 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.
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 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.
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