Springtime in the Desert

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This week’s Photo Challenge is to celebrate Spring in photos. Sadly, here in Minnesota we have had the wettest April in 130 years and our Spring is very far behind. We don’t even have leaves on the trees yet nor do we have our gorgeous spring flowers. Instead of lamenting on how awful the last six months of weather has been here in the nordic Midwest, I thought I’d share some beautiful photos from our Spring break trip in early April to Tucson, Arizona.

Springtime in the desert is one of the most beautiful places to be. If you have never been to the Southwest before in the spring, it may sound ironic that spring inside a desert can be green. Yet Arizona experiences a beautiful, green spring with tons of rebirth, brilliant flowering plants, trees and cactus, and song birds from all over the place heading north for the summer. It is a wonderful time to visit Arizona.

Here are some of the lovely Spring photos I took during our recent visit to Tucson. You will see that it is the perfect time to visit!

Cactus are budding and blooming…

And flowers are blooming…

Flowering trees….

And fun times hiking, playing, horseback riding and enjoying spring in the desert…

Hike to Maiden Falls, Ventana trailhead

View of city of Tucson from the top.

Hike with Grandpa in Sabino Canyon

Visit to Reid Park Zoo, Max and Sophia

Feeding the giraffes at Reid Park Zoo.

Being silly after a winter cooped up indoors!

Sophia’s first time horseback riding!

Happy Trails!

Enjoy a picnic and hike in Sabino Canyon

It is hard to believe that it has already been a month since we’ve been back from Spring Break. We were sure hoping that we would finally get our share of beautiful spring weather here in Minnesota but not quite yet. Instead, I will daydream about spring and keep looking to the sky for some much needed sunshine!

Stay tuned…

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring! To see more entries, click here. 

 

 

49 thoughts on “Springtime in the Desert”

  1. I love the flowers, particularly the red one – I think flowering cacti are beautiful, spiky and pretty at the same time…

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Melanie! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  2. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    sueslaght on said:

    Your lovely photos warm me up. Another dump of snow forecast for us. Definitely no green trees yet. The desert flowers are so stunning!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It is finally warming up here and will be 80 on Thursday. This is so Minnesota. One extreme to the other!

      Reply ↓
      • Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
        sueslaght on said:

        Sounds like Calgary 🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Oh you live in Calgary? Such a beautiful place! My husband and I went to Banff and Jasper and loved it so much. 🙂

      • Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
        sueslaght on said:

        Yes we are so lucky although the weather has it’s challenges 🙂

  3. ledrakenoir – Kristiansand - Samsø - Liverpool - Strasbourg – Danish but working and living mostly aboard - so my home is more than less worldwide - see also abroad as my second home - and likes it...
    ledrakenoir on said:

    Wonderful photos… 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! I just love flowers and the cactus ones are so amazing!

      Reply ↓

  5. We are having much the same kind of spring here in Ontario Canada as you are in Minnesota. No leaves yet, lots of rain.
    I just love the Bougainvillea. Wish we were there.
    Leslie

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      It has warmed up a little this week and Thursday will be 80 degrees. We have such extremes. Leaves are now starting to pop. Hope they do for you soon too! Living in the north is hard at times, isn’t it?

      Reply ↓

      • Yes the leaves are beginning to come out here too. This week is a little better here also. Just maybe we will get a nice summer.
        Leslie

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        We normally get an amazing summer here and fall. That is our saving grace!!!

      • With global warming we were getting some 4-5 weeks of a moderate winter. Last winter it started in November and if you check some parts of Canada, they may still be getting some snow. It just won’t quite.
        Leslie

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        So true. Where in Canada do you live?

      • We are in Mississauga, which is part of the (GTA) Great Toronto Area..
        Leslie

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        I love Toronto! It is a great city!

      • Yes it is quite an interesting city now. Lots to do and lots to see.
        Leslie

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It is getting better now finally. Will be shorts and -t-shirt weather by Thursday. Such extremes in this place!

