Arizona Desert Museum

Sunset at Gilbert Ray Campground.

After leaving the Escapade, we went to Gilbert Ray Campgound which was not far away and very near to the Arizona Desert Museum. It's a beautiful campground, and it felt quite decadent to have an electric hook-up! We were treated to a colorful sunset and enjoyed walking around and seeing all the desert plants.

Maguey (Agave avellanidens), at the museum.

Grey Hawk.

Harris' hawk in flight.

Great Horned Owl.

Gilbert Ray Campground as dusk was creeping upon us.

Flowering cactus at Gilbert Ray.

The next day we met up with Neal and his family, a friend of Jerry's that grew up next door to him.  We went first to the Raptor Free Flight show which was amazing. We were able to get quite a few good shots of the birds flying near us or perched and posing! There were about 8 different ones. We also saw the hummingbirds in their own area, and one flew so close to me, up one arm and down the other; I could feel the wind from it's wings. Breathtaking!


To see the desert blooming is such a delightful thing. This barren-seeming land has such exotic colors. We have seen so many more blooms this year. Partly because we are here a little later, partly because the rains have caused so much more to bloom.

Beautiful trumpet shaped flower on cactus at the AZ Desert Museum.