Category: Grand Canyon National Park

Seems like I live in hiking boots.  I wear boots at work and boots for play.  And I’m picky about my boots because as much time as I’m on my feet comfort is a top priority.

I received these Columbia sportswear hiking boots from Sierra Trading Post and have been giving them the test.  I found them very comfortable right out of the box.  And they’ve continued to support my feet and ankles through many miles.  Plus kept my feet dry during stream crossings.

I’m a happy hiker.

These new boots were provided to me for a review.

I don’t mean a big person that is boring.

This Gigantic beetle was scurrying across the Lodge veranda last night and I swear it cast a Huge shadow.  Well, maybe just a shadow on my soul.  (Green flakes drop from the Lodge roof during heavy rain.)

Mike actually picked it up.  Then before releasing it to vegetation he showed it to curious visitors.

Upon getting home I looked it up in my Kaufman Insect Guide and this is what it had to say:  The ponderous borer, “Ergates spiculatus, bores in Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. The life cycle takes several years. Mature larvae may reach almost 3 inches (70 mm), and the gnawing action of their jaws inspired the invention of the chain saw.”  Mike really laughed at the chain saw part.

Also known as a pine sawyer beetle, they eat grubs found in ponderosa pines, of which we have many.

To see other weird and scary bugs from Arizona visit Las Aventuras at http://gardeningandthespanishway-rohrerbot.blogspot.com/2012/07/alien-bugs.html.