Tai Ch'i Walkabout

A few weeks ago several members of my Quang Ping Yang style tai ch'i group, along with our instructor and a naturalist, went on a walkabout combining tai ch'i and hiking. Our destination was the Cathedral Rocks in the McDowell Mountain Preserve, which is way North outside of the city above Scottsdale.

Tis was a glorious day for a hike. The sun was out but not too intense, the air cool, and a fine breeze that would shift through now and then. We started at about 1430 hours as this was an afternoon/sunset adventure.

So our lively group of twelve went on our way through the desert surrounded by wondrous desert life. Our extraordinary naturalist would stop now and then and talk about something a long the trail about plants and some birds. Quite fascinating. As this is not my childhood natural habitat, I lack in the acute awareness of the different functions that the desert holds. And the more I continue to learn about the desert, the more I am amazed and in awe.

One of the biggest fascinations of our walkabout/hike was the giant Saguaros. They hold a certain aura of strength and majestic presence that only one can truly feel when standing amidst their shadows.

Also, very tragically we found one chopped down. Pictures were taken and a couple volunteered to report to the authorities. It is illegal to cut down a saguaro. If one is in an inconvenient area, by law, the Saguaros must be transplanted to a different location with no harm coming to them. We have no idea why one was so cruelly chopped down and just left there. The only hint suggested was the power lines but the lines are so high up that it would be impossible for the Saguaro to even be in the way.

And lo, after much hiking our destination came into sight. Ahead were the rocks.

The Cathedral Rocks are two large rocks amidst the cluster of rocks which lean into each other creating this opening overlooking the desert. We came at the perfect hour where the sun was starting to sink lower in the sky. And thus, creating shafts of light streaking through.

We picked our places and commenced to do Tai ch'i moves out in the desert surrounded by the glories of the natural world. The vistas were grand, especially looking northward.

Our instruction for the homeward bound journey was a walking meditation. It seemed rather fitting. Our walkabout to the Cathedral rocks were full of jubilee and cheer as we all were talking, listening, observing the desert. Now it was time for a more introspective nature to be reflected on. And so we went more quietly than before. There were times of comment and spoken thoughts, listening and observing.

The colors of the desert in the continuous cycles of each passing moment offered a renewed outlook. The evening was upon us and we continued. There is definitely something about twilight (both morning and evening hours) when in the desert. Each offering a gift to share. The setting sun casts shadows and changing light. And then the coyotes started to yip, yip and then a chorus of howls. Some longer than others. So beautiful being surrounded by the stillness settling, pierced by the symphony of voices rising up to send greetings to mother earth.
The stars came out and the sky turned aqua and then midnight to darkness. Off in the distance was the lights of the mass metropolis that we all call home. But home is the desert where feet tread the dusty floors surrounded by the life that waits and whispers to teach us. Pause, listen, watch and you will know.

Desert Glass

This morning I awoke bright and early before the sun rose as I always do on a Saturday morning. It is Tai Chi morning. The morning was a very special morning since the place that hosts our Tai Chi classes is at the Desert Botanical Gardens. I cannot think of a more perfect place to do our tai chi among the catci, succulents, yuccas, and other desert flora and fauna.

This morning the Desert Botanical gardens also hosted something very special in which led me to do wild and deviant behaviors... I am now a harden criminal. Today marked the grand opening of Chihuly Nature of Glass in the Desert Gardens!!! However, the gardens was not open to public with the exception of the elite few who could cough up 500 dollars for this exclusive package which included breakfast, lecture and video with Dale Chihuly himself, and the tour of the garden with the extraordinary exhibits of glass placed around the gardens. Oh, sure classes were still held but we were sent emails with explicit directions of how to proceed through the admissions and then to our classes.

When I arrived at the opening hour, the gates were open with staff checking in the VIP special folks and security guards checking people. I of course was stopped and when asked what I was doing, I said I am just going to my class (Tai Chi). The guy was saying "oh you need to wear these special wrist bands, etc." I was like ok and he pointed me in the direction of another security person. I walked right pass and continued into the gardens. I knew if I was caught I would be in serious trouble. Probably be kicked out.

