 Fabulous destination! However, do NOT start your hike at the Dry Creek Road trailhead. If you do, it's a dusty 2 mile start and unremarkable. Instead, start at the Mescal trailhead. This also avoids having to take the new, shuttle service to Dry Creek, Thursday -Sunday. The shuttle service is free and rather convenient but we found easy parking at Mescal. Signage is good throughout this effort.  We cross a wash that has numerous pockets of water from recent rains.  Mountain bikers use this trail too but this is the only ones we encountered.  The trail enters a dry creek bed for a short distance before exiting.  As I stated, signage is very good. At mile 1.3, we cross Dry Creek Road where we encounter a couple of high clearance vehicles that were able to make the 2 mile drive from DC trailhead. Otherwise, as I previously noted, you're hiking that 2 miles. Don't do it, lol.  So far, our hike was mostly a mild ascent but once crossing the road, it steepens....  ....in places, really steep. And then....  ....we encounter a small group of hikers who are waiting their turn to walk onto the bridge.  Mostly, people walked to the middle of the sandstone bridge, had their pic taken and then returned but a few needed to have multiple pics in different positions. There was some grumbling as the line slowly shortened. I negotiated with the people behind us, as the couple in front of us had done, to take our pic.  It really is a spectacular image. The wind had picked up and we were anxious to get off the bridge. With that, we began the hike back to the RV.  The hike was only 4.5 miles but very scenic, including the boulder, somehow balancing above us. Lunchtime now so we went into Sedona for dining and retail!
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 I've completed this 5.5 mile hike once before and was anxious for Claudia to experience entering the Subway, also known as the Keyhole, given the shape of the interior. We shove off on a rolling, Boyonton Canyon trail.  Soon, a resort comes into view and stays with us for about a mile. Important note for those checking this page for info about the hike. While other landmarks and trails are well marked, this trail, not so much. You'll encounter an intersection or two that may have you scratching your head although the direction to walk should be obvious from trail wear or encountering other hikers.  Throughout, the scenery!!!! Oh and clouds too that were gathering, indicating some rain could be coming. At almost exactly.....  ....mile 2, you'll see a giant, alligator juniper tree on your left. Look for a trail coming in from the right. That's the beginning of the ascent to the Subway. Yeah, I know, in the pic the tree is on the right of the trail but I took the pic after passing the tree. The ascent is .5 mile, kind of bouldery and likely somewhat crowded so be patient. Dogs are surprisingly allowed on many Sedona trails and we encountered a woman who had just been bitten. Nasty and bleeding quite a bit. We donated a tissue but not much else could be done so.....  ....on we go! The entrance but the pic does not do a good job of demonstrating the severity of the slope but....  ...this one does. We waited for them to slide and then began our turn. Not only is the ramp steep at 35%+ but also kind of slick. There is an alternative way, a short walk to the left but ya gotta experience this way! Pro tip: Wear shoes having a good gripping surface, lol.  I make it and here, Claudia begins the steepest section, making it to the top with a satisfying grin on her face. She's quite a fit hiker and a worthy hiking companion.  What an amazing view! Each of us ventured as far down the left ledge as we comfortably could and had our pics taken. Unfortunately, those pics omitted the right side so I'm posting this instead, as it shows the complete feature. Note the right ledge. It gets kind of sketch at the corner but if one walks around, there are additional features that are worthy of exploring.  So, as Claudia descends the ramp, I go around the corner and we meet soon thereafter as she ascended the alternate way.  I arrive at Indian ruins and looking back, a woman follows my route. This pic puts the challenge in perspective I think.  Various alcoves exist where people hang out. Reunited, we explore the area and reencounter three women from MN who were oblivious about this destination, headed elsewhere, when first we met on Boyonton Canyon trail. I convinced them to visit this instead and they were rightly thrilled to have done so.  We descend and looking back, get a good view of the Indian ruins.  Recent rain has caused an abundance of wild flowers to bloom.  Back on the main trail, it begins to rain, rather hard. The surrounding cliffs appear to have ice on them but it's just water, draining over the sides. Just before entering the stage of personally being soaked, the rain stops. Yeehaw. Fun first day in Sedona!
