 Had to share another glorious sunrise picture.  OK, this is annoying. One cyclist in the bike lane, the other not. Both going straight. While I sat, waiting for the truck ahead of me to turn right, cars began lining up behind the cyclist. Once the light changed green, the cyclist proceeded slowly, holding up traffic. Don't be this guy.  It's rare that I hike any trail more than once a year but this is an exception, the Brown Mountain loop in Saguaro West NP.  I like the first half is rolling as I proceed to the back of the mountain and adjoining ridgeline.  Then the climbing begins as I follow the ups and downs from one peak to the next. A very enjoyable 4.5 mile hike. I've been told there is a snake den along the trail but I've never been able to find it and given today's temp of upper 50's, they'd not be out today.  After visiting a friend, I headed home and was greeted by an amazing sunset which this time....  ....signaled the arrival of a front that was to bring rain!
0 Comments
 The average age of the people, at the restaurants where I frequent, is probably 90 (OK, an exaggeration but you get the idea). I was invited to watch the AU vs, UOA basketball game at the "Frog & Firkin" downtown restaurant, close to the campus at UOA. Wow! I'll leave it at that.  Once again, I made the short drive to Oro Valley and rode to the retirement community at Saddlebrook. It's a good, 40 mile ride with modest climbing. The views of the western edge....  ...of the Catalinas is amazing, to me.  A long extension to a bike path, going west of the town of Marana, recently opened so I thought I'd check that out.  Like every bike path I ever rode, flat and boring so unlikely I'll return. Than, on a windy day....  ...I went for a short hike in Sabino Canyon and observed a skunk, quickly enter a pipe. I waited and it reemerged so I took a quick pic.  I attended a party with about 30 people, all of whom brought appetizers. I sampled most. Meantime, strong winds hoisted dust into the air, obscuring the Catalinas. As sunset approached, the wind died and....  ....what a difference! We're receiving rounds of precipitation, finally. More to come!
 I was reminded of this beast as I was culling through images. By far, the largest saguaro I had seen but sadly, it fell over about 2 years ago. Easily 300 years old.  More blooming ocotillos. Surprised by the blooms given so little rain and am wondering how the wildflower season will be impacted. Will know soon.  After a hike, I spent time in the spa. Felt good for sore joints.  The start of another beautiful day as I drive to Oro Valley to start a 40 mile ride.  A park has been given serious upgrades including the above.  The walls on this are steep enough that a guy needed help out when his momentum on his bike, failed him.  A ramp from which people begin their runs on skate boards, scooters and bikes. Good ride on this day of temps in the low 80's.
 At last, after 5+ months of no measurable rain, we received some. Rain totals varied of course, from 0.15" to 0.75".  I was able to get in a short hike between showers and the octillion are blooming. Speaking of blooms....  ...for the first time ever, I was given a dozen roses for Valentine's Day. I was shocked! A woman giving a guy, roses???  Later, stood on a terrace and watched the colors change on the mountains. The colors evolve kind of slowly but the color change is dramatic....  ....as the sun slips below the horizon.
 There I was, on the Sabino Canyon shuttle, headed to Bear Canyon and the start of a hike. Today, I was solo.  Dropped off, I looked into the start of the canyon. I helped a couple of newbies who had not previously done this hike, assuring them it really is one of the milder area hikes, yes you can do it (ok, that was a lie), likely no water in the wash, etc... and than I took off. It was good to push myself.  Trail head signage with some good points.  I started in the shade as I observed the sun about to reach the inner canyon.  After about 2.75 miles, I reached this point, looking cross canyon at the 7 Falls. Unfortunately there was no water flow so the picture lacked the definition given by multiple falls. Still, a cool sight.  Wow. A bunch of water in the final pool and pretty deep too.  Looking back from where I came, a broad expanse of granite. Beautiful.  No water flow meant the rocks surrounding the falls were dry and thus not slippery. I moved up to the second level, while looking down at that first pool. Evidence of some wind as the water rippled.  About a 40' climb to the next level which I was able to do. I could have gone another level but there was no one else here and while climbing the slopes is relatively easy, it's the down climb that can get kind of sketchy. Returning to the first level....  ...how bout that? Plentiful fish are in the pool and not guppies, real fish. Love to have access to a wildlife camera to see what all visits this place for water.  I headed back, looking down canyon. I eventually met my shuttle riders who were indefatigable, plodding forward. Finished with about 5.5 miles on a beautiful day.