Since I had arrived early before start of class and of course my other class mates were stalled behind me, captured into debriefing and being fitted for bands for the lowly few who only come to classes, I went ahead and toured the garden and started to take pictures!!! (And of course hide my wrists from being exposed to suspicious guards monitoring the area.)

So ENJOY!!!

And now you are probably wondering, did I see Chihuly???? After much sleuthing and peaking through cacti into the VIP area of breakfast and the hidden gallery of where the lecture was being held, I found out something. He was making an appearance by the entrance. Ah ha!!! And after almost an hour of waiting I saw him zip by on a cart.

I met Chihuly about 10 years ago in Tacoma. My Dad and I were listening to a Celtic band playing outside on the streets by a pub. Then suddenly my dad was saying something like NO WAY, there is CHIHULY!!! And sure enough there he was amidst the crowd with a pint of beer in his hand. If anyone is acquainted with Chihuly, they would know a very few obvious characteristics of Chihuly persona. He sports a patch over his left eye, has an afro (big hair), and shoes splattered with paint. He is looking much the same but just a wee bit older these days. But still winning smile.

And I marched out having accomplished all I set out to do without having to pay 500 dollars. Who cares about a breakfast and movie lecture. I was among the first to see the glass being set up and was there at the opening. And most importantly, see Dale Chihuly, and be illuminated by his artistic aura.

Of course, I highly recommend that everyone comes to the the gardens and view the glass exhibits themselves. Sometimes pictures do not do justice and this is only a smidgen of a few glass exhibits in the garden. There is much, much more. It will be open to public from now on till about May so come, come!

The tale of the Skunks

After the joys of the marvels of Bryce National Park, I made my way up North, still on Route 89. The scenery started to change dramatically from these bare, red cliffs to the large plains with the mountains encasing the valleys. More farms. Still somewhat high country with sagebrush. I was following the Sevier River way.I went to a campground area north of Marysville. It was by the river Sevier. And I had a nice spot under the pine trees overlooking the river. It was a nice evening with thundershowers and thunder and lightning but after two hours, it went away and it was clear and sunny.
After a restful night, I got up the next morning to do some tai chi along the river bank. While I was in the middle of tai chi, I happened to look behind me to see two skunks hopping along five feet from me. I was still doing the movements but looking at them. This is the first time I ever seen skunks in the wild, alive. Very pretty and could see why children always chase after them. They looked furry, and I had the desire to pick them up to pet them. But of course, this would be very unwise.

As they passed, they stopped. One seem to become upset with the other and turned around threatening. At this time I stopped and was thinking, "Oh great, they are five feet from me and if that one sprays, I will surely get some of the spray." I inch away ever so cautiously, but they really did not take any notice of me. They made some noises at each other. Finally they parted ways, one went back the way it came and the other continued on to the bushes down by the river five feet from me and disappeared.

I thus picked up where I left off with my tai chi. Marveling how they took no notice of me. Like it was natural to see some human doing tai chi. I apparently was part of the scenery and was no threat to the skunks.

Bryce National Park

After leaving Kanab the next morning, I pretty much spent most of the day in Bryce National Park. I had been to Zion but not Bryce. In some ways not what I had expected. To be on the ridge line rather than through the canyons. However, one can go through the canyons by foot but need a permit do that. And of course, think this is the better option anyway. I also did not expect with the high altitude of 9000 some feet that there were going to be trees. This turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

I took a hike on the Bristlecone loop trail, which the first couple of pictures were taken. Nice vantage points. It was an overcast day with showers and in the distance thunder and lightning. Not so fun because the contrasts of the colors on the rocks were dull than with sunshine.

Yes, I got close to the edge. And I took my own photos. The above photo is of the Natural Bridge in BNP.

