Hotel Playa de Cortez | Guaymas | Sonora | Mexico

 

A few of us went to this hotel one day for lunch since we were in the neighborhood.  It's a grand old hotel and impressive in it's own way.  This is in no way an advertisement for this place, but rather an interesting building from an era long gone.

 

One large room had chandeliers made from colored glass, with a stained glass wall around a fireplace at one end.

 

 

The lobby.

Multiple carved wood plaques were on the wall in the dining room.

We elected to have our lunch outside by the fountain.

 

Way to cool at this time of the year, but a beautiful pool was available.

Some antiques that may have been used in the hotel's history.

This is the back yard, which I'm sure has seen many parties throughout the years.

The hotel was built right on the water, so this is the view.

 

They even have a crested Saguaro, which is rare.  Typically, the Saguaro cactus has a rounded top.

 

 

Tohono Chul | Tucson | Arizona

 

 

Spring is when cactus blooms come out - in many different colors and sizes.  It was a perfect time to visit this botanical garden. 

 

There are those plants who have not put out flowers, a few of which I have not seen in my time wandering out in the desert in this area.

 

 

 

There are also many cacti that I have not seen in my time in the southwest.  Some of these smaller cacti have larger blooms than the saguaros. even though the saguaros are much larger. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You might think this next photo shows a nice furry little cactus, but the spines are just tiny, which make them harder to get out of your skin if you should get too close.

This is a rare saguaro, a Crested Saguaro.  For some reason, and not very often, they grow a larger area at the top.  It almost reminds me of a crown.  The two holes have been made by birds so they can nest inside the cactus.

 

This garden has some interesting features, including a fish pond.  

 

 

This plant is related to the pineapple family, and apparently just grows in a mound. 

 

Some of the plants here are not native to this area, and since they're rare, they might be a little pricey, as evidenced by this price tag.

 

I'm surprised this little lizard posed for me.

 

 

Lots of interesting metal sculptures were scattered through the park.

 

I'm don't think this guy was metal, but he was interesting.

 

Roads in this area are interesting to drive.  Very often, they're like a roller coaster.  It doesn't bother me, but I can imagine some people would get car sick.