 The sunrises have not been of the same quality recently. Mostly because most mornings, there have been no clouds. However, this morning had a nice one.  And so, the day arrived to drive to Sedona in an honest to goodness RV and "camp". Lacking a maul, I split some wood using a hammer and chisel. I would not want that to be the standard way to split wood.  We drove to Phoenix, retrieved the Winnebago Travato and headed to Sedona. It's only a 3.5 hour drive and I wondered why I have not visited more frequently, given the views and hiking opportunities. Able, we descend via 89A into Sedona.  Just before entering the city, we took a short detour so Claudia, a former real estate agent, could check out this home. The access is via an elevator. Amazing.  I regret thinking to take only one pic of our parking spot and surrounding area. It was a beautiful location, next to a babbling Oak Creek. If this is the standard for RV parking, sign me up. One can not help but wonder, "Is this Arizona?" because of our surroundings of trees, manicured grass and water. But of course, AZ is the most biodiverse, inland state in the US. And the scenery? That is coming, soon.
 I park on the corner of Ina and Oracle to begin a 40 mile ride through Oro Valley. This location is at the southwest edge of the Catalinas where I observe a lone cloud.  Later, in Marana, I pause and observe a standing body of water. I thought, how rare a combination.  I take a day off and head for a 50 mile ride that included pausing to watch a train of horses. Then, I....  ....head up Mount Lemmon to the view point at mile 2.5. This gave my ride 2000' of climbing. I'm contemplating riding all the way to Summerhaven soon. Were I to be a first time visitor, I'd be all over this effort, along with going up Kitt Peak and Mount Graham. But, having done so many times, for whatever reason, I focus on the mental agony of the effort. We'll see.  Saturday and on my way to Phoenix, via I10. No surprise, a wreck has brought us to a standstill. I much prefer taking the back way via St. Rt 79 & 77 but my destination was too far west for that to be practical.  My girlfriend's sister's husband passed recently so they held a celebration of life. The man led quite a life and over 100 people attended. The food...the drink...ugh.  Sunday was an unusually windy day so I decided to hike to Ringtail Ridge, a very scenic hike in the Tucson Mountains. Now, when you read this, we'll be in an RV giving it a test experience to Sedona. Got some great hikes planned. Actually, great are the scenes, not so great the effort but that's ok.
 Another enjoyable, 40 mile ride around Oro Valley with great views on this warm, sunny day!  A couple of days later, I rode south, going around the fairgrounds on a 47 mile route. The Pima County Fair is ongoing but we couldn't get much interested in attending.  The palo verde blooms are now more on the ground than on the trees.  I read an ad about shrimp, caught off the coast of Louisiana and how much better it was than imported shrimp so bought 2 pounds. Wow, quite good! I'll buy this again.  About once a year, I shop for clothes and this past weekend was the time to get it done. Visited an upscale outlet mall and went all in on a wardrobe adjustment. While walking, I noticed a hummingbird's nest. Such an odd location, close to a lot of foot traffic.  How did I not know previously about slip-on Skechers? Just like that, I have a replacement for the trail running shoes I usually wear for casual occassions. My only regret is not taking advantage of the "Buy 2 get 1 Free" offer. My girlfriend did and I'm envious.  Our itinerary for the Sedona visit is set and will include a visit to Devil's Bridge. Not previously experienced this and yes, we plan to walk across the bridge. I've read it's wider than it appears in images. One of the other must visits is the Subway.
 This is hardly one of the most impressive palo verde trees, just a pic of one I took at a convenient time. You can't imagine how many.....  ....palo verdes are part of the landscape until they are in bloom. So distinctive! I'd say the mesquite are the most abundant but lots of Palos too as I pause during a 40 mile route in Oro Valley.  I visit Sabino Canyon for my "go-to" hike, a 2 mile loop. I often pass this entrance to a short canyon and look at the ledge on the left side. Looks like it could be a fun climb but that crease could make it home to a den of rattlesnakes. I carefully climb....  ....until I reach the bottom of the ledge. You can't tell from the image but the slope is too steep to gain the ledge, for me to try. Also, no snakes. I've had several dozen encounters with snakes and used to keep an Excel spreadsheet listing each, lol. I think, given time to contemplate, I could recall each encounter.  I near the end of the hike, which is beautiful. LOVE the mountains.  How bout that???? One of the many systems moving out of southern CA dipped low enough to bring us some rain. Enough that there were puddles of water on the pavement.
 In recent years, I've traveled the southwest and beyond on summer vacations to escape the southern AZ heat. While driving, I've seen many of these RVs that people have rented. Intriguing for sure. Welp folks, while I'll not be renting one of these....  ....my girlfriend has one of these, a Winnebago Travato. I've not seen it as it's in storage in Phoenix but we're going to take a trial run with a trip to Sedona in a few days to do some hiking and exploring. We'll stay along Oak Creek in a shady spot that looks great. If all goes well, soon thereafter, we'll hit the road. First, we'll visit Ohio so she can meet family. I'm nervous about this RV experience, to be honest, lol. More to come.
