 We drove about an hour to the southeast to visit Tombstone. A cold (52 degrees) and very windy visit.  We walked the streets and frequently dove into shops to warm up. My daughters and grandson wanted to watch the "Gunfight at the OK Corral" so while they did that....  ...I visited "Big Nose Katy Saloon" and had lunch. A couple from WI sat next to me and stated their winter has been the mildest in 140 years.  Rain arrived and created great views....  ....all around.  We had a fun time playing putt-putt golf where....  ...Anthony did all he could to distract me.
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 My "BH" brand bike is still going strong, even if the rider is something less than that. I'd like to get a new bike but the bike shop tells me it's in great shape.  I got in a 40 mile ride in Oro Valley and as always, am mesmerized by the western side of the Catalinas.  This is different. A pack of 4 coyotes feasting on a dead (of course) javelina. The javelina was pretty large so I think it was hit by a car and the coyotes took advantage of it.  The wash at Wentworth Road, not yet able to ride or walk across. Maybe in a day or two but, look at that forecast!! Going to be awhile I guess.  Two daughters and grandson Anthony arrive for a week. We spent some time at a local soccer field so Anthony could demonstrate his skills. He's 8 and will play in an under 11 league. He's quite good and very fast. That evening....  ....we went to the Barnyard restaurant which has a broad outdoor area where children burn off steam as their parents sit at tables, eating and drinking.  And next day, rain arrived. Check out how lush things look. By June, all this grass and other plants will be tinder for a fire. Hope that doesn't happen although I'm super happy I won't be here to witness. More on my plans coming very soon.
 Jack typically stands on the shore to watch the ducks during our morning walk but for some reason, he waded in today.  I have a bag full of golf clubs. One of the drivers I designed and developed on the left, my first driver mid right, my grandfather's driver, etc... Would be hard to party with any of these sentimental favorites.  And yet another system sweeps out of southern CA, bringing wind, cool temps and rain. Every week, it's rinse and repeat with these systems. Was talking to a guy from WI and he said they are having their mildest winter in 140 years!  I got in a short hike and waited a day and finally.....  ....the skies cleared and warmth prevailed. I've ridden exactly 3 times since the start of January where I required nothing more than shorts and a jersey. Got to be a record low.  We climbed to the parking lot at Colossal Cave during our 40 mile ride.  I was with the group as we approached "Rocking K Market". I enjoy sitting on the patio so left the group and sat for a few minutes.  I was struck by the long cloud to the west so took a pic.  OK so the cooler than normal temps does give good reason to start a fire outside. Being outside is always better than being inside, no matter the activity.
 Now that Redington Road has been repaved, it's fun to ride the rollers to the base of the climb. From there, it's 0.4 to the end of the pavement having an average grade of 7.5%. I ended the day with 18 miles, saving myself for a longer ride the next day.  The runoff has again reached Tanque Verde Loop Road. The city was doing a fine job cleaning the sand when....  ....it left the pavement and promptly sank. The machine thrashed about wildly to improve its situation but was unable to do so, it stuck, like so many vehicles at this wash.  Across the wash, someone had killed some time and erected a teepee.  Been a long time but I headed for Painted Cave Road. It takes one over the Tucson Mountains but the road has no berm and very busy so I rarely come this way.  I rest at a gas station and contemplate replacing my laced cycling shoes with SIDI or something similar. The laces are a pain and I miss the simplicity of the closure system of other shoes.  I recross the mountains at Gates Pass. It's newly paved on both sides of the mountain. I've been climbing for about 12 miles and am glad when I reach the top and a nice down hill thereafter. Finish with 51 miles and. 2600' of climbing. I need to work in more steep climbing cause I'm headed to Ohio for an extended stay. More on that soon.
 With two children and a grandson visiting soon, I wanted to refresh my memory on how to navigate up canyon to the 80' falls. I thought the 8 year old would enjoy this adventure.  Lots of people were enjoying the sun and water as I descend off Redington Road.  A healthy flow of water greets me. I actually thought to bring water shoes with me so slip them on and stuff my hiking shoes and socks in my pack.  Every visit, I'm struck by how huge is the bolder on the left side. I have to cross the water several times to reach this point so glad I brought the alternative shoes.  Check out the falls, upper left in image. At this point, I had to cross the water yet again but now, the water was waist deep and flowing strongly. I've never hiking wearing these water shoes and was unsure of the quality of the traction. Plus, my feet bottoms were getting round by the constant presence of pebbles and sand.  I look wistfully at the opposite bank but decide, I probably should come back in a few days when the water flow diminishes. Disappointing but fun, nonetheless.
 One more systems sweeps out of Southern California and deposits about 1/2" of rain on us as I visit Sabino Canyon for a hike. So grateful that I have hiking as an alternative to cycling on days I deem unfit for riding (although there are plenty of cyclists out during my drive).  The clouds are just beginning to break up.  I pass the dam on Sabino Canyon Creek as I push up canyon....  ....looking for a place to cross. All those boulders but none placed strategically close together to allow me to hop across. I decide not to remove my shoes and socks so reverse course...  ...heading back to the parking lot. Finished with 4 miles. The next day....  ....I drive to a nearby wash to check if water is flowing and sure enough, it is. As I'm standing, chatting with a couple who live on this road.....  ....a guy on a gravel bike pushes through but alas, once his tires reached the thicker sand, he had to dismount and walk the rest of the way.
 The bike touring companies can be found, most days, in front of La Buzz, getting ready to send their guests up Mount Lemmon.  On this day, I drove to Oro Valley and headed to Saddlebrook. Love the mountains!  Skiers are still finding enough snow on the north facing slope of Ski Valley, to make their runs.   Some one got a haircut!  I frequently include Woodland Road on my routes. Many horse farms and with the winter rains, the grass is green.  I paused at this fence and these two came over to investigate. And than....  ....we received more rain along with mountain snow.  Driving to Oro Valley, the setting sun created a beautiful view of the western Catalinas as we...  ....sat on the patio of Harvest Restaurant for dinner.
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