 A relaxing evening at Ventana Lodge. The fire isn't really needed but it adds to the atmosphere.  I've learned to park at one of several pullouts on my favorite road, Woodland, to begin rides on the east side.  During a 44 mile ride, I paused at the end of Speedway where I viewed the Rincons. Surrounded by four mountain ranges, this is the least interesting one. Sure, the hike to Rincon peak is a beast but otherwise, I'm unaware of any interesting destinations and the hiking up there is kind of boring.  The wash on Wentworth had been coated with a substance that would harden. The worker advised me not to cross.  I entered Saguaro East NP and I wondered how many people are aware that the roof coverings are bombay doors from WWII bombers. Pretty creative use for them.  Very nice view of Cathedral Rock catching the rising sun.  We headed to Sonoita and wine country! A relatively new winery, Los Milics, opened and it is quite a step above the surrounding vineyards.  An interesting view from the patio on this pleasant day!  On our way back, we stopped at the northern most winery, Charron. Roses were blooming as plants continue to be confused by our winter without winter. By that I mean no hard freezes and temps above normal.  Still having some energy, upon our return, we stopped at Three Canyon Brewery to listen to live music.
0 Comments
 I was out the door prior to dawn to catch the sun hit newly fallen snow on Mount Lemmon. The foreground in the front range and too low for snow, this time. Alas, although it snowed a few times up there, not enough to allow for the opening of the ski runs.  Whoa! A real, live taxi! Been awhile since I saw one of those.  Went to the Tortolita Preserve in Marana to hike. Here too is a good view of the new snow, from the perspective of looking east.  Such an unpleasant looking cactus yet birds make nests in there, somehow.  Tucson mountains in the distance as we make our way on a 5 mile route. It's actually one of the few "boring" hikes in the region although the views are good. Elevation gain is only 350'.  Approaching horses caused us to get off trail for a few minutes.  As we neared the end, we saw one of the larger saguaros once can find. This would be about 175 years old...maybe 200.  It pales in comparison to this monster, which was also in this Preserve until it toppled about 2 years ago. Easily the largest I've ever seen.
 A cycling friend from central Ohio, Ken B, was driving to Encinitas but pausing in Tucson to climb Mount Lemmon. Complicating factor was his dog but I was happy to provide dog sitting service, this past Saturday. I walked and watered the dog, named "Lance" while providing....  ....a comfortable spot to rest. Meanwhile, on this day with temps in the lower 70s, lower 50s higher up, Ken battled an unfavorable southeast wind. A southwest or west wind is best as the first 10 miles, including the start at LaBuzz is to the northeast. Two other sections are similarly oriented. Nevertheless.....  .....Ken almost broke 2 hours for the 21 mile climb from the base to above the Palisade Gift Shop where the road bends down for a bit. With the better wind, he surely would have smashed the 2 hour mark. Of the people I follow on Srava, Ken slots in at #3. Lot of well known, central OH cyclists on the list. Ken picked up the dog and was in Encinitas around 9pm. Long day.
 My friend Amy was going to be out of town for a night so asked if I could watch Jack, aka Jackaroo or Jackster. Of course!!! I love dogs and have often thought of getting one. Jack made himself at home, rooting around in my bed.  Unfortunately, the weather this weekend was not great. A system moved through and dropped about 1/2" of rain over the two days Jack was in my care.  We watched for breaks in the rain and got out for several walks and....  ....drives, of which Jack is not a fan. He perked up as we entered a McDonald's drive thru where we both got an Egg McMuffin. I spoiled Jack quite a lot but it was fun and left me again thinking about getting a dog.
 A beautiful dawn!  Got out for a ride that as usual, included Woodland Ave where a group of miniature horses had gathered.  One strolled over to say hello.  A two day rain event moved through and behind it.....  ....Snow! Not on the front range but beyond.  Kind of a cool day so decided to hike to Maiden Pools, up Ventana Canyon. The trail head is about 1/2 mile from home to very convenient. There are 12 wash crossings with no water in the first but the next had plenty of water.  As I crossed each, the water became deeper. At one crossing, a rock on which I was standing, suddenly pivoted and a foot got wet. I ran into a couple, descending and asked, "How many more crossings are there?" They said 3 but actually it was 5 and the last was pretty sketchy.  Then, a pretty good climb ensued with great views to the southwest.  Pretty steep was the climb.  Reaching the top of the climb, I looked back into the canyon and wondered if the water was rising, additional runoff from the recent rain. Fortunately no although I did slip once again on my return.  The final obstacle was remembering to duck under the arm of this saguaro. Finished with 5.5 miles and 1300' of climbing. Good day.
