FEB: Water Stops

Words by Greg
Photos by Greg and Trina

Arizona is known for its heat. For its dryness. For its prickly plants, sand, dust and generally rugged desert landscape. And for good reason, as much of the state is just that. Back in February, we found heat (compared to our frosty homeland…) and we found dryness. We found prickly plants, sand, dust… But we also found water.

We may even have sought out water, as we poked our way into the secret corners of many of southern Arizona's mountain ranges. Looking, always for the rare moisture that provides for life in the otherwise dry land.

We found small rushing streams. We found bare trickles. We found green tanks. We found stale puddles. And always, nearby, we found vibrant signs of the otherwise secret lives that rely on this desert water. Flowers, insects, birds, furry creatures. Or sometimes merely indications that these lives had been lived or were being lived somewhere close by. Footprints, seeds, exoskeletons, or a feather.

We left our own footprints. Took with us our memories and photographs. And went back to our more civilized lives. Knowing, and happy to know, that those near-secret lives remain out there. Drawn, like us. To water.