“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.“
Cactus Forests exist. In Arizona the most obvious are the Saguaro Forests. For the next few Wednesdays we will celebrate them. I have photos.
The Universe
Resolved
This year I will hike to the top of Flat Iron.
To review my resolution last year was to not do online surveys. The previous year it was to stop picking up pennies. a year earlier it was to blog six days a week. In all three cases my habits have changed and I think I’m better for it.
I still haven’t finished the sixty hikes book which was my goal four years ago but I haven’t given up.
This one is harder. To get to the top of Flat Iron. I will have to train, find hiking companions, lose some weight and get it done before the weather gets too hot.
Not Just Desert
Most of what people call “desert” is not desert it is dry land forests. Some are Saguaro Forest, some are Joshua Tree Forests, some are Mesquite Forests and there are many other varieties and of course lots of Mixed Cactus Forests. Once you start to see Arizona as a forest it can change the way you see our terrain. “Look there’s a grove of Teddy Bear Cactus.” or “See how the Ocotillo stand is growing on the north side of the wash.”
Government Programs
Cactus Forest, Arizona
“Don’t call it Desert. Call it a Cactus Forest.”
It turns out that there is a town called Cactus Forest in Pinal County. It is south of Florence along Highway 79. I’m already planning a trip there.
Cactus Forest
Mount Simon
In the photo there is a small peak just to the right of Piestewa. I want it to be named Mount Simon. Suddenly this is a revenue idea for the Phoenix Park and Recreation Department. Sell virtual naming rights to all of the minor peaks, knolls, valleys, canyons and other land features in the city. The naming rights would expire in twenty years and the names would only show up on the computerized and cleverly named maps accessible on your smart phone or printed on your very handsome certificate.
Who would pay for the right to name a hill. It is the perfect gift for an old hiker like me so my children would almost certainly buy me one or two. I propose that a gulch be $100, a knoll be $300 and a real hill be $800. Projected annual revenue two to three million dollars.
Overcoming your obvious objections to this new idea:
- It is not new. They have been doing it with stars for a long time.
- It is not permanent. they can be renewed, resold or cancelled in twenty years.
- It is not demeaning to sell temporary naming right to things. The buses are full of ads for ambulance chasing lawyers, the freeways are cleaned by the local Travel Lodge and Major League Baseball has an official tire (Hankook). Think Stadiums.
Photo is Piestewa Peak (recently renamed) from the lake at Granada Park.
Life is Short
The Future
Planning