The sun finally peaked through after several hours giving more of a contrast that I wanted. This is a special spot where the formations are call hoodoos. The special way the rocks have been formed over centuries and like everything, hoodoos are not static so will continue to evolve and crumble away.
The vistas were incredible looking far off into the horizon.So I spent several hours of walking and looking and made myself lunch up there. Then meandered on my way up North of Marysville to camp out for the night.

And the Adventures begin...

So, I went on this little journey. Up through the expanse of Northern Arizona along Route 89(a) and into Utah where Orem was my destination. It all began on a hot day on the Fourth of July. I left around 6:30 but still the traffic was thick with the weekend travelers. But by the time I passed through Flagstaff and went on Route 89a, I was on my own as far as other people were concerned.

Open country with the ever changing colors on the landscape. It is truly an awe-inspiring place where the pictures just do not do justice. A thunder/lightning storm lay on the horizon for most of the afternoon creeping ever so steadily my way as I headed North.

I made several stops along Route 89a where the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument beckoned to me. And the vast plain of the valley floor ran for miles with deep fissures and unseen canyons and of course the Colorado River ran through.
Higher and higher I went into the Kaibab National Forest. To where the forest were miniature trees compared to the great giants of the Pacific Northwest. But for Arizona, this is as good as it gets. I saw some deer.
I arrived in Kanab, Utah for the night. The town was bustling with activity for the Fourth of July celebration. After a swim in cold water to cool down from the 100 plus degree heat and some food to nourish me, I headed to the city park to score my spot for the firework display. People were already arriving two and half hours before the big event to score their spots. Big families with children everywhere was the common sight. Finally a quarter to 2200 hours, the fireworks started! It was magnificent. The sounds echoing off the walls of the cliffs and the wonderful display of fireworks sent everyone "ooohhh and ahhhh."

The Praying Monk

The stone figure has gone by many a name over the centuries. In the past, it has been called a chief, the Man of the Mountain, and now the praying Monk. He resides on Camelback. The notorious mountain that I now climb so very often. You can view him on the Echo Canyon summit trail. And this is only the beginning of the trail. The picture is deceiving as one is only getting a glimpse of the stepping stone to the summit. The rest of the mountain is behind and off to the right.

It is hot now. And to hike Camelback sanely, one has to do it in the wee hours of the morning (like before 8am). People are already getting there at 5am, I am sure as the dawn and light comes that early now. I am still getting there about 6:30 and the parking lot is piling up with cars as people head to the mountain. And with the temperatures rising well over 90s and now into the 100s, I am going to follow suit and do a local custom. Bring a jug of water and soak/drench my clothes. And by the time I get to the summit, the clothes will be dry! It is the only way to keep hiking and staying cool during the insane temperatures of the desert summer.

The Stone Monk

The Praying Monk has

turned to stone.

Kneeling forever-dark-alone

Upon the mountain side

His offered prayers-

Our prayers and his

for centuries

Rise upward toward the Cosmic Tide,

While he prays alone.

~Sanger-Stewart

Globe Trekers

Ah, my parents came down for an extended weekend. During the weekend we headed to the Superstition area, staying in Globe. It is high country with chaparral and mountains with pine trees. And the main focus of our excursions--birding. :)

We had a lovely group of birders at the same B&B we were staying at and had a good time with lectures and searching for those birds. We headed up into the Pinal Mountain, Pioneer Pass. There were birds. Hummingbirds, finches, warblers, Western Tanagers. Bird haven for the bird lovers.
I found a stream where we were birding in Pinal Mountain. Frogs croaking away. By and by... for the birding expedition up in to Pioneer pass, we left at 6:30 on a glorious Sunday morning. Nice and cool and sunny. Perfect weather. And the kind of weather I will be dreaming about in a month or two while in the hotter than hell Valley of the sun.
This view is looking down to Globe. Globe is down there and the tan colored stretch of landscape in the left corner is the mining for copper. Globe was/is a mining town.

The scenery is beautiful and amazing to think about an hour and half drive East of Phoenix, this kind of habitat and ecosystem exist. Sorry no pictures of birds. They are elusive creatures. But they are in the pictures chirping somewhere.

