Wherever we stayed during our recent road trip to the desert, there was always a wonderful variety of local plant life. This cactus (at the KOA, Apache Junction, AZ), in spite of its spikes, was very pretty in its own way. Click image to enlarge.
The Patton Tank in 3D
The following text may be seen at the WikiPedia article on the Patton Museum:
The General George S. Patton Memorial Museum of Chiriaco Summit, California is a museum erected in tribute to General George S. Patton on the site of the entrance of Camp Young, part of the Desert Training Center of World War II.
Exhibits include a large collection of tanks used in World War II and the Korean War, as well as memorabilia from Patton’s life and career, especially in regards to his service at the Desert Training Center and that of ordinary soldiers who trained there. Development of the Colorado River Aqueduct and natural science exhibits are displayed as well. In addition, a 26-minute video is shown, detailing Patton’s military service and the creation of the Desert Training Center.
Though Patton only spent less than four months at the Desert Training Center, his establishment of the training grounds directly impacted more than one million troops.
The museum is at the Chiriaco Summit exit off Interstate 10, 30 miles/48km east of Indio.
Image: Patton Tank in 3D – click to enlarge. If you don’t have your 3D glasses handy, you can see the 2D version here.
Red Bird of the Day
Of course, by now you know I just LOVE these. Seen in Palm Desert California on our way to get a Subway sandwich. Click to enlarge . . .
Buh-Bye
Just before leaving Arizona, heading into California, this saguaro cactus seems to wave goodbye while beckoning us to come back soon.
Well, suffice it to say, we will be back, Mr. saguaro. And soon . . .
Click image to enlarge.
Casa Grande Ruins in 3D
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, in Coolidge, Arizona, just northeast of the city of Casa Grande, preserves a group of Hohokam structures.
The national monument consists of the ruins of multiple structures surrounded by a compound wall constructed by the Hohokam, who farmed the Gila Valley in the early 1200s.
“Casa Grande” is Spanish for “big house” (Siwan Wa’a Ki: in O’odham); these names refer to the largest structure on the site, which is what remains of a four story structure that may have been abandoned by the mid-1400s. The structure is made of caliche, and has managed to survive the extreme weather conditions for about seven centuries. Graffiti from 19th-century passers-by is scratched into its walls; though this is now illegal. Casa Grande now has a distinctive modern roof covering built in 1932.
Click on the image to enlarge. Just in case you do not have a pair of 3D glasses, you can see the 2D version by clicking here.
Chicken Dinner
This was the main course for today’s camping adventure. Anointed in extra-virgin olive oil, lightly salted and peppered, cooked to perfection* over charcoal. What a delightful meal for a fall evening** in the Valley of the Sun!
* Really moist and tender and tasty!
** 102° today, only 95° at dinner time.
