I do not recall how we discovered Tucson.  It was about 5 years ago and happened, perhaps, heading east from Southern California.

Although from New Mexico, my husband and I have lived in London, England for most of the last 45 years.  London is our home.  After retirement we decided to explore the world and started with the Southwest USA.  We have not ventured further!  Something calls us back every year.

With family and friends in New Mexico, we annually find ourselves driving west on Interstate 10 … making yet another pilgrimage to Tucson.  Landmarks are now familiar: a cafe in Truth or Consequences, a gas station in Deming, the salt flats west of Lordsburg, Wilcox’s espresso bar, “The Thing” billboards, the Texas Canyon Rest Area.

As we approach Benson we look north, up every canyon and wash which I 10 crosses.  In one of these depressions stands a lone Saguaro cactus, its arms striking the classic pose.  This solitary, majestic, columnar cactus is our “portal” to another month of exploring the Tucson area.

Over the years saguaros have featured so prominently:  visiting the National Parks, watching cavity nesting birds, spotting the rare crested specimen, learning about the cacti’s importance to the Tohono O'odham Nation.

That solo specimen along Interstate 10 give us so much joy.  It ushers in a world of possibilities and adventures.

PLEASE JOIN ME IN HELPING TUCSON AUDUBON PRESERVE AND REPLENISH THE SAGUAROS!!

With the help of our community of supporters, Tucson Audubon Society is planting 14,000 saguaros over the next three years. These 5-year-old saguaro seedlings are being planted in precise locations selected to support the health and viability of the young cacti. Every $50 you help to raise enables us to plant and protect another saguaro seedling. Please support this campaign with a contribution to an existing fundraiser, by starting your own fundraiser, and by sharing this page with others.