Dead Snake

We found this dead gopher snake on the side of the road yesterday in McDowell Mountain Park after a hike. In spite of its position it was dead. Ross kicked some pebbles at it and it didn't move. The strange thing is that there we no signs of trauma on the snake. We thought maybe it had been hit by a car but that would have left marks. Strange!

Chuckwalla

Seen while hiking Silly Mt. today.

Saguaros

They're in bloom now.

New Jobs

We're working part time at Quiznos
now. MMMMM - Toasty!

Gilbert Tea Party

Today we rode our bikes to the Gilbert Tea Party. They were expecting 2000 people and the organizers think more than that showed up. There were a lot of speeches by politicians, people running for office, political groups and the like. The main speaker was Sheriff Joe Arpiao, "Sheriff Joe." The whole thing lasted 2 hours. It was inspiring!

	Sheriff Joe Arpiao speaking at the Tea Party.
	Some of the extimated more than 2000 people at the Tea Party.
	Some say that people who are in the Tea Party movement are all "racist, right wing extremists." Here are 3 of them!

Gila Monster

Seen while hiking today in Usery Park.

Flowers In Bloom

On Merkle/Vista Trail today.

Flowers In Bloom

On Merkle/Vista Trail today.

Ocotillo In Bloom

On Merkle/Vista Trail today.

Hedgehog In Bloom

On Merkle/Vista Trail today.

Spring Training 2010

Critter

Chuckwalla we saw Monday at the top
of the Vista Trail in Usery Park.

Wildflowers

The wildflowers are in bloom here in
the Sonoran Desert. Not as many as
the last couple of years.

New Addition To Our Family

Emily Ann.

Yesterday's Hike Part 2

On our hike yesterday we went via a different route than we usually hike. This route took us long the south side of both of the cat peaks. On the smaller of the two peaks, on the south side, is a cave that used to be the home to a mountain lion (so we've been told.) Hence the name "cat peaks."

The cave's entrance is visible as a small black area just to the left of the top of the saguaro.

Yesterday's Hike

On the Cat Peaks Trail.

Which Way?

Which way is Phoenix?
(Zoom in on the white lettering on the
mountain in the background.)

Water Fowl

Great blue heron - in Scottsdale - in
the desert.

Peek A Boo

Erosion

Trail erosion on the Merkle Trail from
last night's heavy rain.
That's not standing water on the lower left side of the picture - it's my finger blocking part of the lens. OOPS!