Was out and about this past Monday around the San Domingo Mtns (between Castle Hot Springs Rd and Wickenburg). Found some cool abandoned mine stuff, saw a huge coyote and one covey of quail (which I couldn't even get a shot off at).

But, the best part of the day was as I was heading out of the area. I came across a tortoise that was crossing the trail.

Shell was approx 12" long by 9" wide or so. Found this site online that had some interesting info on them.

DesertUSA

I think it's this sort of thing I like the most about heading out into the boonies. I've now seen several 'rare' critters, that one doesn't often encounter. Speckled Rattlesnake, AZ Black Rattlesnake, both types of Gila Monsters and now this tortoise. Not to mention the normal bevy of other snakes, tarantulas, coyotes, foxes and deer (oh my).

Later...

-matt

Cute little guy.

Hope you moved him off the road.

Very cool.

It's funny when you talk to 99% of the locals around here who have never seen a Gila Monster.

Found a couple tarantulas this past weekend...that was pretty cool too.

I saw a desert iguana out there on that road one day....bright green.

Matt that's Awesome..

I've seen all types of turtles in NE, Snappers, painted etc... but never a tortoise..

BTW - What type of camera do you have it always takes great close ups..

Cool...

LOL, Garbacho, yes, I did move him out of the way. I waited for about 15 minutes at a distance, hoping he'd start walking off the trail, but he wouldn't budge.

So, I walked back, carefully picked him up, and moved him off the side down into a sandy wash area.

He was still sitting there after a few more minutes, so I left. I assume he eventually got over the rude interruption and got on with his evening.



Matt, I have an HP 618C digital (older 2.0 mp). I have an aftermarket Tiffen macro lens that allows me to get in extremely close, and in macro mode, can usually get decent shots.

Of course, I haven't tried that with the rattlesnakes or the tarantulas.



-matt

quote:

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Of course, I haven't tried that with the rattlesnakes or the tarantulas.

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I know...getting you to take a pic is like pulling teeth.


Cool find BTW.

Here's one I've been looking at...

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=DX6490-R&cat=CAM

Seams like a pretty good camera... still need to do some research..

That camera would serve you well. The 10x optical zoom is definitely a nice to have.

Kodak digitals are generally rated quite high and the SD memory is pretty cost effective now ($60 for 512 mb at Costco).

I'd say go for it, the price sure is attractive.

-matt