      Reply ↓
  7. Jo Bryant – New Zealand – I was born in the land of Banjo Paterson, gum trees, and weather extremes. I am a freelance photographer. I love to make images that make people happy. To capture forever a precious moment. I am also a freelance writer/editor. I live in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but still like to claim my Australian heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2008. I am writing my first novel. I love to write poetry, short stories, and also write for the web. And there is nothing that is on a par with a sunny summer's day spent at Waihi Beach.
    Jo Bryant on said:

    What a wonderful series of images. They made my morning.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jo! 🙂 Arizona is very beautiful. I love it there in the springtime but any season is nice except summer is quite hot!

      Reply ↓
      • Jo Bryant – New Zealand – I was born in the land of Banjo Paterson, gum trees, and weather extremes. I am a freelance photographer. I love to make images that make people happy. To capture forever a precious moment. I am also a freelance writer/editor. I live in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but still like to claim my Australian heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2008. I am writing my first novel. I love to write poetry, short stories, and also write for the web. And there is nothing that is on a par with a sunny summer's day spent at Waihi Beach.
        Jo Bryant on said:

        I bet summer is really hot. Not sure i would like it there in the summer. Too much heat does me in.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes summer can get to 115 degrees F! But the only saving grace is it is a dry heat so actually it is tolerable. I can’t stand humid hot heat! 🙂

  8. I really like the beauty of cacti so thanks for sharing those. All the photos were very spring-y. In Chicago, we’re only a little way into spring but hopefully it will warm up soon. My grass, however, needs cutting very badly but it’s too wet right now. 🙂

    janet

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Janet! It is finally warming up here and I’m sure similar in Chicago. 80 by Thursday but thunderstorms! Can’t win can we?

      Reply ↓

  9. Pingback: Flowers and Water | 365 Days of Thank You

  10. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring | Nola Roots, Texas Heart

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You’re welcome and glad you enjoyed! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  12. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    Wondrous Spring images, Nicole Love the tortoise one with your two sweet children. 🙂 Hope you get some warmer weather soon. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It is finally getting better slowly but surely. What a bad stretch of weather. Oh well.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓

  15. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challlenge – Spring – Ribbit |

  16. LuAnn – Two young-at-heart retirees with a passion for exploring and the desire to "pay it forward".
    LuAnn on said:

    Nothing more special in spring than blooming cacti! You brought back lots of great memories for me with your photos Nicole. Hope spring arrives for you very soon. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn! Spring is inching its way here now….finally!

      Reply ↓
  17. mariagbco – Maryland, United States – Graduada em Secretariado Executivo, adoro viajar e fazer novas amizades. Tenho paixão por tudo que envolve a natureza, especialmente cuidar de jardim. Gosto também de estar antenada com tudo que acontece pelo mundo em todas as áreas do conhecimento. Espiritualista por opção, procuro viver e interagir com o meu semelhante da melhor forma possível, tentando aplicar o pouco que aprendo e amando a Deus sobre todas as coisas!
    mariagbco on said:

    Wonderful post! I wish here in Maryland the weather would allow me to plant different cactus, because I love them!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks…..spring is coming now….slowly but surely!!!

      Reply ↓

  19. Oh, wow! Desert Spring is bursting with unique, colorful blooms. It’s like taking a peak into a magical world unknown to most of us. Thanks for taking us to this great adventure. Max and Sophia are growing up fast. Their Zoo trip is a lot of fun. All the best to you and your amazing family. Thanks for telling me about the popping ads from wordpress. It’s been annoying me too. I will have to check on it further or just stop the wordads all together.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Yes the kids are growing up so fast, it is sad. That is why we need to enjoy each and every day right! As for the WordAds, I’m surprised they would put the ads on each image!!!! Crazy.

      Reply ↓

  20. The Southwest is one of my favorite sanctuaries. Cactus are underrated plants. Their flowers are such wonders. It’s great that you introduced your children to the marvels of this part of our country.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes I just love the Southwest. I’m lucky that my parents have lived there for over 20 years so I’ve been there many many times and I always love it.

      Reply ↓

  21. Pingback: Spring: Nostalgia and Waiting | Words & Pics

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