dream walkings

Arizona 2005

I’ve been struggling to find a worthy way to begin describing this place in Arizona. The term “desert” does not do it justice. Then I came upon the words “desert forest” – perfect. It is different than any forest I have known. Of course it is very dry here now, the locals say something like 125 days without rain. Yet this place is a visible feast! Shrubs, trees, cactus, they all enchant me with their uniqueness. Some tall and sprawling with a wisp of bright red fullness at the top that speaks to slow and graceful growth. And always the smell of orange blossoms it seems.

It pains me not to have my camera but perhaps this is a blessing, to see more of everything instead of the narrow focus of my lens. Yesterday I rode a horse through a place called Cave Creek and I can now say that I know exactly what the dusty trail tastes like. There wasn’t a drop of water to be seen or smelled. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for my horse as he picked his way through the small trail of inconstant sand and rocks.

The Saguaro is an amazing plant and new to me. Growing only an inch a year I saw many over a hundred years old. The drama of their life can be seen in the soft undulations of their girth. Much like our faces I think. You can’t imagine my surprise when I walked up to one that was well over 12 feet tall expecting it to feel as solid as a tree, and with the push of a finger sent it rocking back and forth like a big piece of rubber!

Another surprise is the abundance of wildlife. Everywhere I look, soft quiet cottontail bunnies, and furtive quail are mainly what is seen. But there is much more to be heard. Last night as I wrestled with sleep I heard the coyotes speaking into the darkness. It almost sounded like people hooting and howling with happiness. And we’ve had others visit us too.

Our first morning here we were greeted at breakfast on our patio by a heard of wild pigs who apparently wanted to share our pancakes. When I saw the first one start to come through the bushes I thought it to be a coyote, but then the little black hairy thing came fully into view as if to announce the immanent arrival of his posse. One by one the whole herd came to greet us – about a dozen in all.

Of course I had to forfeit the pancakes.