Hiking Club 1st Hike

This morning we headed out to Alamo Canyon which is a trail in Catalina State Park.  Relatively close to where we live.  Sunny and into the low 60s made for a perfect condition for the 6+ mile hike.  There were a lot of rocks and boulders underfoot, but one of our hiking members was an 81 year old man who had no problem.  We aspire to be like him!

Our view as we got to the top.

The O’odhams greatly respected the Saguaro and considered them nearly human. According to legend, each Saguaro represented an Indian warrior and the arms his wives. A drooping arm signaled a bad wife, but if it turned up again, it meant the husband had straightened her out!  This Saguaro represents a really, really bad wife!

Recent Natural Experiences

Well the only wild animals we've seen lately are the Monday Night Bingo players.  All 197 of them.  I think our odds of winning the lottery were better than winning any of last night's 11 games.  But it was entertaining and there is a certain level of stress and excitement when playing Bingo.  It would have been more exciting if someone at our table (me) got to yell Bingo.  At least they served Mike & Ike's and watered down punch.

Finally Getting Out to Hike

It has definitely been winter here in Tucson.  Our snow is long gone but the nighttime temperatures are still hovering around freezing.  The sun did come out today and low 60s are in the forecast.  We're still patiently waiting for some warm weather.  Today we walked from our house into the "wild" a few miles.  This river is due to the rains and snow melt of late.  We couldn't cross and had to hike in some scrubby areas instead.  We did see a Jackrabbit!!  I didn't believe such a unique animal existed and he was very fast.  Too fast for my camera.

Well it is Winter

Here is our first coyote sighting of the year!  He came out during our blizzard and was walking down our street when I spotted him and chased him down.  Yes, it's a white out around here today!

Our snowy front yard.  

It's Good to be 94

Our plan is to always arrive here in Tucson in time to help celebrate my step-father's Jan. 5th birthday.  This year we had his 94th birthday party and then played the game Quirkle The game turned out to be a big hit with the 80+ year olds in the group (thank you internet for telling me about the most popular game at senior centers).  And actually, the under 80s enjoyed it a lot too. 

View from the Top

A nice afternoon walk to my Uncle's house.  It's all downhill until it's time to head back.  Sometimes we see "old people" who are resting and catching their breath on the walk back up.  That is not us, yet.

Three days in

Some things we have learned in our three days being back in Tucson:

1.  If you forget your computer monitor in Durham you can get a really good replacement at Goodwill for only $7.99.

2.  Paying $1.69 for a gallon of gas makes the 20 minute drive to the grocery store not quite so painful.

3.  Cactus really do grow!  And fast!