 Many years ago, a friend, Greg D. and I hiked off the North Rim via the Bill Hall trail. So, so much fun to do a loop that included Thunder River, Colorado River, Deer Creek Narrows, Surprise Valley, Esplanade, etc.... So fun until.....  ....it wasn't. Summer heat melted the glue holding the soles of my hiking shoes. This occurred early in the hike and after we encountered a guy, hiking out who had the same issue. Greg asked if I wanted to spit the bit and exit the Canyon but I decided to keep going. What great memories of an event filled hike.
 Got in a 40 mile ride which included a stop to rest and a bold road runner.  Ate at Noble Hops which has a good patio experience but sadly, that will change as an adjoining parking lot will be turned into apartments, spoiling the view.  We were invited to watch the "pink" moon at a friend's house but alas, one of us got the time wrong and missed the celestial event. Still a beautiful setting.  Went out for another 40 mile ride to the east. Going by one of the many farms on Woodland Road I spotted a herd of sheep. This inquisitive guy checked me out. The owner of the farm told me to look at a nearby tree and....  ....see baby sheep climbing. Sure enough, there were two on the limbs, right in the image.
 Settled in for a brief push through a car wash line. This must be a very profitable business because there is one on every corner.  Wow! Now that's a sunrise, which came with a sprinkle or two.  The day is kinda windy so I opt to do a hike. Rarely is a new trail established by the park service and its volunteers but one was recently established, creating a loop. I start on the Finger Rock trail.  There are a couple of wash crossings, this one with an impressive cairn to mark the passage. Soon.....  ....the climbing begins in earnest. So, so steep, sometimes via granite slabs but usually big steps up boulders.  Finger Rock begins to slip from view behind Finger Rock Guard. Since I made it this far, I began to think I should do the climb to that, one day soon. It is sooooo cool to sit on top of the Guard.  Another slab but I thought this one might bring me to the point at which the trail breaks from FR trail as it heads to Kimbal Peak and instead goes to Linda Vista Saddle.  I pass a nice, Alligator Juniper and after 3 miles of climbing....  ....am almost there. My legs, not in very good hiking condition, felt relieved.  It's a beautiful spot, the saddle. I thought about exploring the formation to the right but decided against it. For an unknown reason, I did not rest here. That was kinda dumb in hindsight.  Instead, I began descending on the new trail section, which would take me back to the trail head. Whoa! What a relief!!! The trail was smooth and no boulders to climb. And not particularly steep either.  Another interesting formation as I continue to descend. Eventually, as the excellent trail conditions continue.....  ....I pass this lone saguaro.  Check out the serpentine nature of the trail! The descent is 4 miles so naturally, compared to the other side's 3 mile ascent, it is not as steep. But then, after 2 miles.....  ....the descent steepens and the boulders return. Ugh. I did pass a stone foundation and wondered what was its history. My somewhat wobbly legs were grateful to reach my vehicle with 7.15 miles and 2700' elevation gain.
 Approaching Picacho Peak State Park, the peak appears unimaginably impossible to ascend without equipment. Yet, there is a fun route that gives a full body workout.  Standing at the base of the Hunter Trail, the route heads towards that yellow, concave area, hangs a left to the base of that wall, makes a right and goes to the saddle on the right side. The 0.8 miles to the saddle has an average grade of 30%.  Being that steep, there are places where railing has been installed to aid the uphill effort.  Upon reaching the yellow, concave area, I make my left and am about to now do a 180 and ascend to the saddle. Today is a very windy day so I got an early start to avoid the worst of it. Recently, we've had several systems emerge from southern CA and spin through to our north, bringing wind if not precipitation.  I took a break at the saddle and chatted with a couple of women, vacationing from Idaho. Next, is a short descent to acquire the back side of the peak. The grade through here is over 40% so there is a lot of cabling. The descent could be done without use of the cables but the pace would be much slower.  A final, half mile ascent is a lot of fun! Walls to climb and sections that have fencing to keep me on the side of the mountain rather than plunging to my death.  This section even us a short bridge. Rounding the above corner and then a series of switchbacks brings me.....  ...to the peak. Across I10 is Newman Peak which is about 1000' higher than Picacho. The climb to that peak is a rough one! Finished with 3 miles and 1800' of elevation gain. I was kind of encouraged that my times were not too far from my personal bests, this being my 7th time doing the hike. Hmmmm, maybe I should try something more ambitious given more windy days are approaching. And so I did. More to come!
