As we descended from the mountains into the foothills in the west we began to see more and more saguaros, ocotillos and even organ pipe cactuses. As the ribbony road straightened itself out onto the desert floor we noticed for the first time the beautiful paloverdes. These handsome trees (about the size of peach trees) have shiny green bark, thorny branches and yellow flowers.
Soon we were connecting to the Nogales - Hermosillo Highway. Imuris was the first town we came to. At the first stop here vendors came on board carrying trays selling burritos, chicharones con limon and elote con chile (roast corn on the cob with chile). After this town it was more or less a straight shot to Hermosillo with the highway turning into an almost straight line and the scenery flattening out into a monotonous vista of mesquite, paloverde and occasional cactus.
Santa Ana was the next stop (It sounds like "santana" when they say it). This is where I learned the word "loncheria" (place where you have lunch...but you knew that). I learned also that this was the site of a drug-related shooting just a couple days before. Among the casualties was the head of a local cartel. Gunmen had surrounded him and his girlfriend/wife while they were in their car. After politely escorting her out of the way they forcefully administered early retirement to said gentleman. But we didn't know anything about this and were impressed with the palm trees and cheerful colors of Santa Ana.
Benjamin Hill has no hill. But it was a welcome relief after miles of straight, hot, dusty desert. The bus detoured a few blocks to the center of the town. Fruit and ornamental trees as well as brightly colored houses made a cheerful contrast to the desert. This was truly an oasis in the Sahara. I almost felt the desire to get out of my comfortable, air-conditioned seat.
Next: Hermosillo
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