 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.
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 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!
 I so much enjoy riding through the 49er development. Some very creative displays....  ....more....and this was a week prior to the event!  Lol, a skeleton riding a vehicle.  I saw a guy putting up decorations so I paused. He was happy to show he won the best of, last year and now obligated to pass it on.  His display was deserving as above is a fraction of the entire yard.  I continue to ride in a nearby neighborhood with awesome views and good pavement. But then...  ....I enjoy meeting people who hike but who have never experienced "bouldering" or "canyoneering". So, we descent into Tanque Verde Canyon with the water flowing. More to come.
 I was on my way to Saddlebrook for a 45 mile route when I had a flat. Changed out the tube, attached the pump, brought the PSI to an acceptable level, unscrewed from the nozzle and all the air released from the tube...wtf!?!? While unscrewing the pump from the nozzle, an internal pin came out.  The only solution was to repump the tire and then separate the body of the pump from whatever the piece shown above is called. This kept the air in the tire and if I kept my speed under 12mph, the pump piece stayed between the spokes so made it to a bike shop.  Gorgeous sunrise as I tried to digest a forecast, predicting 5-6" of rain over a couple of days. Two tropical systems were headed our way, a very unusual event.  As the day approached for the rain to begin, forecasters backed off the rain amount but it was three days of wonderful rain, totaling 2" for my neck of the woods. Higher elsewhere, lower too.  Making sure my neighbors know I'm a Buckeye fan!  A third day of rain and my emotion from witnessing the event.....  ....this.  Of course, the clouds and rain produced great images.  It appeared rain finally moved through so I visited Sabino Canyon for a hike. Unbeknownst to me, rain had reformed and hit me, resulting in a good soaking. Couldn't remember when last that occurred!
 Got in a good ride on my final day in Ohio while wishing I had scheduled a longer visit. Not nearly enough time spent with family but again, hope next summer is different.  Tired of hotel stays, I thought I'd do the 26 hour drive, straight through with occasional naps.  Wow, what a spectacular sunrise but no exits where I could stop to take a good pic but this from my side view mirror was kind of different.  The drive went well and just like that, back in beautiful southern AZ where fall has arrived and with it, temps in the 80s!!! A friend and I took the Sabino tram up to the final stop with the plan to hike back via Phoneline Trail.  We hike the several switchbacks above the canyon but.....  ....I some how and embarrassingly, miscalculated the distance by quite a lot. Not having enough fluids, we had to turn around and descend.  The departure time of the Cactus Club group rides has become more reasonable so I jumped in for a 40 mile route.  For the second time in a week, I found myself at a putt-putt course, this time in Tucson. Quite different scenery as I narrowly beat a friend. My golf muscles have atrophied of course from virtually no use but now I think my putting skill is deteriorating too, lol.
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