 Got invited to a Super Bowl party in Oro Valley. The hosts have a magnificent home that overlooks what is known as "The Big Wash".  And from where, there are grand views of the western edge of the Catalinas. Like most SB parties to which I have been invited.  ...there was a small contingent of those interested not in the game but also not the commercials. They sat outside instead. Later, there was a rousing game of euchre at which I did nothing to distinguish myself but my partner, the guy on the left, salvaged the win for us.  Meantime, while the others huddle around this nice gas fireplace, a large group enjoyed the game and commercials. Surprising outcome to the game but was rooting for the Eagles so that's good.  And, of course, the obligatory sunrise, the following day. Wow!  Thimble Peak, rather insignificant amongst its surroundings.
 What an unusual picture. It's as if flames are shooting from behind a nearby ridge.  I've adopted a new route which I call "Three Fingers" which includes Speedway, Redington and Fort Lowell roads, around 40 miles. Check out the fence made of ocotillo branches.  A friend invited me to explore a nearby, sandy wash.  Came across this abundant growing plant. I have no idea what it is.  Later, passed this eroded wall.  The wash narrowed as we....  ....reached a dead end for us, beneath a bridge.  This mess of debris had to be 6' tall. It's probably become too heavy to be moved by moving water and simply accumulates more, over time. A fun. 2 mile hike.
I added a new post and somehow it became integrated with others. Would take too much time to fix so it is what it is. New post coming soon!
   It doesn't take much of an imagination to spot a face on the end of this rock formation. I escorted a friend through another canyon but the pics weren't worthy of a post, other than this one. Back on the bike..... Dawn, looking to the southeast. A hockey stick shaped contrail but note the sudden move to the left. It seemed odd to me and.... It has been a very dry winter although a passing system did drop some snow at higher elevations. Meantime, for us at lower elevations....   I've been making the short drive to OV with some frequency. OV recently appeared in a prominent magazine as the #1 retirement destination, in the US. For me, it's easy to see why.   ....it was business as usual as I pass this group of saguaros on a short hike. My M.O. recently has emphasized cycling with short hikes in between. Eventually, I'll work in longer hikes to cool destinations and am discussing routes with some friends. ...20 miles into my route and the farthest point from home, a flat on my front tire. I replaced the tube but a gash in my tire caused another flat almost immediately. I was about 5 miles from a bike shop so pausing several times to reinflate the tire, I....  ....continued to lengthen. Today's visit was to help a friend remove all the oranges from a tree. Here is the before picture.    A lone saguaro. Wonder why it thrived when no others did, around it. ...made it to Oro Valley Bicycles. They immediately replaced the tire. Ya know, my "BH" bike has been in service for around 7 years, a long time for a road bike. I've contemplated buying an e assist bike but a couple nights ago I was eating with some cycling friends and when I brought up the option, my manhood was questioned. So, ok, no. Oh, wow! One of the best sunrises I've witnessed. Spectacular.     And check out this tool! I've never seen it before but it works great for grabbing oranges from the top of the tree. I never tire of the sunrises, thus posting yet another pic. If you view these on your cell phone, you miss the grandeur of the scene. A friend was volunteering for a day and asked if I could stop and let her.... I drove up Mount Lemmon to check out a new lodge in Summerhaven. Very nice but we decided to continue up to Ski Valley where surely there would be a roaring fire at the Iron Door restaurant and so there was. What a neat atmosphere as we ate chili in front of the fire. An employee spends much of his time keeping the fire going and I envied him. I'd love that job! I'm actually looking at a condo to buy simply because it has a real fireplace, lol. As I drove west, the view extended over much of the region.    The after pic. Took about 45 minutes and then.... Not enough snow to support skiing but the lift was busy, taking people to the peak and back. ...dog out, so I did. Rather small but not a yapper so that's good. Really energetic. I timed my visit for the half way point of a 40 mile route, through Oro Valley.  ....walked a portion of OV Country Club. My social calendar has been full as next.....    I've been working in a hike each week between my rides. Want to keep my lower joints conditioned to the impact of hiking. Two to three times a week I really enjoy playing ping pong. The camaraderie is fun but if I'm honest with myself, hitting a smash by these guys scratches my competitive itch over and over given the nature of our games. Seven of us met at Longhorn Steakhouse and that too was fun. The sun sets on another wonderful day but not before....     ....I drove to Charron Vineyard for an event. It's been 80+ days since we've received any measurable rain and it shows. As always, this view enthralls me of Thimble Peak and Blackett's Ridge, standing guard over Sabino Canyon. I thought this a beautiful setting with the yellow leaves in front of a very dry mountainside. So I paused during a ride to take the shot. ....I spot a woman, walking her parrot while talking on the phone. Don't see that every day!  The day was kind of cool as we sipped wine and listened to someone perform an amazing library of songs. Well, back to cycling and hiking.  And then, switching back to my social schedule, I'm invited to The Views golf course where there are wonderful views. Wow! The clouds somewhat look like giant flames, breaking above the ridgeline.  We arrived a bit early but had good seats to listen to music and dance...yes, I danced. As the venue filled, it was mostly people in the 60+ age. Looking around I thought, "Oh, I don't belong here!" And yet, here I was....
