Picture Time #4 - Nature Hike

Roger, who has been with Arcosanti since "the beginning" as he describes it, has an absolute wealth of knowledge about the geography, nature, and prehistory of the area around Arcosanti, aside from having an encyclopediac knowledge of other topics too. He treated us to an extended hike around the mesas surrounding the site.



Stephan and his camera.



Roger explaining the Agua Fria river valley, just beyond the ledge.




Cottonwood trees. These are really interesting—they're essentially cotton plants in tree form. It's quite amazing—with a gust of wind cotton pieces will float through the hot landscape like snowflakes.



The Mesa (it's breathtaking in person).



I like this particular shot—an old chevy that was at an abandonned ranch at the bottom of the hill.




Roger on top of the Mesa.




Arizona thistle.



In the middle of an ancient Native American pueblo.



After a hike that just about lasted the whole day, the long trek across the top of the Mesa, covered in grass. Off in the distance, Arcosanti (you can always tell by the freestanding Cyprus trees). The area is a true wilderness.