Saturday, May 19, 2012

Early Morning Revelations

On a hike in the remote Redington Pass, a couple friends, their kids and dog went on a trek to discover....whatever. Water was involved and it was a win win for everyone....including the dog:) 
So while walking along the canyon walls, we noticed yet one more Great Horned Owl flying around the canyon.  It stopped on this rock to look down upon us.
And then there were the isolated pools of water full of the endemic Gila Chubs only found in and around our Tucson area. 
We also set up an interview with Kermit the Frog's cousin, Rene La Rana.  His mother and father came from Mexico and became citizens here in this canyon.  He gave us permission to film his family of the fast Tree Canyon Frogs.
We hummed and sang as we walked along the rocky river bed....stopping here and there to throw a stick in the water for the dog to go after.  The kids would pick things up and say, "LOOK WHAT I FOUND!"  Adults snapped pictures of those things:)
But I should have seen the signs like the one below.  I believe these were filmed in Gladiator during the death scene, but we didn't care.....because life was good....a bit hot in the early morning.....but good.
A yellow warbler could be heard in this Eden.  And so we all chased after this yellow jewel in the lush Cottonwood Canopy.  But things would quickly change once we ventured near the tree.......
Quite by accident, one of the gang almost stepped on the rattlesnake.  It perfectly blended into the surroundings.  I nearly crapped myself and felt the heebie jeebies crawl up and down my spine....but I thought this guy was pretty cool.  So much for the yellow warbler......next time!
Everyone began to think about their mortality at this point and started to ask one another, "How many more of these have we passed by and not even known about?"  We all knew the answer and hastily hiked back to the car on top of the canyon.  The dog was attached to a leash and the kids had shock collars on to keep them from poking, prodding, or handling "the snake".  You see the boy wished to prod it because that's what little boys do.  But being that this snake is poisonous and the anti venom costs around 2 thousand dollars, everyone decided to step back and slowly walk away.
It was amazing how much life can be found in several of our remote areas.  During our hot summer months, remember that many many lizards...includings snakes.....will be out sunning or in the shade.  Keep your eyes out for them at all times.  They will leave you alone most of the time.  However, if frightened, they will coil and rattle....then strike.  So watch where you put your hands while climbing up onto rocks etc. Our desert is an amazing place.  Most Tucsonans don't realize what's around them, but we did......and it was awesome.  Redington Pass is a remote place at the end of Tanque Verde Road.  Off road vehicles, hunters, hikers(nude or clothed), and water lovers head to this secret little gem which is hidden from most Tucsonans.  It can be dangerous and never go during monsoon season because the creek can turn suddenly into a raging river.  Many go to see the waterfalls and swim in the river.
More tomorrow....

21 comments:

  1. What a beautiful place with some lovely wildlife. The rattlesnake experience sounds incredibly scary - so glad everyone was ok.

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    1. It starts off like this...."Is that a.....? Whoa!! I almost stepped on it!" And then it's followed by silence and then, "Guys get over here!!!" And then there's a "Eeek!!!" or "Cool! Can I pick it up Mom?" That's followed by, "No, get away from it son. Stop." Etc etc etc. I'm up a tree with my long lens snapping a shot because I'm the chicken in the group:) Not a snake person.

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  2. Sounds like a great way to spend the day. The scenery is lovely with the water, seeing the owl and the cute frog. The cacti flowers are pretty. The snake is cool, I just wouldn't want to get too close. Another great post, have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Gracias amiga:) The water is really lovely and that's why it's such a popular place for those in the know:) One of my favorite treks in Tucson.

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  3. I think I'm going to start calling you the Owl Whisperer. You seem to attract them. I'm jealous! I loved your interview with Rena. You crack me up. I was so enjoying your tour, all relaxed and enthralled then Bam! You hit me with that icky snake!

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    1. Owls are awesome! There is this blogger called "Montanagirl" and she had some of the most amazing Snowy Owl pics of all the blogs. This year it has been a wonderful challenge to locate the Great Horned Owl and now it seems we're okay hanging out together.....it's a really wonderful feeling being surrounded by these incredible birds.

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  4. Terrific photos of your trek of of discovery with a warning. Nice post, Chris. The best way to learn about local fauna and flora is to 'take a hike':)
    cheers

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    1. Thanks Pam. I so love Tucson, but to be honest...any hike I do anywhere is always exciting. Just as long as I have my camera with me:)

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  5. that was awesome...even the snake..which I would be drawn to but deathly afraid of too....what a hike
    Oh to be young again and know what you know about things....I so enjoy your trips with friends
    and that owl...woo hooooo

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    1. The Owl made my 5 AM morning call hike worth every moment. The snake find was just icing on the cake....worth all the sweat for sure:)

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  6. this was quite the relaxing, fun adventure, until... yowza!

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    1. Yowza made my friend with the dog and mom with two head back to the car. Well and the heat was also a factor....it was getting hot by 9 AM:)

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  7. I'd say a good lesson was learned, probably multiple lessons. Such a delightful place to find in one's own back yard.

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    1. How you advise children not to prod or pick up things? I found this to be the most interesting challenge. They're really wonderful kids who grew up with penguins and naturalists.....the best background. They're gentle with the critters, but I'm curious as we were walking around I was finding myself saying...."Look but don't touch.":) I felt like an old fuddy duddy....just like my old friend Park Ranger Winnie was with me as a kid. I'm hoping these two kiddos go onto to work with the environment...curious, energetic and surrounded by a wonderful mom and friends who are all incredible people.

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  8. Nice Chris! I still haven't encountered a Rattler in the wild, but I did find my first ever Gila Monster today! Phew. Good luck out there.

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    1. YOU. ARE. LUCKY!!!! I would LOVE to see a Gila Monster. I've been keeping my eyes out for these beauties. And when I do find one, it will have its own post. Lots of people reporting them this year. Can't wait to see your results and read about your adventure!

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  9. Jeez Louise!!! So glad you saw the rattler before it struck!!! I love it when kids go exploring outside. Nature is so much more fascinating than an Xbox game. Except when Nature bites.

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  10. Snakes are not a favorite encounter of mine either.
    Enjoy your weekend, Chris.

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  11. One of the nicest things of this blog for me is to see different fauna and flora. Rattlesnake incident teaches us we have to be keep it in mind that there is always danger in the middle of beautiful nature. Take care and enjoy wildlife, Chris.

    Yoko

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  12. That was an eventful walk Chris! I love those chubby frogs :-) and the lovely cactus. Definitely best to give the snake a wide berth though. Great photos as always.

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  13. Tracy would be having a fit! Diane also posted about a rattlesnake recently. I'm glad you had a good and safe time and sometimes "ignorance is bliss".

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