I am still taking it easy and relaxing after surgery last Friday, but I wanted to get outside since it is a nice spring-like Arizona day. I took my Canon SL1 up the hill behind the house and took some photos of “stuff” I could see up there.
Once you’re behind the retention walls out back, it is all natural desert. The vegetation and wildlife are typical of the Sonoran Desert. Other than having moved a hedgehog cactus to the lower lot, nothing up there is managed.
The three cacti pictured above are all located in the natural part of the lot. Left to right, they are Compass Cactus, Christmas Cactus and California Barrel Cactus. I don’t know (or can’t remember) the binomial botanical names for these three. Click on the images to enlarge.
Nice pix! You’re learning all about your native ecology, and we’re just getting started. The Senior Centers here in town have some excellent programs on the local flora and fauna, and we’re planning on taking some. Plus, CSU was originally the “Colorado Agricultural College”, and they have extensive resources for, surprise!, agriculture, ranching, and mining. The have a huge “Annual Flower Trial Garden” that’s just gorgeous after things start popping up in the spring!
Who knows, I may even get back on a horse after 35 years!
Never been to Ft Collins but Greely was one of my stops ferrying Aircraft. As you may know, many of our ancestors were in Colorado including my Dad and his siblings, his Mom and Dad and so on. We have been there many times and look forward to going again. Maybe hook up with you and get lessons from you on what you are going to learn.
Absolutely! If you guys get out here you’re welcome for as long as you want.