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| - So much fun! My 5 1/2 year old son, 60 year old mom and I (41) each had an awesome time today. Scout, our guide, greeted us at our hotel wearing a real gun! My son was so thrilled right out of the gate. After a quick introduction, we headed towards the Tonto National Forest which preserves a very large stretch of the Sonoran Desert.
Although my mother and I are native Arizonans, Scout was like an encyclopedia of geology, botany, herpetology, environtmental science, and social science of Arizona and the desert. Unlike a professorial lecture, he was entertaining and funny throughout the four hour tour.
Although we didnt see a snake or gila monster, we saw lizards, quail, hummingbirds, and hawks. He was very engaging with all three of us and made my son feel included in the tour.
We learned all about the local flora (cactus, cottonwoods) and how the area is affected by natural conditions. I particularly enjoyed his cholla cactus demonstration with his knife, a shed thorn and my mother's hand!
At times, the trip was a little bumpy but my son was squeelling with the roller coaster ride. Bring a snack but a cooler of chilled beverages is on hand.
Scout helped us with some fun souvenir photos but we wanted to include him in the photos because he looked like a real cowboy with his boots, hat and vest. At the end of the tour, Scout ceremoniously handed an arrowhead to my son as a keepsake. Such a professional and entertaining experience.
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