With a name like Cactus-Needle, it's only natural that we would want to take our grandsons on a hike with a lot of "
big cactus" as Isaak likes to say.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOp9XcakeQ2ih9sxxQqNanPA7mhiTNWOehNka4EPVxY0RSZqla2ZopYYQE66Nppzj6VaS0PtTJrhPVnXppw5kfODBngJ7aA5tAoDmSRWRHvMxziRwtbiyMC5Os4R6ZMzbJaGOLhM5wkWs/s400/san+tan+mountain+regional+park+hike+008.JPG)
This afternoon we went on the San Tan Mountain Regional Park trails in Queen Creek, Arizona.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT-pEQ1PL4oq72ZHFCdoRit-5FavTwduIWApmCzhoR5s5MVRXllx25CM96bOvEfaywcrZTPqVYtbjfEkWrtY4MGLWCZo4AygeW6QIqlc0KiLbGpWIBzY-HV1xRqD0htpEDrWp799xOiA/s400/san+tan+mountain+regional+park+hike+040.JPG)
Even though it's almost December, we had perfect weather with the temps in the 80's.
When ever I come to this part of Arizona, I feel like I have entered the true wild, wild West.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDMYOmZnmP_9WAdKGY6ovDMdlMiuOvw4eRC3Rom7v1yq67aOZcZ1Brc8C-oOi6mijpn7_entj6s5c8PqwiD63XQWTu1nThs-h4mify3Gv21khcOqNFJ9pz3h7s-jByeRVwtvjzqIFXn8/s400/san+tan+mountain+regional+park+hike+030.JPG)
The boys are so happy to be with their Papa, and vice versa.
I'm a happy mom to be able to visit with my two oldest daughters. Aubrey had the day off from work today so she could come on the hike with us.
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Look how huge this Ocilllo plant has grown out in the desert. Paul is about 6 feet tall in comparison.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlhYGcGESSUAYrLYL4qEu5YvsXyaI-M_qfZ4asoB_FpRYPKo_fYsBLcOfSF_IrIl8StVIbjUXHPuOE53zat-Tge7Kdb0cZo3-DFFxSGxrPWuNPuS1QbFbMPye0tkWCS07NfuV5PAKF40/s400/san+tan+mountain+regional+park+hike+019.JPG)
Teddy Bear Cholla
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Isaak has been a very strong hiker from the time he learned to walk.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI-entNrEA_LmltlpBSbpfVYWfEM8-Mt6u9zU1q-B87SzjNwf5TMn5mH5GHhMkVpHFVvVQTHo5gqXe-cPFmICsrR8jZ1Iz4mH9xA6ve4aE5mM5hyphenhyphenXvf46hyphenhyphenj_ehkCD3GaDpg7k3bMiIo/s320/san+tan+mountain+regional+park+hike+026.JPG)
Noah wanted to pick up every rock on the trail.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA0CCqgyQsKe0mPVcXxNBZSJOY3quGZzpE2BXSP8v7IJfkHU4CFh-5vO70XEtBTL4_sgC6vW7QEBWeR9WjvDqTJ_L7XuMN6D0f7X0-oDwSdUY3r5ddS8Zm0-ZA1IbPlVwSJKi_6L4la8/s400/san+tan+mountain+regional+park+hike+047.JPG)
Club Cholla
These plants are very prickly. If you touch one, they immediately imbed in your skin and it is quite difficult to pull them out.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz9EbHzIoGTp8WiiX7_CFDL4vJbG9XU3P4C_D0rcr4hfmEFE7RnK8h_SKYuN7nCnYlCy2MGfAQ3m9jAq2_D8bEifKMrOHF9jFJDhPf5E-2emJt54GGPmDKRj2x1YTshNf5s2cwr6awXs/s400/san+tan+mountain+regional+park+hike+048.JPG)
Some have asked how I came up with the name of
Cactus Needle for my blog. Mr. Cactus actually helped me think of the name. I wanted something that combined living in Southern Utah and my love of quilting.
9 comments:
My parents winter home is close by there. We have been there on those trails. I just love it and it looks like you had a great day too!!
I grew up in Phoenix. Pics like this just feel like home :)
What a fun name. We are here in St. George having a wonderful time. Saw the lights at the St. George Temple, saw the live Nativity at Tuachan (did I spell that right?) It is very beautiful and my husband and kids would love to live here....
Mary
What a fun day! It looks so warm where you are. I love the pictures!
I have always wondered how you got the name Cactus Needle. Now I know...
I rather like it!
Absolutely beautiful!
I love the pics of Arizona...It brought back a lot of memories of my time there. The kids are just adorable! Glad you are having a blast and you do look happy!
Micki
Ahhh, 80 degrees sounds really nice LOL
Looks like a fun day with the grandkids. The baby is beautiful...so glad she is here. I love the name the picked for her.
If I wasn't so scared of snakes jumping out behind every cactus, I would say that's a beautiful place to live! :)
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