Sonoran Safari November 2009: from left, Kris and Andy (Land Cruiser); Chris and Ginger (Sportsmobile 4WD); Richard and Mary (Jeep) - at the main ranch house, ready to head out on a day of exploration.
The 300-year-old mission at Cocospera (three times destroyed by Apaches, and now, by time and the elements).
Old cross wired to the scoffolding.
On Friday evening we drove up to a high ridge overlooking the Cocospera Valley, where Jonathan gave the group an introduction to the natural history of the Sky Island and Sierra Madrean region.
A safari tradition: enjoying 'sundowners' - drinks and hors d'ouvres (in our case, since we were driving, we had non-alcoholic beverages).
Guzman Morena Badillo (right) was our guide for the weekend - he's an amazing hunting guide (truly eagle eyes - saw deer we could barely make out) and naturalist - especially the traditional uses of plants.
Marie-Antonietta Morena, Guzman's niece, is one of the most accomplished cooks we've ever seen. Her food is fantastic and she is always smiling!
On the way to Las Palomas, the canyon where ocelots and jaguars roam.
Chris getting a better view atop the Sportsmobile.
Jonathan and Guzman looking for wildlife.
Andy checks out a doe that Guzman spotted on a far hillside.
We stopped at an earthen tank that holds water year-round, to check for tracks - no jaguars or lions, but plenty of 'cat food' - deer.
The road to Las Palomas is spectacular driving, just challenging enough to keep you alert.
Hiking down Palomas Creek.
Fall foliage was spectacular - walnuts, ash, cottonwood, and sycamores were turning yellow and orange.
The geology in the canyon is fascinating.
Even with the chilly temperatures, ants were out harvesting.
A mud turtle shell.
Rainbow hedgehog cactus.
A drinker for humans - at a natural spring by the roadside, with a cover built by local cowboys.
Andy and Kris.
Chris and Ginger.
All smiles.
Despite its height, Chris did a great job piloting the Sportsmobile through some difficult sections with low-hanging branches.
Mary and Richard.
We checked out the progress on the cabanas that the Overland Society is helping to construct in an upper canyon.
El Aribabi Conservation Ranch 112709 Trip
The comidas, the food, was spectacular - thanks to Marie-Antonietta. We enjoyed traditional Sonoran food - fresh, delicious, and spicy!
Guzman, an accomplished herbalist, prepared a tea for us from a plant locally called 'limoncillo.'
The tea is very refreshing, and does taste of lemon-lime! Good for colds and sinus problems, too.
Enjoying some Herradura tequila at the bar.
Each night we gathered around the bonfire - the stars and moon were beautiful.
Traditional Sonoran breafast on Sunday - nopalitos (prickly pear cactus pads) with chiles and cheese; beans in red chile sauce; tamales; refried beans; tortillas; several salsas; and traditional cinnamon-sugar postres and a chocolate-fruit-cake.
Andy demonstrating his prowess at the table.
Nopalitos, beans, and tamales.