 Again, thankfully, I witness another sunrise as the sun lights Cathedral Rock, the high point in the front range of the Catalinas.  I was in the middle of a 40 mile ride in Oro Valley when my rear tire flatted. Like the front tire last month, it was pointless to replace the tube because the tire was pretty much shot. Fortunately.....  ....Oro Valley Bicycle shop was about a mile away and they accepted my bike and quickly changed the tire. Tire, tube and labor...$100+ but what are ya going to do? My "BH" bike is still going strong. I've had it much longer than the previously owned Treks, Bianchi and Lamond. I am thinking about a new one but I struggle between another regular road bike and a high end e assist road bike.  On another ride, I saw the largest ocotillo I've ever seen. I can guess the age of saguaro fairly closely but these plants, no idea.  Yeah, another sunrise. I hope you don't look at these images on your phone. An iPad or laptop is much better to appreciated some of these images.  Starr Pass Resort, sitting on the patio. Life is good. I'll be on the road soon, visiting Ohio with a friend then away from the summer heat for 2-3 months doing some exploring. Final details are yet to be ironed out but certainly Montana will be a big part of the road show.  The purpose of our visit at the resort was to watch what is a very credible performer who switches from guitar to piano, playing songs that all of us enjoy, who were there too.
 Surely, after 24 hours the water would have made it beyond the last bridge at SC and sure enough it had but only within the last hour...amazing. This was confirmed by a hiker who had earlier crossed the bridge and it was all dry. I proceeded.....  ....upstream and watched the water flow over the dam while and mother and child had selected a good observation point. The second reason I came back so soon was....  ....my time to climb to the Phoneline Trail was outside the top 10 on Strava. Can't have that so I put in the effort and am safely ensconced in the top 10. Finished with an enjoyable, 4.5 mile hike.  Saguaro cactus are valuable for landscapes. Trucks like the above are used to transport them. I'm always surprised by how small is the root ball. I know a guy who works at a commercial nursery and asked about the small mass of roots when pulled from the ground. You simply dig a small hole and plop the cactus into the ground and they adapt. Surely they would be easily toppled but apparently not. They are bottom heavy.  So a brief spate of cool temps put me in hiking mode but now our daily highs are in the 70's and 80's so got out for a couple of 40 mile rides that included....  ....stopping to take a pic of a fairly large King snake.
 Another fabulous sunrise. As the sunrise time ticks back, I continue to awaken in time to see these sunrises.  And so, back to Sabino Canyon for a hike and to check for water.  Awesome looking cloud formations!  Snow again fell at higher elevations.  Alas, as I walk past the dam, still no water! I ascend a connector trail to the Phoneline Trail for a return to the parking lot and....  ...oh, wow! Water is gushing through pipes at about the 3 mile mark on SC Road. Wonder how long before the water hits the lower bridge? Lots of pools to fill so will return tomorrow to check.
 Well, you don't see that every day and over the long term, a very precarious location. Monsoon runoff will sweep that away. The guy who put it up was working nearby, improving on his homestead. Good, 40 mile ride to the south on this day.  And then, it rained again. Would this finally fill Sabino Canyon? Had to check it out.  Interesting view that appeared to be smoke coming off Blackett's Ridge but no, just a lone cloud.  Horses pass as I head to Sabino Canyon dam where....  ....no water. Some pools are full but the creek is still dry. More rain coming in so maybe.....  I head out of the canyon via this cross trail that gains Sabino Canyon Road.  The saguaros are flowering. One of those new shoots may develop into a new arm, over a long time.  Sure enough, it rained while I caught a decent rainbow. Would this cause the SC creek to flow? More to come.
 We got it...rain!!  As usual, the clearing of the clouds showed snow levels down to around 5000' but of course, the creeping melt has already begun.  Great views as I take a short drive to snap a few pics.  Kinda cold, for me to be on the bike so I decide to hike to the Tanque Verde Dome. Been several years since I did this hike.  I reach the dome from which great views are seen. The average grade of the climb is 11% so not killer but certainly kept my heart rate up. The wind is strong on this exposed area so I don't linger.  I descend, finishing with 5.5 miles and can see the fresh snow on Mount Lemmon. Later....  ....I spend time in the spa. Boy, that felt grand.  Once again, I'm in Oro Valley to walk an arts & crafts fair in the OV Marketplace. Really enjoy looking at the variety of offerings. Apparently, it was a good show for the exhibitors.
 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!
 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.
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