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Where We Were...ContinuedThe land where we were was predominately arid grassland, officially designated as being part of the Upper Sonoran Life Zone, Great Basin Desert. The rainy season, which usually starts around July 4th, was late, and so despite the fact that we didn't leave until July 16th, we managed to not get wet. We did, however, get dirty, sandy and dusty. Temperatures ranged from around 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night to the 90s during the day - although there were a couple of days during construction where the mercury soared to 102. The main dangers were dehydration, sunburn and the bugs. Due to the high elevation - 4900 feet above sea level - the sun was a little more fierce than most of us were used to, and consequently, sunscreen with a good SPF was in high demand. The ants turned out to be fiercely protective of their territory, and were not afraid to bite. For the most part, the rest of the local fauna - lizards, rabbits, and large, harmless bugs - disappeared when it got hot out, and didn't return until dusk.
Earthwatcher Derek Cushing and friend, a male collared lizard.
The view from the construction site (left). The Little Painted Desert is just barely visible in the distance. Gathering pickleweed at Chevelon (right).
Website design copyright 2005 by Kylie Thompson. All images copyright their respective owners among the SCAP 2005 team, unless otherwise noted. Questions or comments should be addressed to legend_of_lilith@yahoo.com. Hosted and maintained by Arizona State Museum. |
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