Tubac & Saguaro National Park - East

Mike and Nancy took us to Tubac, which is a community

 20 miles south of Green Valley. Tubac is known as an 

art destination with an eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, 

and restaurants. If you are in the Tucson area it is 

a fun place to go.

An overcast day is perfect for a hike. 

 It is very early for this Brittlebush to be in bloom.  

We found these twin Saguaro cactus along the trail. 

Can you see the cactus condominium?

Gilda Flickers and Gila Woodpeckers carefully carve nest
 in the cactus because it is cool inside. Over the years many
birds and owls will call it home.

Scott climbing on Javelina rock.

If you look at a desert and think there is nothing living there, 

take a closer look at this gorgeous ceramic relief which

 is outside of the visitor's center.

This Saguaro is 100 years old. 

The first arms start growing around 60 years of age 

and about 16 feet tall. They can live to be over 150 years!

Jojoba shrub. 

I can hardly wait for the desert to start blooming!

We are really enjoying Green Valley and the 

friendly people. About 30 of us from the park 

met at Manuel's Mexican Restaurant, which is a short 

walk from here. There are a mix of couples, singles, 

those who stay just for the winter and some who live 

here year-round. We attended the Bible study group that 

meets in the clubhouse on Wednesday night and 

watched God's Not Dead 2. Several people have invited

 us over to play games and go out for dinner. 

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, 

always bring your own sunshine."

Anthony J. D' Angelo