 Well, ok, not a lot but impressive cloud formations and as....  ...the sun rose, amazing but was any snow deposited at higher elevations....  ....yes! But not a lot.  Here's a better view as the sun hits the snow. Yet, despite this, some areas in southern AZ still have received no measurable rain for about 5 months.
 I rarely hike in the afternoon, for a variety of reasons not the least of which is if I fail to complete the hike in the allotted time, darkness is my reward. Anyway, I escorted a friend into Tanque Verde Canyon to show her a very different type of "hike". We started at 3:30pm.  The colors and shadows were entirely different, of course.  She brought along a large Doodle type dog which did an admirable job other than in this tight spot but I was an able to assist. I don't have a problem, hiking with a dog but you have to be careful that your foot does not arrive on a rock at the same time the dog's paw is aiming for the same landing spot.  The canyon lacks water flow so upon reaching a final wall, I explored going up through the throat of the wall where water normally flows. I could make it but my two companions could not gain traction on the slick rock. Fortunately, there was a work around to the right.  Arriving at the 80' dead end, canyon wall, we met three people who had just repelled down.  Surprisingly, there is still a fairly large pool of water at the base of the wall. It's such a beautiful spot.  After a short break, we headed down canyon as the sun closes on the horizon. Fortunately, we got out, not needing our flashlights. A fun, 2 mile hike!
Dawn, looking to the southeast. A hockey stick shaped contrail but note the sudden move to the left. It seemed odd to me and.... ....continued to lengthen. Oh, wow! One of the best sunrises I've witnessed. Spectacular. As I drove west, the view extended over much of the region. I've been working in a hike each week between my rides. Want to keep my lower joints conditioned to the impact of hiking. As always, this view enthralls me of Thimble Peak and Blackett's Ridge, standing guard over Sabino Canyon. And then, switching back to my social schedule, I'm invited to The Views golf course where there are wonderful views. We arrived a bit early but had good seats to listen to music and dance...yes, I danced. As the venue filled, it was mostly people in the 60+ age. Looking around I thought, "Oh, I don't belong here!" And yet, here I was....
I've been making the short drive to OV with some frequency. OV recently appeared in a prominent magazine as the #1 retirement destination, in the US. For me, it's easy to see why. Today's visit was to help a friend remove all the oranges from a tree. Here is the before picture. And check out this tool! I've never seen it before but it works great for grabbing oranges from the top of the tree. The after pic. Took about 45 minutes and then.... ....walked a portion of OV Country Club. My social calendar has been full as next..... ....I drove to Charron Vineyard for an event. It's been 80+ days since we've received any measurable rain and it shows. The day was kind of cool as we sipped wine and listened to someone perform an amazing library of songs. Well, back to cycling and hiking.
It has been a very dry winter although a passing system did drop some snow at higher elevations. Meantime, for us at lower elevations.... ....it was business as usual as I pass this group of saguaros on a short hike. My M.O. recently has emphasized cycling with short hikes in between. Eventually, I'll work in longer hikes to cool destinations and am discussing routes with some friends. A lone saguaro. Wonder why it thrived when no others did, around it. I drove up Mount Lemmon to check out a new lodge in Summerhaven. Very nice but we decided to continue up to Ski Valley where surely there would be a roaring fire at the Iron Door restaurant and so there was. What a neat atmosphere as we ate chili in front of the fire. An employee spends much of his time keeping the fire going and I envied him. I'd love that job! I'm actually looking at a condo to buy simply because it has a real fireplace, lol. Not enough snow to support skiing but the lift was busy, taking people to the peak and back. The sun sets on another wonderful day but not before.... ....I spot a woman, walking her parrot while talking on the phone. Don't see that every day!
