From Organ Pipes I took a long and picturesque drive to Tucson. Saguaro National Park is just on the outskirts of the city. You probably saw these giant cactus on the pictures: this trees are imposing: they grow as high as 18 m, but the tallest is 23,4 m high. Some people call them candelabre cactus… It takes about 75 years before it sprout its first branches or “arms”… It was blossom time when I was in the park and there were a lot of white-and-yellow flowers on the saguaro…
On my way back to LA I visited the third National Park – Joshua Tree. Apart of the picturesque Joshua trees themselves there is a lot of fantastic boulders to walk around and to photograph. Also do not miss Cholla Garden – I saw these plants in the other parks but here they are especially beautiful… Park entry fee is 10 USD – if you plan to visit more US parks within one year it is worth to buy a year pass – it cost only 50 USD…
From the Joshua Tree Park I drove directly to the LA airport. Wow! It takes a lot of time to pass all crowded freeways so allow plenty of time.
In the LA airport there were unpleasant surprise waiting for me: after check-in they ask me to take off all my film from the main luggage as they can be damaged by the X-rays. I put all my stuff from the backpack on the floor and packed it back… In hi-technology-proud America – shame! They also do not allow to lock your luggage so take all your valuables off with your films!
Now 10-hours flight to Amsterdam ahead… Good night!
