Fascinating! I only ever thought of barley as an old world crop, the kind essential to brewing beer ;). In fact the only cereal grain I had ever heard about coming from the Americas was corn. How very interesting! You could probably throw sunflowers into that mix as well. Though, the reading I have done follows yours in that many of the plants such as sunflowers and goosefoot (chenopodium, which would fall in the amaranth family), weren't necessarily "cultivated" but sort of "followed" human habitation and agriculture. Kind of an Indian version of "weed cuisine" haha. I also was reading an interesting article on peppers from NSS a little while back. While chilies were gathered and used frequently by the Indians in places like Mexico, further north, in areas like the Four Corners region, they never really caught on. The Indians there preferring a more "bland" diet.

Thank you guys! It is a little bittersweet, I have to admit. After all, both my wife and I grew up here and both of our entire family and all of our friends are here. Leaving is not going to be easy, but being able to finally break out of being in a seasonal position is a great opportunity. Leaving Fish and Wildlife at the Arsenal isn't necessarily what I wanted to do, either. But the reality is that eventually the Army money that we are being paid out of is going to run out. Its a weird thing that every paycheck you get puts you closer to being laid off. It's also a very small and not well funded organization even in the best years. Without getting too political, these upcoming ones are definitely not going to be some of those "best years." So while I do love working for FWS it would put me in a very tight spot if I were to limit myself, and especially if I were to try and stay on the Front Range. But with al that being said, I'm definitely looking forward to this new experience down in Arizona. From what I can tell, its going to be absolutely gorgeous down there. I have never been there, except when we stepped over the line at the Hoover Dam back when I was like 7. So all of this will be tremendously facinating and exciting get to be around a completely different landscape from the one I'm used to. I know those types of experiences very well, Popmama. But I hope this time isn't one of those, haha. Although it's good to hear that the desert there left an overall good impression on you, despite the difficulty. At least you're not just trying to convince me how hot it's going to be ;). I will definitely be putting up pictures of all the new things I find down there. I'm sure the novelty of cactus flowers will wane around here after the first month or so. I'm pretty sure they don't really bloom until late "winter" so you guys have until at least then.

Thank you everyone. I am back from Arizona where I had a great time. It was warmer than usual for this time of year, 80 during the day in Phoenix and 40 at the Canyon. The Grand Canyon is amazing and may return in the next few years to really spend sometime exploring. While walking along the rim in the very crowded National Park 4 elk walked right in front of me as if I wasn't even there. I was awed to say the least. The next day we visited the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Bonito Lava Flow. That is well worth the drive. It felt like I had landed on another planet. Black lava as far as I could see. Then we drove to the Wupatki Pueblo which was very interesting. In Phoenix we visited the Botanical Gardens which was great. I love gardens and this was my first visit to a desert garden. The next day we visited Taliesin West and took a tour. The tour was great and I learned a lot and enjoyed the beautiful home/school. When I return I will plan better and for a little longer period of time. I do want to try some hiking and of course some of the silly tourist thing like a train ride and mule rides etc. Again thank you everyone for your suggestions. I will be back soon with questions about my next trip. I am still trying to choose which continent.

It's understandable that Taos Pueblo requires a camera permit. There are hordes of people traipsing through this ancient home and ceremonial site on a daily basis, and the required permit is but one way for the Puebloans to try to exact some control over how visitors conduct themselves. You would truly be amazed at the audacious acts that entirely too many "guests" commit while visiting. Those who cherish the pueblo have a right to expect respect -- to not have photos taken of people and places where they have not given consent -- and this is one way to drive that point home. (One doesn't have to buy the permit in order to visit the pueblo, however.) Acoma Pueblo also requires a paid camera permit (most active pueblos do). I don't mind paying these fees one bit, considering that it has allowed me to experience cultural ways that are on the verge of extinction. There is so much beauty, mystery, and magic in these places IMO.