 Wow! Donna, an infrequent attendee to our group rides, shows up in this kit. I don't remember seeing anything equivalent to this creative scheme. Our route heads toward Redington Pass where I....  ...pause to take pics of those ascending. This tandem is very strong on the flats and downhills but really struggle on the climbs. The fact they never know the route has become an issue, nearly causing a crash recently.  Oh wow, another awesome sunrise!  I do a solo route, parking at the southern end of Oro Valley, pausing at OVCC for a pic and than compelled to....  ....take another of this yard before heading farther north to the....  ....Rancho Vistoso area and than farther north to.....  ....the town of Catalina where I dodge car driven by blue hairs as I skirt the retirement community of Saddlebrook.  On my way south on this 41 mile ride, I once again pass through OVCC, enjoying great views of the western side of the Catalinas. It was a rare, cloudy day but the clouds began lifting as I returned.
 Attended a group ride and met Heath and his wife, visiting from Dallas. He owns a carbon fiber repair business. He built his bike to be 11.9 pounds. I heard a local bike shop is selling road bikes for as low as 9 pounds but they don't recommend vigorous descents on that machine.  Our group begins to gather for a 35 mile route, which was a lot of fun.  My friend Amy, who is now part of the SAR team in southern AZ, sent me this picture of a guy who slid part way down a slope. Fortunately, his slide stopped in a crevice but there was no going back up or down. Surprisingly, he had cell phone coverage and was able to call for help.  I broke from my group and headed farther south for extra miles. I paused in front of a gas station and an inquisitive road runner approached. Never been this close to one before. Then....  ...I hear shouting, repeated taunts of, "Fu*k you bit*h". At first I thought it was friends yelling at each other but the shouts were persistent so I stood and watched two guys screaming at each other. They just would not stop. It was a child exchange meeting that went bad and unfortunately, the children witnessed the entire episode. No punches were thrown and the guy, standing, was carrying but did not pull his gun. Eventually they departed and while police were called, they never showed up.  And so, the pickle ball match to which I referenced on my prior post. I played great. Could not believe it. Won 4 games while a hawk watched the final one. Maybe I'll start playing again but all that starting and sudden stopping, dang, my legs felt it the following day!
 Incredible sunrise, once again. The sun rises now at about 7:20 so it doesn't require an early wakeup to witness.  Jumped in with a group for a ride out/back Marsh Station Road. We park at a long closed restaurant.  It's a beautifully, newly paved road where it deadens above a railroad that was active when I arrived.  The rides theme was a poker run. I received two cards at the beginning, two at the bridge over the railroad and things looked promising but alas, I was dealt a jack for my final card.  I drove to Oro alley to hike the Linda Vista, 2 mile loop with a friend. Great views as our days continue to be sun and highs in the 70's and 80's.  A wild saguaro next to a calm one. The guy on the left must be a wild partier.  I was invited to play pickle ball at the Ventana Canyon Resort. Wow, have not played in about a year as I found my paddle and got ready.  Oh wow, the sun sets and the colors change.
 I always enjoy a route that takes me on Woodward Rd. The scene is straight out of central FL and their farms, albeit without the orange orchards. This guy shares.....  ...a pen with this guy and they seem to get along well.  Our amazing sunrises as the light first shines on Cathedral Rocks, the high point of the front range of the Catalinas.  I visited a friend in Scottsdale, enjoying my first visit to a True Food Kitchen when a Waymo car passed. That too was a first, for me.  Sunrise as I head south....  ...to the Santa Ritas for a hike. Elephant Head in the distance. Such a fun scramble up the left side.  And of course, the high point, Mount Wrightson with the second highest peak set slightly to the right, Mount Hopkins. Hard to believe it's been 6 years since my little adventure of becoming lost and finding the remains of a missing hiker. I was fortunate to not also be lying up there alongside the man.  We hiked to Josephine Saddle, a worthy, 4 mile hike involving the Baldy Trail. The scenery is not so great on this particular hike so nothing more to share.
