I just shot this photograph of Mesquite pods in our backyard.

July in Scottsdale, Arizona:  Mesquite Pods, Monsoons, and Incredible Resort Rates

The month of July generally marked a very important time in the life of Arizona’s ancient Hohokam Indians.

First of all, the area’s plentiful mesquite trees are currently dropping their pods as the monsoonal winds begin their annual visit and shake the trees of this precious fruit.  These pods may not look like much to you, but to the ancient Hohokam they were a important staple of their diet.  The Hohokam woman would gather these pods, grind them in stone mortar and pestles, and make a flour very rich in much needed protein in their diets.

Secondly, we are just coming out of our “foresummer” season which is very hot, very low humidity, and absolutely no rain.  In late June, early July, the winds will made a sudden shift from the west,  and will begin to blow in a circular fashion from the south and east bring much needed moisture to the hot dry Sonoran Desert air from the Sea of Cortez producing our annual monsoon season.

These monsoons will bring cloud cover to cool the earth, rains to water the lands, and each evening provides an opportunity to see a lightening show like you have never dreamed possible.

In my opinion, and contrary to many unenlightened travelers, July is a wonderful time to visit Arizona for three reasons:

• You haven’t lived until you witnessed a monsoonal storm.
• No crowds! The town is relatively empty as travelers are predominantly venturing elsewhere, and as many locals head for higher, cooler lands.
• And most importantly to a traveler, our world famous resorts are offered at discount prices.  It is entirely possible to secure lodging in a world-class Five-Diamond Scottsdale resort at only $99 +/- per night right now.

Therefore, I warmly (no pun intended) welcome you to come visit my hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona in July.  I promise, you will thank me later.