Kitt Peak National Observatory
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Sunday, we met our good friends Rod and Amy from Go Pet Friendly. They have been staying in Tucson, so we wanted to meet somewhere in the middle for both of us. In looking at the map, the Kitt Peak national observatory was the perfect spot. Plus, Al and I had never been to an observatory before, so this was great.
This observatory is huge. They have so many different kinds of telescopes, it was truly remarkable. We climbed, in the truck, more than 4000 feet to the top of the mountain. It was an overcast day, but the views were still amazing.
There is a small visitors center that talks about the different telescopes and what they do. This one was so interesting to me. It is a solar telescope used for taking photos of, and watching the sun. It’s massive. Not only is it huge above ground, but it goes another 300 feet underground.
Really, all I wanted to do was wait until dark and beg to go into one of the observatories and watch the stars all night. Talk about heaven!
But obviously that was never going to happen, so I had to settle for wonderful views, with wonderful friends.
Rod and Amy, with Buster and Ty.
Roxy and Torrey went too.
Yes, it was chilly. We are all wimps when it comes to the cold. LOL
The drive back home proved to be awesome too. Remember in my post on Monday, when I mentioned that the organ pipe, and especially the saguaro very rarely get what is called a “crested’ top. Well, we spotted a saguaro on the way home that was crested. I was so excited. They are so incredibly rare, and this was a first for us.
Kudos to Al for being the spotter, while driving even.
Doesn’t it look like it has a face?
The rock stars of the desert cactus world.
And then there is this. My motto, my life.
That is a very impressive observatory. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly
The observatory is impressive.. And I love the views and scenery! The crested saguaro is cool, great shot.. I like your motto. Have a happy day!
AHHHHHHHHHHHH! I TOO JUST WANT to travel the back roads of places unseen. Oh Mary, that CACTUS IS WILD! And I can almost hear the air in the dessert….it is silent, it is arid, it’s so pure….thank you again! Anita
I don’t know what’s more exciting– spending time with Amy and Rod, or going to the observatory!
what a neat place! and what a cute foursome your friends make. :) love that cactus topper!
Wow, that is one impressible telescope/observatory. Crested Saguaro – didn’t you see the one in the town center in Carefree? Usually the art fests/craft shows are set up around it.
I can’t seem to attach a link to my post so you can look for the crested saguaro during your next art show in Cave Creek/Carefree. If you go to my blog, in the far upper right corner is a box. Type in chocolate festival and my post will come up if your interested.
Isn’t it amazing how our bodies get used to those warmer temps?
Ya we saw it, our booth was right next to it actually. But this one is in the wild!! We will be there again for the chocolate, art festival in February.
Was it named after Kit Carson? That cactus had quite a crown. Good friends and good path. Wonderful to see you having such a great back roads trip with hopefully many more!
We never knew that observatory existed, what a really cool place to visit. Thanks so much for sharing! Love Doll
That would be the perfect life for me too. Ah well, at least I’m lucky enough to travel those roads through you and your blog! Love that crested saguaro, I too noticed that it looked like a face at the top! It looks like a skinny cactus-guy standing there with its arms up saying, “Here I am!” ;) Your friends look like such a wonderful family. Nothing better than sharing life’s adventures with good friends!
Fantastic post, and what amazing views! We would be wanting to see the night sky through the observatory telescopes, too… and maybe get a chance to see some live sun images. *wags* – Gilligan from WagsAhoy.com
What a fun meet up and super cool cactus!
Impressive!
Wow, that’s cool! I’ve seen many saguaros driving back and forth when my parents lived in AZ, but never saw one like that!
That place is so cool!
The observatory sounds super cool!!!! And those cacti blow my mind.
I’ve never seen a saquaro with a crested top. Fascinating!! How cool to have visited an observatory. I’m surprised the telescopes go so far down into the ground! And I never think of Arizona as having overcast skies. It’s amazing how much one can learn while blogging!
What a day! The observatory looks so cool, with spectacular views. And what fun to meet up with friends. And you got a photo of the crested cactus, that really is something too!
Beautiful scenes from that observatory…just awesome views!!! Nice that you could hook up with friends and their “kids” too!…:)JP