The end of March is upon us - man the time sure flies. Time to start wrapping things up here in Arizona and start heading home. It still gets a bit below zero at night back home so although I am anxious to start heading home, I am not in a hurry to get there before the warmer weather decides to stay.
Today, it is a bit windy and a bit overcast. I must head into town as I require an ink cartridge for the printer. End of the month budget meeting today!!!
I wanted to take the camera and capture some of the fauna and flora of the desert. Knowing John would not really appreciate this kind of outing, I chose to leave both him and the dog at the bus. The following pictures are from along the highway, various roadways, parking lots and the Hassayampa River Preserve. The Preserve is a desert oasis, complete with 100 year old palm trees, believed to have been planted at the time the area was a stagecoach stop.
For most of it's 100 mile course through the desert, the Hassayampa River flows underground. But, within the Preserve, it's crystal waters emerge, flowing above ground throughout the year. This area is home for some of the desert's most spectacular wildlife.
Self guided trails travel along lush river bottoms, across river flood plains, through majestic cottonwood-willow forest and dense mesquite bosques ( Spanish word for 'forest').
Trails along Palm Lake, the 4 acre spring fed pond and marsh habitat, highlight water fowl - uncommon in the desert as a major attraction. The Mesquite Meander Trail takes you through dense mesquite trees and past one of the area's oldest cottonwood trees. It was on this trail that I met my biggest fear - the diamond back rattlesnake!!! I heard him rattle and it was his movement along side the trail that caught my attention. He was coiling and getting ready to strike. He was so very still that once I backed up, out of his range, I had trouble finding him in the camera lens. Eventually I did and got several good shots of the nasty little creature. I threw some sticks at him and he eventually moved further off the trail and allowed me to pass. Needless to say I was a little jumpy after this encounter. Good thing I had a walking stick with me because it was this stick that I am sure caused the snake to rattle.
In the Preserve you can see up to 280 species of birds throughout the year either nesting or migrating along the riparian corridor.
I saw a few birds and a couple of lizards AND the rattlesnake on my walk. The lizards were pretty small and very quick. They were practically gone before I got a good look at them.
All in all, it was a wonderful day (except for the snake!!).
I finished up my shopping in town then headed home. I was a VERY short distance from the motorhome and what do you suppose I see on the road???? Another rattlesnake!!! Jesus, Mary and Joseph - how much can this prairie girl take in one day. I initially thought it was dead UNTIL I saw it's tongue flicking out of it's mouth!!! I definitely heard it rattle a warning and it took no time at all in taking a rather aggressive posture all the while continuing it's rattle. I didn't really want to drive over it despite the fact that it was being very cheeky so, I threw a stick at it to encourage the stupid thing to get off the road and I think I only made it mad!! Hard to believe, I know!! Two sticks and a big stone later, I won the battle and he moved off the road - all the time rattling his tail - maybe I should have ran the damn thing over!!! Time to get the hell out of Dodge!! Enjoy the photos - the flowers are lovely.
