Crazy cactus

Check out the expanse of the saguaro cactus...

These guys were actually cracking me up because they just look absurd with their unique shapes and ginormous size!

So of course we had to act like cacti.

Truly amazing that ones this size are over 150 years old. In ten years they will only grow 1.5 inches and they don't start to branch out until they turn 70!

This single blossom will produce hundreds of seeds which require the help of bats for pollination. They are also home to different woodpeckers and elf owls.

The paso verde was so neat too! Completely green branches and trunk with no leaves because the entire plant can absorb the sunlight needed for photosynthesis.

Then a hike to see prehistoric petroglyphs.

The Arizona- Sonoran Desert Museum allowed us to see the wildlife that was in hiding during our exploration. It was an amazing wildlife park including coyotes, all of the rattlesnakes we are so relieved we didn't see on the trail, tortoise and the  antelope squirrel. Now we did see many antelope squirrels, but were interested to find out they can get their body temp. Up to 107 then flop down in the shade just before they would have over exerted themselves. One of the only active animals during the summer days.

Roadrunner below, quick on their feet (20 mph) to hunt down prey which include insects, small mammals and even snakes which they pierce with their beaks.

After our adventures storms came through town causing flash floods (including our hotel's street), so a night in.