| Our hosts own a piece of land (about 5 acres) out in
the desert about 20 miles north east of Scottsdale. We went out to have a
look. It is actually behind the camera but the land looks no different to
that in this picture. |  |
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The building is the gatehouse to a housing development where they have
started building the roads and infrastructure. One suspects that might be as
far as they go for a while given the current financial climate. |
| About 10 years ago a brush fire swept through the area
and it is only just beginning to recover. This clump of prickly pear cactus is just
coming into flower. |  |
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Some of the land is fenced with barbed wire and there are section roads
(dirt) laid out, but it can be very difficult to find one's bearings. Most
of the landmarks were trees and saguaros which disappeared in the fire. |
| Some of the cactus flowers on the cholla are very pretty but the
spikes are vicious. |  |
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This particular variety is very common.It is known as a hedgehog cactus. |
| But cacti are not the only plants. There are trees and
wild flowers which are well adapted to the harsh environment and can be just
as attractive. |  |
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When it does rain it is usually a flood and so washes tend to be formed as
the water finds the easiest route to drain away. |
| This is one of the section roads. It is easily 10
miles long and dead straight although you do need a four wheel drive and
high clearance. |  |
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Especially when you get to the side roads. This bit is a very slow low ratio
job. We have off road enthusiast friends who would appreciate this road! |
| Way in the distance to the south, about 35 miles away,
lie the Four Peaks, part of the mazatzal mountains, one of the several
ranges of mountains around the Phoenix Valley.. There are several amethyst
mines in these mountains. |  |
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On the way back we called at the Town Dump - a superior 'junk' shop! |
| It certainly is unique although I don't think I would
buy anything there, even if I could get it home. |  |
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Someone with a fertile imagination, a lot of junk, time on their hands and a
welding torch has built cars like this one for the car enthusiast who has
everything! |
| Or perhaps you want a mariachi band in the
garden...... |  |
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It isn't all metal, there are some stone castings like these Kokopelli
characters. |
| I think this is a mirror or a picture frame. We are
told they can be found quite cheaply in Mexico and if we find one at the
right price...... |  |
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