 Grandson Anthony, 10, shoveling the first of two rounds of snow.
 During a 40 mile ride, I noted the back entrance (free) to Sabino Canyon had more parked cars than I've seen. Many more outside this pic.  Od how the outcropping of rock was shaded and surrounded by sun.  I was coming down Soldier Trail Rd when I passed this interesting fence. Between the concrete pillars, a couple of guys were digging holes to thrust 9' sections of mesquite trunks into the ground and then placing branches in between to create a fence. Quite expensive.  Now this is an oddity, a tree, having dropped its leaves, requires raking. People raking leaves or mowing grass is rather unusual here.  Arrived at Catalina SP for a hike. The entrance is $10, which is ok but if there is a second person in the car, it's $20!!! Ridiculous and if more than 2 people, even higher. By contrast, other area parks have a per vehicle fee.  We headed toward what I know as "Hidden Falls" a cool side canyon.  Rich, green grass is all over.  Water is flowing lightly in the wash.  We pass the "green rock" and I intended to make a loop out of this hike, I was unable to find the faint route over to the rock so this was an out and back hike  Alas, no water was coming down the falls. The water we had crossed came from one canyon over so....  ....headed there but the trail dove into the canyon and we decided to come back and explore that. I'm certain the water flowing through here also comes through Romero Pools so water ought to flow for a while.
 The forecast for Granville, OH, for late January. I spent decades there so know very well the harsh conditions. People used to advise me that I should learn how to embrace the 4, distinct seasons but I never could. For about 5 months, Ohio is nirvana for cycling but one winter, I was outside, wearing the full Carhartt's outfit, splitting wood (I MISS that), wind is howling, temp around 15 degrees, cloudy....I turned into the wind and distinctly remember, stating out loud, "I need to get out of here".....  ....and so I did. My exit was not as planned but it occurred and I am so, so grateful that it did. But, as unlivable, to me, are Ohio winters...well late fall and a big part of spring too, there is about 3 months of AZ summer I'd like to avoid. So, looking at renting around New Albany as I did two years ago and enjoying the grandsons, children, woods, cycling, etc... Lastly, my good friend Amy, about whom long time readers of this silly blog will recognize, put a bug in my ear about a place in ID, across from the Grand Tetons, that needs experiencing so I may do that too.
 We attended a New Year's Eve party at which I thought at 10pm, we'd celebrate the new year with the east coasters. That's kind of how things usually roll out here with the now, 2 hour time difference. But no! On to 12am our time. The host played an electric guitar for 3 hours and he was quite good!  The new year rolled in with a new system straight from CA. Upwards of 1" of rain came in over two days.  So very rare to have one day with continuous rain and then it passed and is my custom following rain I.....  ....once again headed to Sabino Canyon for a 2.5 mile hike past the usual attractions.  The child in red, on the right, loved sliding down the slope into a shallow pool.  I close on Sabino Canyon Road where the hill side is blanketed with cactus. Once reaching the road, the hike gets kind of boring as I return to the parking lot.  And then another system arrived and with it, as always, dramatic views of clouds and mountains.  And now, an extended period, at least 10 days, of glorious sunshine!
 We had a few brief lasting systems move through, creating dramatic images of the surrounding mountains.  Gotta check Sabino Creek and it is flowing.  Water is tumbling over the dam so I hike to the top of it and....  ....great view. I walk to the edge and watch.....  ....as a family gingerly navigates the slick rock. I thought for sure at least one would slip as the slope is steeper then it appears but no. All made it across.  Continuing my hike, the trail rises above the creek where I can see families enjoying the water. Having access to flowing water is kind of a treat. When I was a child, we had "Joe's Run" which was always flowing. Endless fun trying to catch crawdads and launch rafts made from wood that never floated.  Sunrises continue to amaze.....  ....me!
