Radically Retired

2016 – A Cacti Forest

Written by

Terry

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The Saguaro National Park just out of Tucson is an incredible place to see.

During our visit, we learned that it can take a Saguaro Cactus up to 100 years to grow the “arms” that we’ve come to recognize from old western movies. Those arms are needed to store extra water for the cactus, which can reach heights of 50 feet and weigh 6 or more tons.

One truly has to experience it to get the full and awe-inspiring effect of a forest of these giant old fellas, extending as far as the eye can see.

Comments

15 responses to “2016 – A Cacti Forest”

  1. Edward Ortiz Avatar
    Edward Ortiz

    I visited once, and you’re right, it’s incredible.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Once I read and learned about the lengthy development process, I was even more in awe, Edward.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz Avatar
        Edward Ortiz

        What nature is capable of is amazing.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Charla Avatar
    Charla

    Aren’t they so fun to see?! Those and Joshua Trees, to me, are just full of their own personality. As we drive through them, Kevin and I like to make up stories or phrases of what that one is thinking, saying, or portraying. HAHA Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Thanks, Charla! Both are definitely fun to see. That’s a fun game you and Kevin play! Have a great evening!

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  3. A Creative Spirit Avatar
    A Creative Spirit

    It really is a cacti forest. I’d love to see these when they are all in flower.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      This place would be stunning when they’re all in flower, Carole! Have a fab evening!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. explorenewness Avatar
    explorenewness

    Great post today, Terry. I remember seeing photos of Saguaro National Park when it was first designated a national park. There were SO many more of them! Many have obviously died out. It’s a good thing that people can’t just cut them down! They are amazing.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Thank you, Lenore. After your comment, I added another photo from our visit. My feature photo was clearer so that’s why I chose that one, but you’re right – once one moves further along in the park, the cacti are far more numerous. Have a fab day!

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  5. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    Each one seems to have its own personality! Your pictures are great, but I do agree with you. An in person experience is hard to replicate.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      So true on all of your points, Betty! Have a great evening!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. annemariedemyen Avatar
    annemariedemyen

    It would be an awe inspiring sight for me! I wonder if someone who had never been out of a desert environment would be awe struck walking through one of our treed parks? Have a great day, Terry!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      I’ll bet the reaction would be similar, Anne! Experiencing something foreign to us is always awe inspiring. I hope you have a great day too!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Lana Avatar
    Lana

    This is the most amazing thing I have seen today! Wow. Aren’t they incredible?!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      They sure are, Lana! I don’t know about elsewhere but in Arizona, it’s illegal to cut a Saguaro Cactus without a permit. Have a great day!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Thanks for stopping by to read and comment!

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