 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.
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 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.
I added a new post and somehow it became integrated with others. Would take too much time to fix so it is what it is. New post coming soon!
   It doesn't take much of an imagination to spot a face on the end of this rock formation. I escorted a friend through another canyon but the pics weren't worthy of a post, other than this one. Back on the bike..... Dawn, looking to the southeast. A hockey stick shaped contrail but note the sudden move to the left. It seemed odd to me and.... It has been a very dry winter although a passing system did drop some snow at higher elevations. Meantime, for us at lower elevations....   I've been making the short drive to OV with some frequency. OV recently appeared in a prominent magazine as the #1 retirement destination, in the US. For me, it's easy to see why.   ....it was business as usual as I pass this group of saguaros on a short hike. My M.O. recently has emphasized cycling with short hikes in between. Eventually, I'll work in longer hikes to cool destinations and am discussing routes with some friends. ...20 miles into my route and the farthest point from home, a flat on my front tire. I replaced the tube but a gash in my tire caused another flat almost immediately. I was about 5 miles from a bike shop so pausing several times to reinflate the tire, I....  ....continued to lengthen. Today's visit was to help a friend remove all the oranges from a tree. Here is the before picture.    A lone saguaro. Wonder why it thrived when no others did, around it. ...made it to Oro Valley Bicycles. They immediately replaced the tire. Ya know, my "BH" bike has been in service for around 7 years, a long time for a road bike. I've contemplated buying an e assist bike but a couple nights ago I was eating with some cycling friends and when I brought up the option, my manhood was questioned. So, ok, no. Oh, wow! One of the best sunrises I've witnessed. Spectacular.     And check out this tool! I've never seen it before but it works great for grabbing oranges from the top of the tree. I never tire of the sunrises, thus posting yet another pic. If you view these on your cell phone, you miss the grandeur of the scene. A friend was volunteering for a day and asked if I could stop and let her.... I drove up Mount Lemmon to check out a new lodge in Summerhaven. Very nice but we decided to continue up to Ski Valley where surely there would be a roaring fire at the Iron Door restaurant and so there was. What a neat atmosphere as we ate chili in front of the fire. An employee spends much of his time keeping the fire going and I envied him. I'd love that job! I'm actually looking at a condo to buy simply because it has a real fireplace, lol. As I drove west, the view extended over much of the region.    The after pic. Took about 45 minutes and then.... Not enough snow to support skiing but the lift was busy, taking people to the peak and back. ...dog out, so I did. Rather small but not a yapper so that's good. Really energetic. I timed my visit for the half way point of a 40 mile route, through Oro Valley.  ....walked a portion of OV Country Club. My social calendar has been full as next.....    I've been working in a hike each week between my rides. Want to keep my lower joints conditioned to the impact of hiking. Two to three times a week I really enjoy playing ping pong. The camaraderie is fun but if I'm honest with myself, hitting a smash by these guys scratches my competitive itch over and over given the nature of our games. Seven of us met at Longhorn Steakhouse and that too was fun. The sun sets on another wonderful day but not before....     ....I drove to Charron Vineyard for an event. It's been 80+ days since we've received any measurable rain and it shows. As always, this view enthralls me of Thimble Peak and Blackett's Ridge, standing guard over Sabino Canyon. I thought this a beautiful setting with the yellow leaves in front of a very dry mountainside. So I paused during a ride to take the shot. ....I spot a woman, walking her parrot while talking on the phone. Don't see that every day!  The day was kind of cool as we sipped wine and listened to someone perform an amazing library of songs. Well, back to cycling and hiking.  And then, switching back to my social schedule, I'm invited to The Views golf course where there are wonderful views. Wow! The clouds somewhat look like giant flames, breaking above the ridgeline.  We arrived a bit early but had good seats to listen to music and dance...yes, I danced. As the venue filled, it was mostly people in the 60+ age. Looking around I thought, "Oh, I don't belong here!" And yet, here I was....
 Well, ok, not a lot but impressive cloud formations and as....  ...the sun rose, amazing but was any snow deposited at higher elevations....  ....yes! But not a lot.  Here's a better view as the sun hits the snow. Yet, despite this, some areas in southern AZ still have received no measurable rain for about 5 months.
 I rarely hike in the afternoon, for a variety of reasons not the least of which is if I fail to complete the hike in the allotted time, darkness is my reward. Anyway, I escorted a friend into Tanque Verde Canyon to show her a very different type of "hike". We started at 3:30pm.  The colors and shadows were entirely different, of course.  She brought along a large Doodle type dog which did an admirable job other than in this tight spot but I was an able to assist. I don't have a problem, hiking with a dog but you have to be careful that your foot does not arrive on a rock at the same time the dog's paw is aiming for the same landing spot.  The canyon lacks water flow so upon reaching a final wall, I explored going up through the throat of the wall where water normally flows. I could make it but my two companions could not gain traction on the slick rock. Fortunately, there was a work around to the right.  Arriving at the 80' dead end, canyon wall, we met three people who had just repelled down.  Surprisingly, there is still a fairly large pool of water at the base of the wall. It's such a beautiful spot.  After a short break, we headed down canyon as the sun closes on the horizon. Fortunately, we got out, not needing our flashlights. A fun, 2 mile hike!
Dawn, looking to the southeast. A hockey stick shaped contrail but note the sudden move to the left. It seemed odd to me and.... ....continued to lengthen. Oh, wow! One of the best sunrises I've witnessed. Spectacular. As I drove west, the view extended over much of the region. I've been working in a hike each week between my rides. Want to keep my lower joints conditioned to the impact of hiking. As always, this view enthralls me of Thimble Peak and Blackett's Ridge, standing guard over Sabino Canyon. And then, switching back to my social schedule, I'm invited to The Views golf course where there are wonderful views. We arrived a bit early but had good seats to listen to music and dance...yes, I danced. As the venue filled, it was mostly people in the 60+ age. Looking around I thought, "Oh, I don't belong here!" And yet, here I was....
I've been making the short drive to OV with some frequency. OV recently appeared in a prominent magazine as the #1 retirement destination, in the US. For me, it's easy to see why. Today's visit was to help a friend remove all the oranges from a tree. Here is the before picture. And check out this tool! I've never seen it before but it works great for grabbing oranges from the top of the tree. The after pic. Took about 45 minutes and then.... ....walked a portion of OV Country Club. My social calendar has been full as next..... ....I drove to Charron Vineyard for an event. It's been 80+ days since we've received any measurable rain and it shows. The day was kind of cool as we sipped wine and listened to someone perform an amazing library of songs. Well, back to cycling and hiking.
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