Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Saguaro National Park

Tucson, Arizona - Sunny skies, high 72, low 41

Another beautiful day in paradise after a great night's sleep.  Very dark and quiet campground.

Believe this is a Phainopepla (he may be the only species to nest
in two regions in the same nest season)
Yesterday we went to a presentation from a Tohono O'odham Indian.  He and his ancestors are native to this land and he talked about respecting the desert.  He was an interesting fellow and explained how this land is sacred to his people because his people are buried here.  They believe that, after death, the soul returns in another form, maybe a Saguaro, rabbit, coyote, etc. and that's why all life must be treated with respect.

Denis' cough has returned, worse than ever, so he's taking an antibiotic.  He's wasn't up for a long hike today so we drove the Scenic Bajada Loop along the foothills of the Tucson Mountain District.  The loop brought us to Signal Hill Trail which is just a .5 climb to dozens of ancient petroglyphs more than 800 years old.

Petroglyphs

We spent some time soaking up some vitamin D and watching for wildlife at the campground.  It was a relaxed, very pleasant day.  Topped off the day with some grilled chicken, fried sweet potatoes with onion in coconut oil and fresh green beans for dinner.


This trail was built by the CCC and was a nice stroll

This Saguaro was different from the others

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5 comments:

  1. Jeannie and Eldy8:03 am, February 06, 2013

    Sorry to hear Denis has the "coughing crud". We've had it for over three weeks. We are better, but the cough lingers for both of us. I would have loved to have heard the talk from the native American. I love their beliefs about earth and respecting nature.

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    Replies
    1. Denis and Sandy Letendre11:34 pm, February 06, 2013

      He even gave us a little demonstration of their "grieving" song and dance.

      Delete
  2. our awesome travels8:36 am, February 06, 2013

    Another good day, hope Denis feels better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dennis and Donna8:42 am, February 08, 2013

    We stayed 2 months in Hickiwan Trails RV Park and were on the Tohono O'Odham reservation..Very interesting history they have...and their "circle of life" is amazing..Hickiwan was sold and isn't as nice as when we were there..so we hear...I had that "crud" when we headed South..took about a month to get rid of it...(I have a Denis too, but with 2 n's).

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    Replies
    1. Denis and Sandy Letendre12:08 pm, February 08, 2013

      I think our Native Indians have been and continue to be treated poorly by the government but I do enjoy hearing there stories and history. Yuma has the Cocopah and Quechan Tribe that I'm looking forward to learning about.
      Thank you for your comments.

      Delete

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