Cabeza Preitea

Cabeza Prieta - Images by Pat Shannahan

I have been meaning to post this for a while. I made these images while backpacking on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge for a travel story. What struck me most about the area is how rugged and dry it is. The conditions pose a challenge even to the most prepared. Evidence of the challenge can be seen among the fallen Saguaro cactus, laying on the ground with outstretched arms like chalkings at a crime scene. This part of the desert really is unforgiving. For an overnight backpacking trip we had to take 2 gallons of water each. During the day the sun washed out all the color but as the sun set, the colors really came alive.