water in the desert

Tempe Town Lake

This is what happens when you try and put water in a dry river bed, and then aim to create a lucrative waterfront recreational area. 

The City of Tempe failed miserably when they ignored warnings about the  inflatable dam's deterioration. In July the dam broke apart and released thousands of gallons of water to the west side of Tempe, into Phoenix. The high end condos and buildings lining the "lake" are now overlooking views of unsightly ponds of  mud embedded with debris.

taken 7/23/2010

Arron's Grave

Pima Indian Reservation, south of Scottsdale, AZ

Driving through the reservation, there are many signs of death - falling old houses, abandon barren fields, and these roadside graves. They are not hidden or placed away from everything, they're just there, out in the open, amongst the homes, crops and roads. 

Death seems to have a different meaning to the Pima's. Rather then having a fearful approach, they seem to accept it into their rhythm of life - we live, we die, we return to the earth.

taken 7/24/2010