Originally posted April 14, 2008
Craving a little warmth as the snow falls steadily outside my window…
There was so much to see that it took a moment for me to realize there was nothing to hear. It was silent. And then a warm breeze rustled the leaves of the aptly named brittle bush and there was sound in the Sonoran Desert…
Can You Hear It...? (South Mountain Park; Phoenix, Arizona) [ 1:49 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Can You Hear It...? (South Mountain Park; Phoenix, Arizona) [ 1:49 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
With a bottle of water and serious slathering of sunscreen, I was primed to explore the desert area of South Mountain Park in Phoenix, Arizona last month. The choice I wobbled over was whether to photograph it or run it.
I love to run in new-to-me beautiful places. I also love capturing those places frame by frame through a
camera lens. Fitness or photography? On vacation, I had the luxury of choosing both. I took my camera the first afternoon and then enjoyed a truly lovely run the next morning; reminding myself each time I caught a spectacular view (without a camera) that I’d had my chance the day before.
South Mountain Park preserves 16,000 acres of Sonoran Desert. Three mountain ranges stretch diagonally across the park, creating a challenging playground for mountain bikers and hikers and “home” for some fascinating desert critters. I spotted the orange tail of a chuckwalla, several geckos, California jackrabbits, cactus wrens, quail, hawks and hummingbirds along the Pima Loop trails. No javelinas or rattlesnakes. Maybe next time…
I used inordinate caution over the loose rocks that scattered most of the steeper grades in grudging accommodation of my surgically-enhanced ankle. But the sandy trails below made for a wonderfully cushioned run… I kept thinking that I should turn around but had a hard time following through that second morning. It was forty-five minutes of pure exhilaration with a water break at the half-way point. I was in no hurry to finish, which made it a good run and a great vacation.
More Arizona adventures to come…
I’m amazed at the detail you remember. Do you write it all as you go along? Another lovely post.
I have the same problem when I’m on a bicycle. You’d think that one old school house looks like the next but they’re all a little different. Barns too. Bridges … creeks … livestock.
I normally stop every 10 miles or so and take a few shots. I normally need a little water by then anyway.
(As always, nice pics.)
Jean-Luc,
I have a great mind for trivial details (that leaves it sadly “filled-up” when it’s time to remember which kid last held my car keys or what day of what month it might be). But, I do like to journal as I travel and started that habit as a kid on my way to Alaska…
Delmer,
The nice thing about biking is that you retain the photography option. Is the Mighty Schwinn ready for spring riding??
Gorgeous photos and post!!! I especially love the cactus flower photo with the vivid color and beautiful lines.
You know how to have a good time.
Hugs, JJ
Another lovely and great photos, thanks sharing.. I enjoy your reading your travel experiences.
That is a Great Shot!!
) Peace*
JJ,
I had SO much fun wandering with my camera! And yes, the cacti are remarkable… If I lived in the southwest, would I be similarly impressed with dandelions and clover?
Thanks LAND PROJECTS UK! It’s such a big wonderful world. My 91-year old grandma still travels; hoping that I have many many years of exploration left…
Thanks BILLYWARHOL,
I WORKED for that shot. And I’m not a “yellow” person…
Having lived in Arizona I am not a big fan of it, in fact I refer to it as the 3 years of my life I will never get back. But reading your post makes it sound so beautiful and wonderful and I guess if you are on vacation and passing through the desert it is a very serence place.
But the reason it is so quiet is because it is so darn hot and everything is practically dead. LOL
You captured its, although it be lost on me, beauty
Debo,
I hear that response a lot from the residents who have to endure those sweltering summers! I can’t pretend I’d want to live there in August, but I do appreciate the desert scenery in the spring.
Sigh. These pix are too vivid with the snow and cold pouring down outside. I don’t usually start my “longing for warm weather” posts until February but I’m really feeling it now.
Fly GIrl: About now I find a definite need to supplement outdoor time with some indoor gardens and museums. The chill definitely permeates by February! Might be good to reset the body thermostat with a get away to somewhere sunny and warm…