Day 9 – Enjoying the Valley
One of many beautiful sidewalks |
Okay…some caches can be a little… Frightening! |
The day started out cold, 68 degrees, and with a 20% possibility of rain. With that forecast in mind, we put on our winter clothes and headed out for geocaching in the area around our resort. We spent 2 ½ hours walking through nearby desert and neighborhoods, geocaching and enjoying the mountain views. We love geocaching because we learn so much about the world around us as well as spending time outdoors.
Can you see the hummer? We can’t either!!! |
On our walk we saw two more hummingbirds. We probably took 50 pictures of which only 3 three actually had birds in them. (Damn, er, cute little flitters just won’t stay in one place for the pics!) We love the fact that the valley is home to a huge number of birds, including four different species of hummingbirds. (13 different species of hummingbirds have been sighted here.
View of the valley floor |
Indian Canyon |
First stop was the Trading Post high up on the mountain. From here you get a wonderful view of the valley floor, plus you learn what’s going on in the canyons. Several signs around here, helping you learn proper etiquette for desert hiking. One sign says to keep your small dogs on a short leash, because of the mountain lions. Over here, another sign says to beware of rattlesnakes. These signs really give you a warm fuzzy before you begin your hike!
Around us are steep canyon walls, with rocks of every hue and color perfectly balanced along the cliff sides. Yes, they are beautiful…but since this is earthquake country, one can’t help to wonder just how well balanced these rocks really are! You always have to have quakes in mind when in the canyons.
Carol Lucas/ 28.02.2012
Gorgeous scenery: love the hummingbird pictures!