"Self-portrait With Purple Cactuses"
(November 12th, 2019)
(November 12th, 2019)
Sonoran Desert, Tuscon, AZ, U.S.A.
The long drive of over 12 hours from Terlingua Ghost Town in Texas to Tuscon, Arizona seemed the hardest thing to do during the whole 14-day road trip, but it was all worth it. We left at 6 AM (ah, the starry sky over Jim's cabin was incredible that morning !), and reached our destination about 6 PM in the evening. I was exhausted towards the end of the day, but once I saw saguaro cactuses growing big like trees, it put a smile on my face. I knew right away that I would love the Sonoran Desert, and I was right.
Our host Marleen was very knowledgeable about the desert; she has lived there since she was 9 years old. I was so grateful for all of her advice especially how not to step on rattle snakes that were still active during the day in that season. When fatigued by the heat while hiking, and thus less cautious looking at my steps, I was always using Marleen's method she taught me to focus better with my arms spread into a trangle forming a safe area to walk without a danger of stepping on a snake.
The Desert Casita where we stayed was a secluded paradise in the Sonoran Desert exactly the way I wanted it among wilderness. It used to be an office of an internationally recognized wildlife photographer that was turned into a romantic vacation rental. It had large windows with views of most amazing saguaros- the largest cactuses in the United States, a porch, a back yard overlooking spectacular views of ridge, wash, wildlife viewing, sunsets and starry nights. It had everything we needed inside with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. Hiking and mountain biking were just out the door! As always, it made me feel very humble knowing that I was in the desert with the scarcity of water where survival was a big deal for wildlife.
I took this picture the second day of our stay in the back yard. It reflects a beautiful landscape of the Sonoran Desert. Just at my feet, you can see the purple cactuses called opuntia macrocentra or purple pricklypear found in the lower Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. I had a really great time shooting particularly that afternoon. I think I took my most amazing Polaroids there among saguaros. I am not sure why, but I was so much in love with all kind of cactuses in the Sonoran Desert that couldn't stop photographing them, and myself with them as if I wanted to keep them with me forever.
