Day 45–Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona

Once again we opted to hang around and take in the sun and cloudless skies. We will be heading back in the direction of home tomorrow so are trying to get as much of the good weather as possible.

I have been able to kick back and read  three books and Ron has been honing his skills on the Kindle Fire. He was even able to download his favorite songs on Pandora. Go Ron!!!

Later in the day we decided to take a ride back to the Saguaro National Park and drive the loop road. Since we are in Cactus country we weren’t sure what, if anything different, the loop road would provide. This is the same loop road we opted out of  a couple of days ago because we had just washed the car. Today was different because the  rain we got  yesterday dirtied  the car enough that we didn’t care.

      

Saguaro Cactus Facts

“Saguaros are some of the most recognizable cactuses as they were featured in many western movies and their distinct shape makes them easy to recognize. Here are some interesting facts about the saguaro that you may have not known.

• Saguaros grow naturally only in a small part of Arizona, in the Sonoran Desert.
• The saguaro is the largest cactus in the world.
• Although the saguaros are awe-inspiring, they've also got a mean streak, according to local lore. A Phoenix man must have been having a bad day when he pulled into his driveway, brushed past the saguaro in his front yard and went into his house for his gun. He took his frustration out on the plant, using it as target practice as he emptied the bullet chamber. In a last bit of self-defense, the saguaro toppled over on top of him, crushing him under the weight of the tons of water stored in its branches.
• It is estimated that saguaros can live on average 150-200 years. The record is held by a giant saguaro with 50 arms found at the Saguaro National Monument.
• The flower of the cactus is Arizona’s state flower.
• The stem of the saguaro measures between 18 and 24 inches.
• The saguaro cactus will have holes cut out by birds. These holes were used by native Americans as water containers.
• The saguaro’s roots are just 4-6 inch deep. There is only one root that goes under the ground 2 feet deep.
• The cactus’s arm grows only when it is 70 years old.
• The saguaro flower has one of the most powerful fragrances. The flowers only open up at night and it closes during the day.
• The flowers appear on the saguaro when the cactus is 35 years old.
• The cactus is considered adult when it is 125 years only.
• The saguaro is one of the heaviest plants. Because it consists of water mainly, an adult saguaro can weigh up to 8 tons. “ (Taken from the web)
• These cacti are truly awe- inspiring.

Back at the MH we had dinner and settled in for he night. We will be back on the road again in the morning. Our plan, if it works out, is to get a CG in the  Sedona area and take the  four hour Verde Canyon Rail trip. Hopefully we can get a reservation.