Great change into the Sonoran Desert! You saw two main indicator plants of the Sonoran: 1) Saguaro (sa-wah-roh), and the smaller, green trunked tree 2) Foothill Palo Verde.
I know everyone is picking on the pronunciation, and these videos are a little old so I'm not sure you still check the comments... so instead of correcting you, I'm just going to comment that it always makes me smile a little when I hear someone with interesting pronunciation (Tempe, Tucson, Prescott are also names I have heard people get creative with). Being an AZ native, there are just some things that I take for granted. Fun fact about Saguaros (if no one has commented yet!) is that it can take 10 years for a saguaro to reach 1in, and does not produce the FIRST arm until they are 100 years old!
The green tree is a Palo Verde. The bark is green because it can do photosynthesis through the bark if needed. In an extreme drought, they may drop leaves to conserve water, but continue photosynthesis with the bark.
When I found your channel, you had already finished your PCT hike, so I wasn't able to follow that at the same time you were actually hiking it, but this time, I'm following right along. I have to say, I really enjoy your enthusiasm for all things natural, be it just a cholla plant, or a huge saguaro. Keep on hiking.
Enjoying your videos. The red cholla you pointed out was in fact a staghorn cholla, instead of the teddy bear cholla or jumping cholla you've been seeing. Cheers!
The shadows cast by the Saguaro cactus always makes me think of the old Looney Toon cartoons....specifically Wiley Coyote who would meld himself into the shadow of one. ;)
Hey, Jay... pretty awesome out there in the desert... Since this seems to be 'pick on Jay's pronunciation' day... I'm choosing 'ocotillo', (and maybe someone already mentioned), but the double L in Spanish, is not an L sound. There's kind of a hint of an 'l' but mostly a 'Y" sound; so 'Ocotillo" is OH-ko-tee-lYo, with the 'l' almost unpronounced. I pronounced it like you are, also, but I was learning Spanish, so I kind of guessed I was wrong, and asked. Got a brother down there in the Phoenix area... he loves the heat. Looking forward to that first snake!! Take care, Man!
I am so happy you are on a trail again! Love your videos! Great photography and i enjoy your narrative. Love those blue desert mountains in the background! Stay safe, have fun!
I saw my first gila monster last year in the Tonto NF near Carefree. I squealed with joy and began hopping around like a kid on Christmas morning. I think I terrified the poor thing. He ran away as fast as his tiny stubby legs could go. 22 years in AZ and I finally saw one only to make it flee with my jubilation.
I'm usually out trying where I can to do Trail Angel stuff along the AZT. I enjoy your enthusiasm for the cacti, wish I could get get out there and help, keep up the great video content, you do justice to the AZT
Love following along and can't wait to see how you like Mica Mountain! When I went through Colossal Cave park and Saguaro NP last March it was right after it was closed to the public. It was so weird to go through that whole area with almost no people. I only saw like 3 people for 2 days
Jay, you're in Arizona and it will keep getting warmer. You probably want to get some sun gloves if you're using trekking poles. Outdoor Research makes some. Gossamer Gear makes a nice pack strap holder for your umbrella so you don't have to hold it.
Loving your videos... look forward to them everyday. Also all your commentary, it really keeps my spirits up as my husband and I train for our spring backpacking trip. You crack me up with your great since of humor. Happy hiking! Look forward to more.
Your videos rock! Your gear selection is brilliant. Thanks for posting your gear list in the notes. I just purchased the AOKA 28 inch tripod because you have it! Lol! I trust your research. I'll only be using it with my iPhone 13 ProMax with a Smallrig case. Have you ever thought of just using an iPhone or cell phone camera for your videos to save weight? Their image quality has gone to the next level and their features/options are staggering.
I filmed most of the AZT videos with my Samsung S21 5G and then extras with the Sony a6600. I thought the phone did a great job. I'll probably stick with my phone for a couple more years though and since its 4k isn't as stable I'm leaning towards a GoPro 10 right now. The main reason I really liked that AOKA insdead of a tiny plastic tripod was because my camera was heavy and I didn't want it tipping over. I'll actually be bringing the same tripod with me on the AT but with a new ball head which is a little bit lighter but has a fantastic quick release system, the Mantis Pod Pro ball head.
@@JayWandersOut Thanks again for the information. I'm going to check out the Mantis Pro ball head. I look forward to following your adventures on the AT.
@@JayWandersOut I've heard good things about the GoPro 10. GoPro just released a new battery that lasts longer and works better in colder temperatures.
Hi Jay - great vlog! Quick question for you. I'm shipping my thru-hiker son and his girlfriend their resupply to Colossal Cave. I read somewhere that they don't get USPS shipments there, only UPS or FedEx. Can you, or someone else, confirm? Thanks!
I'm too lazy to cook in the mornings and enjoy a hot meal at night especially in the winter months. I did the same on the PCT and cold soaked breakfast and often lunch then had a hot meal for dinner. The Talenti cups add a tiny bit of weight and some bulk but worth it for me. On the AT I'll just bring my pot though.
@@JayWandersOut Ok, that makes a lot of sense. I don't really do trail breakfast myself, unless you call jamming a poptart in your face after camp breakdown, breakfast. Or, it's a Snickers, before the days heat melts it. I really enjoy your videos, Jay. I'll be hitting the AZT myself this March
The saguaro flower is Arizona's state flower....it is on the saguaro cactus. It's pronounced "suh-wah-roe." You don't pronounce the word with a hard "G." I have to laugh when you say it with the hard g.
