Preview- Desert Wildflower Bloom

Today's Weather Report- Rain 80%, Winds 20-30 mph gusting to 50 mph, hail, thunder and lightning. No hiking this weekend along with myself being under the weather. With all the rain we've had so far we're expecting a huge Desert bloom in a couple of weeks. The pictures Shown here are from March '08 when we had a moderate amount of rain so we are expecting the hills to be covered in yellow and gold. This hike that Sheri, Taylor and myself took was the 7.5 mile loop in Usery Mountain Park, oh yes, Thunder and Storm came along too!
This is the Northern slope of Pass Mountain Trail.
Thunder and Storm taking the lead on the trail.
The Southern portion of the trail.
Eastern side of Pass Mountain.
Sheri taking a break.
Taylor checking out the flowers. We determined we were about a week early prior to full bloom but it was still awesome.
Up close.
My Bouldering and Mountain Climbing Daughter pondering her best route to the top of the mountain.
I'm excited to see what the next couple of weeks bring. If it pans out well, I'll share our hike and pictures with you.
God Bless, Sly

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

February 12th 2010- Early Valentines Day, Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Sheri decided for Valentines Day this was her wish. So into the car heading north on Interstate 17 to the Camp Verde exit, we took a left there going three miles to the entrance to the park
Out of Africa Wildlife Park is a unique facility. All of the animals have their own history. Some rescued from private collectors, other parks or zoos, and illegal import in the U.S. Many were born in captivity so Out of Africa presents a natural style environment. With large areas to roam but yes they are still captive. If they were re-introduced to their natural habitat it is unlikely that they would survive. It was obvious the staff, veterinarians, zoologists, handlers, had very special relationships with all of the animals.
On the tram to the park.
Just being this close to the animals was an incredible experience.
The Hyenas were more intimidating than the big cats. This staff worker explained that anytime they go inside with them its in pairs and you never turn your back to them, as they are pack hunters.
One of those unique relationships, puma and handler.
Beautiful male panther.
Rare white tiger.
This female lion was quit vocal, did I say female?
One studly male lion.
Showing us his ivory!
Most of the tigers at the park were born in captivity. Tiger splash is a way to introduce them to hunt prey. The handlers use objects, balloons attached to sticks to play keep away with the tigers enticing them to chase them. Better them than me!


The Serengeti tour was very cool as you traveled in an open sided vehicle with easy access to the animals. Sheri getting a big wet kiss from the Giraffe!
This Zebras got some chompers!

Yes this Dromedary Camel has some serious bad breath says Sheri.

This guy thought he'd try to ride along with us.
Watusi Cattle, they look like a Texas Longhorn.
Boom Boom the White Rhino basking in the sun.
Being a carnivore this Bear sure does enjoy fresh fruit.
Taylor this guys for you, Capybara, yup, a giant guinea pig, a hundred pounder they can weigh up to 250 lbs.!

What an awesome day, beautiful weather, and enjoying Gods creatures with my lovely wife. If you go be sure to spend the better part of the day there, especially on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday afternoons for feeding time, Wow!

God Bless, Sly

Stewart Mountain Petroglyphs

February 2nd. 2010- On the east side of Stewart Mountain we ventured up to check out some Petroglyphs that are accessible from the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch by horse trail, or from an unmaintained and unnamed trail from Bush Highway. This photo shows Stewart Mountain Dam that holds back Saguaro Lake, you can use this view as a reference point in finding the petroglyphs.
Of course Storm and Thunder couldn't be left behind. Sheri and Storm looking down on the Salt River.
We didn't have any information on the history of these other than another hiker gave me semi directions as to where they could be found. As the Hohokam Indians, Pima Indians, inhabited this area. With the Pimas still in the area.


They were interesting trying to figure out what each one represented. It seems that a couple of them were recent additions, non-Indian, possibly Cerveza induced local Artisans!
After spending some time viewing the petroglyphs the boys had enough and decided to hit the Salt River. Thunder found an appropriate size stick to play tug of war.
The game changed when the boys decided to take on Sheri. Of course not wanting to get wet she let them win, ya right, 200lbs. of dog, slippery wet rocks, 8 legs versus 2, you get the picture!

Always enjoying Arizona, God Bless, Sly

Tortilla Flat Creek

January 2010- Global Warming, I don't think so. We've already had more rain in the month of January than all of 2009 for Mesa and the East Valley. I'm more inclined to think El Nino is in full effect. We decided to enjoy a rainy day and head out to Tortilla Flat Creek east of Canyon Lake and check it out. It's normally dry except for winter rains and summer monsoons.

Myself and the boys descending to the creek. The rain brought out the color in the rocks and soil versus the normal dusty conditions we usually encounter.

Sheri and the boys walking the creek, we expected to see a higher flow with all the rain but it was minimal.


Yes its January I'm wearing shorts its about 46 degrees, so dogs don't get me wet! Go figure Labs and water, a perfect mix.

There were some decent size pools along the creek so the boys actually had to swim in some spots.

T-Rex Rock. Reminds me of Jurassic Park rearing his head back and bellowing.


The rain started to come down harder and the temperature continued to drop so we decided to call it a day. obviously the boys thought differently, rain, water, no problem!

Until the next time, God Bless, Sly