Looking Back Best Pics from 2012 - Hummingbird

Since winter still has us in it's grips I've decided to look back on my pictures from 2012 and post some that I deem the best of 2012.  I hope you enjoy!

From February 2012 - Trip to Arizona

Hummingbird in the gardens at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, AZ

Looking Back Best Pics from 2012 Arizona

Since winter still has us in it's grips I've decided to look back on my pictures from 2012 and post some that I deem the best of 2012.  I hope you enjoy!

From February 2012 - Trip to Arizona

My friend, Gina, loves cactus!  Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, AZ

Looking Back Best Pics from 2012

Since winter still has us in it's grips I've decided to look back on my pictures from 2012 and post some that I deem the best of 2012.  I hope you enjoy!

From February 2012 - Trip to Arizona

Chihuly Glass sculptures at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, AZ.

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Phoeniz, AZ.  The entrance alone blew me away with it's beautiful Chihuly Glass display.  I would love to have a Dale Chihuly glass display in my garden, he is so talented.  When I first saw the display I thought it was some gorgeous plant that was reflecting the sun's rays.  It wasn't until it got closer that I realized the plant was really made out of glass.  The garden had a beautiful display of cacti, and volunteers were close at hand to answer any questions you may have.  It is one of 33 landmarks that make up the Phoenix Points of Pride.

Chihuly Glass display at entrance to garden

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Photo Opp in the Garden

Bird nest in Saguaro Cactus

St. Earth Walking, sculpture by Robert Wick

Sun Dial

Gigantic Organ Pipe Cactus

Barrel cactus

Crested Saguaro Cactus

Blooming Yucca

Cactus Bloom

Agave and Barrel Cactus

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a botanical garden/zoo located in the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, AZ.  The landscape surrounding this area is desert and hills as far as you can see, all spotted by giant Saguaro cactus.  One of the greatest parts of the museum, to me, was their hummingbird house.  You walk into this enclosure to find yourself surrounded by hummingbirds.  They buzz past your head on the way to grab a drink or go back to their nests.  I saw at least 6 different nests with tiny little hummingbird beaks sticking out.  If visiting Arizona, I would definitely put this on your list of places to see.

Entrance to the Hummingbird House

Hummingbird Nest

While you are in Tucson, and not far from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, make sure to stop by Arid Lands Greenhouse.  Bob, Toni, and Susan are incredibly friendly and have a wealth of knowledge about cactus.

Desert blooms

My friend, Gina, loves cactus

Barrel and Totem Cactus

Cactus Blooms

Yucca in background with huge flower stalk starting

Cactus

Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus

Ruby Throated Hummingbird

Planting Display

Sonoran Desert

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember.  I can't tell you how many times I have been so close to the Grand Canyon, only to find out it was closed for the season (North Entrance).  So I can't tell you how excited I was to find out that the South Entrance was open all year!  It was a 4 hour drive from Phoenix, but so worth all the time spent in the car.  For me winter is the perfect time to visit the Grand Canyon.  It was 49 degrees the day we were there, which to me as a Wisconsinite meant all I needed was a jeans and a jacket.  There were no long lines, you could drive up to all of the stops along the road, and because it wasn't crowded you could get all the great photo shots you wanted.  I think the Grand Canyon is a must see for everyone.

Colorado River cutting through the Grand Canyon

Playing around in the Grand Canyon

Another view of Colorado River

Look how far back it just keeps going

Love all the rock formations

Even ran into some snow while there, as a reminder of home.