 Sitting in the spa, looking at the Catalinas but alas, western clouds prevented the usual, colorful show. Still beautiful!  I buzzed through the images I selected and for some reason, a song from the 60's prompted the title. Late December rains transformed our region.  The rains arrived!  And then they passed. Some linger as I took a break at the end of Speedway.  OK, that's a striking Christmas display! These of course fold and are not space eaters like the giant skeletons that dominate halloween displays.  And more green grass and....  ...more Christmas attractions. This JD tractor remains in place all year.  Riding by 49er golf course, they too have a giant display. This is the only golf course in Tucson at which Nicklaus played a competitive round of golf.
 During a ride to Saddlebrook, I passed this creative use of small Claus hats on cactus.  The northwest side of the Catalinas provide great views while riding.  We went to the Omni National to hear live music on the patio. The mountains reflect the setting sun although between the umbrellas and trees, the views were not great. Following the.....  ....performance we went inside and played table shuffleboard. This was my first time and I fell behind but gradually clawed my way back to win. It's a lot of space devoted to one game, just off the bar area.  Hilarious where a Halloween display is repurposed for Christmass. "On the Naughty List. No Regrets. Very funny!  Tohono Chul is a 49 acre botanical garden and a popular destination although I had never visited previously. We arrived to stroll through light displays but it was kind of disappointing. Paying $25 to see more vendors than lights it seemed.  Very creative!  Our deciduous trees have taken on fall colors including...  ....this one outside my condo. I think it's an Arizona Ash but not sure. I'm surprised I'm not able to identify AZ trees, given my interest with trees in the midwest. I'm generally terrible at identifying any plant or wild life out here except of course, rattlesnakes. Those I know!
 A creative means of decorating a mailbox for fall.  During a ride, I ascended Houghton Road until it ends at the base of the mountains. It's steeper than the image portrays.  OK, so I've heard about the 4th Avenue Street Fair for many years but avoided going to check it out but I was persuaded to by a friend. After parking in one of the garages, we walked about 100 yards and hit our first bar. One of the oldest in Tucson with lots of information about the capture of John Dillinger and his gang in 1934.  We moved on and entered the south side where "The Hut", a Tiki bar is on the left side adorned with a huge figure that once was above a miniature golf course. The transport to this location was quite difficult.  The event was well attended and if you're into people watching, downtown Tucson is the place to be. We passed many dozens of booths but all we purchased was a wine bottle cork having an Ohio State logo. On our return....  ....we stopped at The Hut and enjoyed live music in a beautiful setting while also meeting.....  .....Stevie Nicks....well an impersonator.  The long walk back to the car required that we pass way too many other bars so of course we stopped one more time.
 Riding again through Oro Valley. Some views are slightly impacted with an abundance of power and phone lines.  Rode through Oro Valley Marketplace, past a huge tree and arts & crafts fair.  A creative use of a saguaro cactus!  Closing on Saddlebrook, north of the town of Catalina, lots of great views. Finished with 45 miles. Given this awesome stretch of above normal temps in the upper 70s and lower 80s, I should be riding longer.  Ohio friends sometimes comment the only green grass is on the golf courses but no! Lots of green grass elsewhere.  And then, I descended Fort Lowell Road on the east side, hit a bump and my ear bud popped out, landing somewhere in this thicket. Only later did I read that in such situations, I should turn up the volume and the noise would lead me. Rats, didn't think of that at the time.  One of my favorite restaurants is Harvest, sitting on the patio. Unfortunately, a coffee shop is being build which will have some impact on the news and with extra noise too.  A wonderful evening to sit on my patio!
 A 45 mile ride through Oro Valley and farther southwest to check out.....  ....newly refurbished Rattlesnake Pass! Climbing over that had become sketchy with multiple new developments on this side of the mountain, increased traffic and not much of a berm, Now, a big improvement for both cyclists and drivers.  I put up my tree, deciding to place it on the patio rather than inside, so others can enjoy it too.  A recovery ride day often includes Woodland Road where there is always something worthwhile to see. This miniature horse ambled over to check me out.  This home keeps sheep in the front yard to keep the grass trimmed while simultaneously feeding them.  An evening watching the setting sun impact the colors of the Catalinas. We can never get enough of these sunsets either looking at the setting sun or what it does to our mountains.  Good heavens! Obviously Pima County road crews have no workers who are cyclists. They solve the problem of road gaps by filling with asphalt, which mounds, causing speed bumps. There are now many dozens of these in the vicinity of my home. Arrggghhh.
