On our hike we encountered many hikers, dogs and even bikers. The rocky terrain did not deter anyone. The surrounding views included Pheonix downtown, some 16 miles away but looked close enough to walk to in no time; the suburb communities including a water front/golf course community. We enjoyed seeing the flowering cacti, wild flowers and different rock formations. The hike up and down was pleasant and we extended our plan from two trails to four. Biscuit loved the hike and was exhausted just as we had hoped since we have plans to have dinner with Michael, Mark's cousin, and his wife Karen.

Deserts are well represented in Arizona which is the only state where all four North American deserts are joined in transition. The plants here have adapted to and thrive under harsh conditions; many plants are hard to observe and photograph because many may not bloom every year and some have sporadic distribution combined with the short window of opportunity to which to witness them in bloom. Thanks to a wet winter and lucky timing we are beneficiaries to the abundant beauty.

Cactuses are important to animals and people. They provide food, homes and safety for wildlife. People eat and build with cactus, and they are an important part of production of red food dye.