Willcox, Az to Tucson, Az (via Chiricahua National Monument)

Today we got up early to walk up Chiricahua National Monument (say it like this: cheery-cow-a). Not too early, however - the shuttle bus was not operating, due to a recent brush fire (Horseshow Two - it started in the next state, New Mexico!). So, a little late, and realising we now had to trudge UP and down the mountain, we set forth... The first section was in forest, and we heard (and then saw) a real woodpecker! The next section was up the cooler lee of the mountain, and we had a good view of the other side of the valley.

As we listened to a family of birds keep in contact along the valley floor, we saw this desert butterfly. Not sure what species it is, sorry - but hey, we're tourists, not biologists!

Along the route, there was much evidence of previous floods and fires. This picture of two burnt succulents was indicative of the destruction. However, fires do let the young shoots grab a foothold in an otherwise obstructive overgrowth, so perhaps there's a lesson there for all of us... you know, the old makes way for the young, etc - yada yada, yada...

The view from the top of the mountain back down the canyon - check out the large version of this, as it has so much detail in the background. It conjures up grand images of podlings at attention, waiting for the call-to-arms in some historic Lord of the Rings folk story...

A balancing rock. Say no more.

'Oh dear, the rock is about to fall...'

The perennial trick photo shot (of another balancing rock). It only took about 5 attempts!

A Great Plains skink (ok, I looked it up). Plenty of photo opportunities along the way to capture these little fellows - but each photo was better than the last! This little critter was kind enough to perch for a few seconds and let me get extremely close - with the majestic rock formations in the background.

Duck rock. No, not that one - this one.

A rock formation called 'kissing rock' - well, it is our honeymoon!

Ok - this one is not for the squeamish. I was tasked with the job of cleaning the front of the car. I think Morag might have been increasingly embarrassed by all of the other gleaming automobiles we shared the highway with.

Bonus points: I was eating a hot dog at the same time.