Today we head out to find the Horse Tank hike deep within the wildlife refuge. We have also heard there are old grinding holes from the Yuman tribes of years ago so we are on the lookout for those too.
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| Grand Saguaro's are plentiful. |
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 for the protection of Big Horn Sheep. The vast desert environment is home to numerous animals, the majority of which are nocturnal and do their foraging at night while the temperatures are cooler. Pictures cannot even begin to show the beauty of this place. Absolutely one of our favorite places over the years.
Given basic instructions by an apparent local, we find the grinding holes of the long ago Yuman native Americans. They ground mesquite bean pods and perhaps corn in the preparation of food. The location for their life back then is perfect as it faces north so largely in the shade with a great view.
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| Small cave filled with grinding holes. |
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| Chris reaches in a hole to show depth. |
Farther down, we find the Horse Tanks hike. There are numerous, natural water collections holes, aka tanks, that fill during the summer monsoon season as the rain cascades down filling one and then another in the downward chain. Today the bowls are totally dry as far up as we can hike except one small one nicely situated in the shade. It is hard to tell how deep the remaining water is but rain better come soon for all the animals relying on this water source.
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| Lone tank with water in it. |
Chris hops down into a dry tank. It is a huge one if it ever gets filled.
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| Deep, dry tank |
The hike up through the tanks has beautiful rock formations and views.
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| Reminds us of clam shells. |
We venture across the top of the rock and find more grinding holes. Very cool.
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| Grind holes - how old? |
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| Ocotillo Cactus starting to bloom. |
We do some short walks here and there on the way back to our trailer. Fantastic day
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| Teddy Bear Cholla - they look so soft...NOT |
February 16th, 1965 - 60 years ago today - our Canadian Flag was raised for the first time. Today more than ever it is important we be thankful for it as the current US president Donald Trump continues to talk about Canada becoming the 51st state. Sickening talk from a crazy man.
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| 60 Year old ensign of our flag. |
Tonight Canada plays the USA in the Four Nations Cup hockey tournament. We all hope dearly Canada wins with all the Canada/US trade wars etc going on. Sadly, it is not to be tonight and the US prevails 3-1 as they get an empty net goal late in the game. We have to hope a mid tournament loss will inspire our guys if both make it to the final.
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