 I was encouraged by a friend to accompany her to a section of Tucson I'd not previously visited. We wandered in and out of various buildings, each containing an eclectic selection of antiques and novelty houseware. One place had a stack of wood doors from gosh, I don't know, the 1930's? Who would buy that? Many comparable items.  And so, our cold snap ended....  ....it's been an amazing run of days stretching now into December.  Christmas displays are popping up including the continuation of....  ....this famous fellow who stands for most of the year, enduring several costume changes. Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc...  This one says it all. Pretty funny!  A Pilgrams hat kept this Halloween skeleton in service. I think the hat is called a capotain.  Thanksgiving morning as I stop by Sabino Canyon to find the parking lots packed. Out of town visitors love coming here for the hiking or riding the tram up SC Road.  I was invited to attend Thanksgiving dinner in Chandler. It's on the southeast side of Phoenix and a convenient drive. It was a beautiful setting and we dined outside! I'm certain I've never eaten outside for Thanksgiving and it was quite pleasant. I was one of twenty. I got my ass kicked at ping pong by the family champ but the table was like playing on a mattress and so, the "home field" advantage was too much for me to overcome, lol.
 Mostly, systems coming out of CA, pass to our north. Winds get spun up and a few clouds but rarely precipitation.  It appeared we were going to have a few days of below normal temps so rather than wait it out for warmer weather, I departed for a ride. Yuck! Low 50's and cloudy.  Beautiful entrance to the lodge at Ventana Canyon Resort. Drastic difference to....  ....a visit to a 7 Eleven the following morning. The guy on the right, Gary, has been walking here, most mornings to enjoy borrowing the WSJ to sit outside and read, for 28 years! He has a nice wood working shop at his home where currently, he is making 7 bars for a new, golf simulator business. Interesting guy.  Oh! We did receive some rain!  And with the clouds, amazing sunrises and sunsets.  Another ride and this time, to check out a newly paved road. Off Kolb Road, which is a circuitous climb of 2 miles.  And just like that, snow in Mount Lemmon. About 4" fell but with the return of warmer temps, it won't last long except on the north facing slopes where it can linger for awhile.
 I got a late start for a group ride so had to go solo. Traditionally, the ride starts from a long closed restaurant off I-10, beneath the above signage. But...  ...hey, a new, Mexican restaurant is set to open soon. Also interesting.....  ...we can combine nicely paved Marsh Station Road with recently repaved, Old Sonoita Road, making for a 37 mile route. I'd be interested to see how the county selects roads for repavement. This road was bypassed by #83 and hardly anyone drives it.  The road does emerge on #83 just above one of my favorite wineries!!! Alas, probably should not combine a ride with wine and thankfully, it was too early for the winery to be open.  On the return, I passed with interesting ranch entrance.  Another beautiful sunrise as I switch into hiking mode. I rarely hike and I can't fathom why that is the case. I look at our beautiful mountains, having peaks and destinations, almost all of which I've visited and have no desire to revisit but....  ....Gibbon Mountain got put on my radar and thought I should do an exploratory hike. I chose a day that.....  ...was rather cloudy with threatening rain. I drove about 7 miles up Catalina Highway and parked (I'll have more details after I complete the hike), to begin the hike. Beautiful fall colors at this higher elevation.  About the first 1 mile follows a trail to the above saddle. From that point, it's all off trail. I began the off trail portion but it began to rain. I turned around and it rained harder, soaking me by the time I returned. fortunately I had a change of clothes. Finished with 2.3 miles and intrigued enough to finish the hike. The peak sits across the canyon from Thimble Peak and would be a cool perspective.
