Ocotillo

Moody Desert in Black and White

Moody Desert in Black and White

Candle Wood, Coach Whip, Flaming Sword, Jacob’s Staff, Slim Wood, Vine Cactus – all are various names for the Ocotillo cactus.

Found only in the Sonoran desert in the Southwest United States and adjacent Mexico, it is a practical plant. Its branches, covered with spiky thorns, makes a naturally effective fence. Those thorns are sharp, nothing to be reckoned with.

But its silhouette is a source of beauty, rising from the floor of the desert, reaching upwards to the blue skies.

A Sea of Saguaro

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

I am so happy to be back in the desert, able to walk among these giant cacti, the mighty Saguaro. I have visited over a hundred National Parks and Monuments, in 46 states, and I think this is the park that most loudly calls my name. I want to explore it, talk to it, photograph it, sketch it. Lots of folks think the desert, and Saguaro National Park, is harsh and hostile, but I find it attractive, alluring, full of life.

Saguaro National Park

Tucson in background

Tucson in background

Visited Saguaro National Park at sunset. The low sunlight gave the cacti a glowing cast and contrasted with the purple mountains of Tucson in the background.

Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home in the Desert

Pool and Courtyard

Pool and Courtyard

One of my first stops was to see Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. I took many photographs – the tour guide was most kind and accommodating – and I will have more to post. More info about the architecture, too.

Polperro House

at Pendarvis Historical Site

at Pendarvis Historical Site

Polperro House is one of six house that are on the interpretative tour at Pendarvis Historical Site in Mineral Point Wisconsin. I love the exterior architectural details on this 150 year old house. Quarried limestone blocks on the first floor, chinked wood on the second and third floors, and quite intricate doors and windows pieced in place.