4/17 Outdoor Wednesday #223 - Montezuma Castle

If you would like to participate or view Outdoor Themes click here:  http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/.   Thank you Susan for being the hostess.

During spring break, my husband and I, decided to take our grandchildren to experience a taste of Arizona.   We landed in Phoenix then rented a car and our first adventure was to see the Montezuma Castle.   This is a Pueble ruin that is over 400 years old.  Doesn't it look like an apartment?

When leaving a designated viewing site, I noticed these wild flowers growing.   Isn't it amazing how plants can grow even against all odds like little water or soil?

These holes on the mountain side are used by many birds and probably insects and smaller animals to escape the heat of the day.  If you like more information regarding Montezuma Castle click here  http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm. 

Looks like one of the visitors had time on their hands and did some creating on their own.

My son, Johnny, captured this lizard.   Groups of visitors would gather around this lizard as my son would explain what he knew.    Yes, he did release it back so it could survive in its own environment.   Our younger grandson (Alex-13 years old) secretly would like to have snuck the lizard on the airplane home; but he was good; didn't do that.

It took us longer than 2 1/2 hours to arrive in Sedona, AZ, where we were staying for a couple of days because of side trips along the way.

Out west the sunsets are this beautiful.

It looks like the sun is winking doesn't it?

Visitor's Tip:   Since we are over 62 years old, we purchased a $10 Lifetime Pass.   Three people were allowed in FREE as our guests on one pass.  As a couple with two Lifetime Passes we were allowed six people FREE as our guests.  Note:   This Lifetime Pass can not be used as an entrance fee to State Parks.
http://www.nps.gov/moca/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm

My thoughts and prayers are with the Boston Marathon victims families.