Sky Islands and Sabino Canyon

[lindyannajones]

Sky Islands

The mountains in Southern Arizona are called Sky Islands, meaning they are isolated from one another by a "sea" of desert that surrounds them. The city of Tucson is fortunate to be bound on all side by sky islands. The most imposing and impressive is the range that borders the north called the Santa Catalina Mountains. It is beautifully carved with canyons, ever changing throughout the day and creating deep purple shadows at sunset. Five of the six life zones are represented on the mountain and, in the winter time, one can travel from the warmth of the desert floor to recreational skiing at Mt. Lemmon in the space of 45 minutes.

My friend, Helen (aka Tenzin's Mom) and I recently spent a blissful few hours hiking and photographing Sabino Canyon. This jewel of Tucson is located 10 minutes from my home. It is utterly amazing to be in the city one minute and, after hiking a short while, be in wilderness. Helen shared her photos and here are a few of mine. I will post more photos in my replies if you would like to see more samples of shots from our day in Sabino Canyon. The first photograph is a shot of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the second is looking south to the Santa Ritas. We had very dramatic clouds that day and as you can see, Autumn arrives in December in the desert.

Ribbons of Life

Riparian zones (a latin word that means "along the river") is a type of habitat that occurs along the bank of a stream and is characterized by the ribbons of vegetation that grow along these corridors. Fewer than 0.04% of riparian areas still exist in Arizona. As you can imagine, the ones that remain are vitally important as they effect our water table but perhaps more importantly provide water and shade for the many critters that live in the desert. We saw a mountain lion paw print while we were taking photos.

The Sycamore tree keeping company with the Saguaros

[leonaashlee]

Linda, stunning photos and commentary as always. I am always so intrigued by what you have to say as I learn so much about my home...lol I sadly have never seen the beauty in it quite the way you do....coming from all the green of New England. But, through your eyes, I have begun to see it and I appreciate that more than you know.

[Sheriliz]

Beautiful set. SkyIslands what a wonderful way to describe this areas mountains. I love reading and viewing your work.

Sheri

[SoxAddict]

How gorgeous Linda! Your photos are like oil paintings, beautiful. And yes, you did tell me about the Saguaros a while ago - I think they might have to make it into my next trip to the SW!

[fstopMike]

Beautiful shots, and of course I would love to see more. I like how the gold in the sky of your second shot matches the gold in the tree leaves. It seems to me, though it's been about 40 years since I lived in El Paso, that the desert in Tucson is much more beautiful and scenic than the desert in El Paso

[lindyannajones]

Originally Posted by leonaashlee

Linda, stunning photos and commentary as always. I am always so intrigued by what you have to say as I learn so much about my home...lol I sadly have never seen the beauty in it quite the way you do....coming from all the green of New England. But, through your eyes, I have begun to see it and I appreciate that more than you know.

I think the desert is an acquired taste. I have always loved the desert but I have not always known too much about it. There's something about photography that has made me want to learn more and in greater depth than ever before. Sadly, I thought of Donny and Marie's version of Deep Purple when I was positing this thread. Can't seem to get it out of my head! Here's another shot of the peak in clouds that day:

[pjflan7]

really like that third shot and I just backed up and saw your post of the naturally framed peak.....great stuff.......You are very natural out there with your photography taking great shots of the landscape. With your writing, you ought to seriously think about doing some research and putting together an Arizona book or at least your particular region

[vakeel]

Beautiful shots, and amazing geography that you described. Would love to see more of your shots. TFS.

[shmelly]

Oh WOW, the scenery is just so amazing, more please...

[wendy.fox]

Very beautiful!