It was an all day drive across Arizona to our next stop at a ranch in the mountains. A Diamond Ranch is miles out a dirt road, nestled on the Gila River in the central part of the state. The 22,000 ( not a typo ) acre ranch is so remote that there is no cell/ cable/ land lines of any kind. We were glad to find electricity .
The fast flowing Gila River flowed right by our door, we could hear it lying in bed at night. The narrow strip of lush green vegetation along the river, in the midst of this very dry desert environment , has created a vibrant wildlife community loaded with 300 species of birds. We enjoyed sitting in the shade watching the exotic wildlife . The surrounding mountains have the most beautiful desert we’ve seen, the cactus are incredible. The towering Saguaro are iconic to the Sonora Desert, they are considered treasures of Arizona and it’s a Felony to harm one. The various Cactus have an almost Botanical garden look, as if they have been planted and arranged for display, amazing. Our favorite desert tree is the Palo Verde whose brilliant green bark stands in contrast to the tan desert. We went hiking early to beat the scorching heat.
Our converted ” bunkhouse ” is in the middle of a large horse corral, the horses mostly ignored us except one who joined Karen on the porch while she enjoyed breakfast coffee . Dogs and cats wandered around periodically stopping by to say hello. We loved this place and hated to leave .
Philonthego.com 
Looks beautiful! Makes me want to visit the desert.
LikeLike