 I took this pic from someone's social media post of Humphrey's Peak, outside Flagstaff. Thought it impressive with snow well down from the 12,600' peak, the highest in AZ. I've climbed it twice, once with snow covering a portion of the trail on the upper slope. Not sure I'll do it again. Portions of the trail are not fun to hike.  Meantime, back here in southern AZ, we enjoy what turned out to be a relatively brief fall. By that I mean, 3-4 weeks of high temps in the 80s, overnight lows in the upper 50's to low 60s. The Thanksgiving displays are out but of course, no where in abundance of the Halloween displays.  Always something to see on the out and back, 3 miles of Woodland Rd.  Saguaro East NP is expanding its parking, a necessary improvement. Of course, the saguaros are carefully removed and replanted later.  Ahhh, the evening view from my patio.  If you ever find yourself in Casa Grande, you simply must stop at BeDillons Restaurant & Cactus Garden. Amazing decor. I went there recently to show it to someone and it's worth the drive.  Then, back on the bike with the Cactus Cycling Club where we had a lengthy pause for a train.  Another day I rode through Oro Valley where land is being cleared for an apartment building. Some renters are going to have great views!  And of course, on my return from Saddlebrook, a 43 mile ride, I paused along OV Country Club for one of better views.
 It's the morning of the big day, when 1000+ kids roam this neighborhood, enjoying the displays and collecting candy.  These are such space eaters when not on display.  Clever use of a grill.  Homeowners who participate, carefully use tape to keep the mob off their lawns.  It's difficult for me to imagine the scene when the event gets started. A couple who live about 1/4 mile away told me there is a constant, low roar for the duration. I really should check it out one year.  Where I live, there was a "Trunk or Treat" event.  I participated but kind of in a low key way.....  ....a skeleton wearing an Ohio State hat.  This woman came by, describing herself as a "Smoking Hot Witch". Pretty creative as she was smoking, dressed as a witch and it was hot this late afternoon.
 I drove to Oro Valley and rode north, taking in Catalina State Park. Most days have had temps in the 80s and overnight lows around 60. How much long can this last??? Alas, not long.  I included the OV Marketplace, celebrating with an arts and rafts fair. Finished with 40+ miles.  East side riding always includes Woodland Road and the amazing farm images. This miniature post was grazing in sprinkled water.  Hmmmm, just missed this, outside Sabino Canyon. A deputy told me people would be surprised at how top heavy are SUVs and easily toppled.  My ride included my favorite neighborhood on the east side with grand views of the Catalinas.   And my route included a visit to Aqua Caliente Park, an oasis in the dessert.  Hard to believe but a few years ago a lightning strike ignited all the palm trees on the near shore but most survive other than blackened trunks.
 Highs in the 80's, just fantastic! I rode, again, up Sabino Canyon Road where I observed the water is still running in the creek.  I enjoy the news, especially distant peaks fully enveloped in the sun while others are shrouded in shade. And then.....  .....it's back to my favorite neighborhood, lol.  So creative are the displays and because the neighborhood is in close proximity to....  ....Reddington Road, I ride out there too. Many saguaros dot the landscape.  Some light rain falls but nothing measurable before I, again....  ....make a final check before Beggars Night.  The effort some put into making the displays and where do they store it all after Halloween?  This was the most intriguing display and not really sure what it means, if anything. Beyond what you see in the above pic, there was a long procession of additional dolls.  Gruesome!
 When the water flows, this canyon is beyond spectacular. This picture fails to demonstrate what I think is the strongest flow of water I've experienced, while moving upstream.  The mylonitic gneiss and limestone make for a colorful surface as my hiking friend and I continue the experience.  At this time, there are several falls, each being enjoyed by fellow hikers. I kept us out of the water but it was challenging and I envied those who simply sloshed upstream.  Many giant boulders have fallen from the canyon walls.  The final significant obstacle, which is about 20' high but I knew of a workaround that took us well above and than down to.....  ...the 70' falls. As we stood watching people leap into the pool, a woman yelled, "hey, man in the blue shirt. Take our picture" so I did and forwarded them later.  I took the pics a little early, thinking that's better than too late.  My friend leaped in too but I declined. On our way back, I reached a large pool that had no convenient way forward. I knew I could climb up the canyon wall and poke around as I did coming in but it was a pain so I jumped in. Only then did I realize the stone walls were too steep and slippery for me to immediately climb out so I walked forward, eventually having water up to my neck. Finally got out!
|
