Sometimes life is about taking advantage of unexpected changes in plans. We knew that sometime this month, Dusty would be flying to Georgia for a job interview, but we just didn't know when. Last week we got notification that his possible future employer wanted him there in five days. Five days put us in Flagstaff, Arizona, so that meant he would have to fly out of Phoenix. Fortunately we were able to shift some dates around with other campgrounds so we didn't lose any time sightseeing in Flagstaff. Then there was the question about what to do with his flight schedule. The two hour drive to Phoenix meant that it was best to stay a night in a hotel so we could get him to the airport in time the next morning. But spending 8 hours traveling the same roads to drop him off and pick him up didn't sound too enticing. We decided that if we could just travel two more hours south to Tucson, the kids and I could mark one more National Park off our list. Onward: To Saguaro National Park!
There are two sections of Saguaro National Park, an east and west, with the city of Tucson sprawled out all around. It was actually kind of bizarre to be in a scenic national park surrounded by city. We arrived to the eastern Rincon Visitors Center just ten minutes before the two hour guided ranger tour around the 8 mile loop road began. We caravanned around to a few major stops and listened while the Ranger discussed the park and the importance of maintaining balance in the ecosystem. We learned:
I'm in enamoured by the flora of the Sonoran Desert. The saguaros are cool, no doubt about it, but I'm also impressed by the Palo Verde tree, which has adapted to have green limbs (with chlorophyll) so it can photosynthesize with its bark. Similarly, the Ocatillo is a succulent with multiple long, straight stems that reach ten feet in the sky. It grows leaves approximately three times a year (after monsoon rains), then drops them during dry periods to conserve energy, while it's green stems help produce food from sunlight. In the spring, the ocotillo grow flame orange blossoms on their tips, giving them the name "candlewood." We hadn't planned on coming this far south, but seeing the Saguaros was a fun surprise that came with the change in plans. The kids and I will be spending two nights at the Embassy Suites in Tucson while we wait to pick up Daddy. We're very thankful for Hilton Honors points, made to order breakfasts, high pressure showers, and a little more room to spread out in. I have to say though, after two nights gone, I'm already missing our little RV home. We're looking forward to getting back to adventures in Flagstaff and surrounds. Toss us your recommendations if you have any suggestions for things to do!
1 Comment
Mabel brunton
10/11/2022 09:17:18 pm
No recmmendations as I have no knowlege of the area . Just enjoy your experiences.I have a Good friend who lives in Apache Junction.
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