Orchids of the desert

I have come to the conclusion that there is a certain kind of plant that should be named: Orchids of the Desert. I am referring to the yuccas or the banana yucca in this case. While enjoying my walk through the desert botanical garden before Tai Chi class, this week the yuccas are in full bloom. So I got my first viewing with them up close and personal.
The flowers are so beautiful. Delicate and slightly fragrant. The smell is oddly familiar.... hmm, like a banana! Ahh... hmmm... so good! The fragrance is very faint, it does not fill the air around you unfortunately, but nevertheless to see them is just as pleasing.
So on my walk I had a mission. Find all of the banana yuccas. They are easy to spot since the yuccas are so tall up to 15 feet in some cases. There were some smaller ones though around 8 feet, and hence the viewing of the flowers.
The wildflowers are all but done now. I am seeing that the cacti are getting ready to bloom. An older gentleman was telling me that in the high desert the cacti, yuccas, and other flowering plants have yet to open. When they do open at the botanical garden, it may be my cue to head for the high deserts in Arizona.

Huge Chuckwalla Lizard

Ok, this is getting unreal. I guess there was a point when the Park ranger said that Camelback Mountain is popular for chuckwallas. I went again this morning and on my way back down when the temperatures were on the rise baking the East facing side, I had hit one of those tricky passes where it is downhill gravel (this is where mountain goat maneuvers come in handy...). I had successfully made it down the passage and stopped. I started thinking now if I was a lizard this is where I would be hanging out. I am starting to pick out good lizard sun rocks. So I started to slowly scan the rocks and What??? I see this huge chuckwalla (pictured above) on the rocks above me right along the gravel side. Since I was concentrating so keenly on getting no scraped knees and bruises I did not even notice this guy two feet away from me.
Hot digity dang! This guy is huge. And it is a male by the way. Males have red on their back. Females are just one shade of lizard grey color. And the female was below me hiding under a rock. I clearly scared her with my "ooos and ahhs" and flashing my camera around.

A father and his daughter (about 5 or 6 years) came up the trail. I showed them the sighting. The girl let out a scream. And telling her daddy she wanted to go home. Oh dear. I told her that the lizards were more scared of her and would not attack her. Poor girl. I felt bad that fear was the immediate emotion and not awe.

By the way, yes I spotted a snake. Did not take a picture as it quickly slithered under a rock. The tail was showing a bit and I studied that... no visible signs of rattles. I am pretty confident it was not a rattler. But regardless, I left it alone.

And now that chuckwallas are so popular on my camelback outings. No more pictures. That is unless I find one over a foot or so. I wonder if they get that big.

Cute Chuckwalla lizard!

It's a snake! No! It's a gila monster! No! It is a Chuckwalla Lizard!

I encountered this cute creature on the hike on camelback. This is my second sighting of a chuckwalla lizard. I hear they are popular on Camelback and love to sun themselves. They are not poisonous. And are more likely to run from you. But they can be brave as this one showed to be.

They are sooo cute! The first one I saw two weeks ago was about a foot in length from head to tip of tail. This one seemed to be deflated because the first one had its side out thus creating the shape of a turtle's back.

I waited for about a minute before the lizard got brave and showed itself on the rock. I guess it did not mind me standing there. A guy came down the trail and saw the lizard and exclaimed, "It's a gila monster! A really, really small one." I told him it was a chuckwalla lizard. "Really? Are you sure?" "Yes, I am sure." I looked it up two weeks ago. And told him we would be in big trouble if it was a gila monster. They are poisonous. I hear that they sink their jaws deep into the skin and send out the poison that way. That's got to hurt and no way I am going to find out first hand. And chuckwallas are harmless. And all of this time the chuckwalla remained where it was. Perhaps thinking we did not see it anymore?

I will keep posted the wildlife sightings on Camelback. Temps are rising now (upper 80s) so more animals will be coming out in the warm weather.