 I was riding in the Foothills and paused to take this pic of Table Mountain. I was leading a group last year but the vegetation had become so thick, it was difficult to navigate. I'd have to stand on boulders to figure out the way forward and GPS wasn't much help either. Not sure, without changes, if I'll ever do that hike again.  Then there is Finger Rock and the Guard to its right. I am going to attempt that again soon.  The mornings rarely disappoint as the sun rises, around 7:20am now.  Some Halloween decorations have been repurposed as I ride through 49er development.  I've been dog sitting for a week. Talking to a neighbor, he commented he had a large limb that needed removed....10 minutes later, lol.  My buddy Jack. I spoiled him for the week with all meals containing steak, chicken, salmon or an egg. He likes me quite a lot.  What a wonderful season so far with temps in the 70's, even low 80's. The evenings cool quickly so started a fire and enjoyed the warmth. My dog sitting duty ended, successfully as Jack survived the experience.
 I joined the Cactus Club's, 47 mile ride to the south where on the northbound return....yikes! Look at the size of that nail head! Fortunately, it was not my tire but.....  ....instead, Amy P's bike. Amy recently completed the 100 mile, Tour de Tucson in under 5 hours. Jodi, to the right is in the same league. They work me over too well on the group rides.  Off the bike to a hike in the Catalinas. Not to Finger Rock but Pontatoc Ridge.  A new connector trail is almost complete between the FR trail and Pontatoc trails. It will create I think a 7 mile loop opportunity.  Nice collection of trail building tools.  The first mile is rolling but once I cross this ravine, the real climbing begins. The Tucson Mountains in the distance.  Eventually, a broad expanse of rock is presented as I look at Panther and Sombrero Peaks.  More great views.  I close on my destination where at the base of the above structure, there is a long abandoned mine. I've been there but the climb to the mine is kind of sketchy so I did not go that far. Instead.....  ....I headed back, passing the remains of a saguaro.  I also passed through a healthy batch of Jumping Chollas. Nasty. Finished with 4 miles and down hill hiking, leg muscles that stayed sore for a couple of days.
 Another day with temps in the mid 70's as I finish the climb on Swan. From my condo, it's easy to get in a ride that averages 500-800' of climbing for every 10 miles. Those efforts are making a difference, albeit a small one, with my cycling fitness.  There I was, just after sunset when a large group of javelinas walked by. A couple of days ago, another bobcat strode by too but in the opposite direction. I grabbed my phone and rushed out to take a pic but it was gone.  Ohhh, the sunsets continue to amaze me.  Awesome.  I went for a short, 2 mile hike and thought the above was a good pic with the sun illuminating the mountains while in the foreground, clouds kept the desert a tad darker.  A cloud acts as a starburst behind Thimble Peak, way in the distance.  Rain has threatened but as of yet, no precipitation. Just clouds.  One of my favorite views in the region! The setting sun's light turns the western side of the Catalinas, redish pink.
 Our group reaches the midpoint of our route at Colossal Cave. It's a short but quality climb to this point.  From the parking lot, Old Spanish Trail stretches toward the mountains.  I have not really noticed yet but yes, the leaves are beginning to change color. It's been an awesome fall so far.  When I exit my condo, I am greeted with this view. Pretty special.  During a solo ride, I pop into Sabino Canyon to check out how many cars are parked. Lot of people on the trails.  A long dead saguaro stands alongside an overflow lot at Sabino, it too rather crowded. I've been doing a lot of hilly rides and I'm finally beginning to notice signs of improvement. However, I want to get in some quality hikes too. Struggling with going solo or organizing a group. Will see.....
 The sun rises above Sabino Canyon. Lots of vehicles already here to start their hikes.  How about this!?!?! There I was, walking in the bean aisle at Bashas and I see this!!! I love Wendy's chili and I can eat it out of a can without the drive thru experience? Yes.  Living in the Foothills means there is climbing routes all over the place. The end of Swan Rd hits 17%, Alvernon the same, Craycroft, etc... Then the climbs from River Road to Ina/Skyline/Sunrise are all worthy too.  A misshapen Texas Ranger needs a trim and the only way to properly do it....  ....cut it way back. These things grow like weeds so it won't be long before it recovers and a better job can be made directing its growth.  I continue with this rambling post. Speedway Road dead ends at a parking area for Saguaro East NP. Unfortunately, in the middle of the night, a driver plows through the end of road signage and dies from his sustained injuries.  And than the sun sets on another beautiful day, with more on the way....  |
