Winter in the White Tanks

I went to the White Tank mountains west of Phoenix yesterday to do some winter strolling in the desert. It was a brisk day in the lower 50s, but with bright sunshine and crystal skies.  Here are some petroglyphs, probably made by the Hohokam a few centuries ago.

This is the feature that gives the mountains their name.  The white tank is made of granite and sits at the bottom of an intermittent waterfall.

The waterfall is perhaps 100 feet high and only runs after heavy rain.  About three weeks ago the area received 2-3 inches of moisture over three days and the falls must have been flowing quite nicely.  Now only a tiny trickle is left, but several water holes remain close to the dry cascade.

The bush testifies to previous strong water flows...probably just last month during the November 21-23 storm.

A saguaro rises above the bright blue winter sky.

Last months storm has caused a bright green carpet of grass to sprout in the desert.  There are very few flowers...just a brittlebush blooming here and there...but one more good rain during the winter should produce a fine spring flower season.

I love coming out to White Tank not only to explore, but to revel in the silence.  Get away from people...easy to do on a weekday...and it's totally quiet except for the birds, the breeze, and...well...an occasional plane.  But it's peaceful.  Amazingly so, since it's not far from the towers of Phoenix and the football stadium.

In late afternoon, the lowering sun illuminates the teddybear chollas.