saguaro dies its woody ribs can be used to build roofs, fences, and parts of furniture. The holes that birds nested in or "saguaro boots" can be found among the dead saguaros. Native Americans used these as water containers long before the canteen was available. The only two states these cacti can be found are Arizona and California.
The saguaro cactus is one of the defining plants of the Sonoran Desert. These plants are large, tree-like that develop branches (or arms) as they age, although some never grow arms. These arms generally bend upward and can number over 25. With the right growing conditions, it is estimated that saguaros can live to be as much as 150-200 years old. 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. When rain is plentiful and the saguaro is fully hydrated it can weigh between 3200-4800 pounds. Most of the saguaros roots are only 4-6 inches deep and radiate out as far from the plant as it is tall. There is one deep root, or tap root that extends down into the ground more than 2 feet. After the saguaro dies its woody ribs can be used to build roofs, fences, and parts of furniture. The holes that birds nested in or "saguaro boots" can be found among the dead saguaros. Native Americans used these as water containers long before the canteen was available. The only two states these cacti can be found are Arizona and California.
This drive is one of the most beautiful drives!! This time I was driving and Tim was taking pictures. So much beauty in this great country of ours!! It truly can take your breath away......
Signs everywhere warning of the potential of wildfires as well as your vehicle overheating. It's so dry here, they are in a 50 year drought and need rain so badly!!
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Wildlife signs everywhere.....from Elk, to just animals in general. You definitely have to keep your eyes open.....
Then not long after we saw our Elk!! These creatures are magnificent and so beautiful!!
A little further up the road they actually have an Elk Crossing area. We have yet to see any in this area.
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One more stop to take the picture below and then it was time to put the camera away!!
Tim finally took over driving right after this picture and he saw another Elk after it was completely dark. Yikes......
I do have to say that nighttime in the desert is a great time to really view the night sky. So many stars!! We finally got home about 12:00 midnight and we unloaded and came in and hit the sack. It was a great time spent with family and we are so thankful that we get to travel like we do!!
I do have to say that nighttime in the desert is a great time to really view the night sky. So many stars!! We finally got home about 12:00 midnight and we unloaded and came in and hit the sack. It was a great time spent with family and we are so thankful that we get to travel like we do!!