Wednesday, February 17, 2016

A Hike with John and Pam

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
February 5, 2016
What a treat to join the nimble hiker and her better half last week on a hike in the Robles Pass section of the 20,000 acres known as Tucson Mountain Park. TMP was established in 1929 and today is one of the largest natural resource areas owned and managed by a local government. There are about 62 miles of non-motorized shared-use trails. 



John and Pam's blog (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com) caught my eye about 3 years ago. Hmmm...hiking? My memories of hiking go way back to Girl Scouts. I think I managed one hike up Blood Mountain (Georgia) when I was in Junior High with a back-pack that weighed more than I did...at least I remember it that way! Anyway, our first major hiking was in Bryce National Park and Kodachrome State Park back in May of 2013. We were hooked! And Joe wears the backpack in the family...

The trails are well marked at all the intersections.








There wasn't a cloud in the sky. 
 Saguaros lined the trail as we climbed.

Anyone who follows Pam and John's blog know that Pam has an eye for finding crested saguaros. They had done this trail before so this one was no surprise to them, but I was excited. 



A close up shows a feathered friend.














A tiny white fishhook cactus

Fishhook Barrel Cactus with fruit














Saguaro Cactus arm
An abandoned mining house
None of us could find any information about the old mining house. But one thing is for sure, someone had a beautiful view to wake up to!

This was our lunch spot...thanks John and Pam!

 FYI:  We discovered a great new place for produce in Tucson.  A neighbor down the street stopped by for a "puppy play" and in our conversation they mentioned City Wide Produce which is close to Lazydays.  It opened a year ago this March.  The store is spotless with great bargains on fruits and veggies.

It is a family run business and Joe and I enjoyed visiting with the owners son Jeff. 
They have a website and Facebook page which share what is available for the week and the price.
Perfect for our morning smoothie!




Take care and until next time...


happy days and happy trails!



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13 comments:

  1. Wanderin'February 17, 2016 at 3:26 PM

    Looks like an amazing place to visit and what a view! Love the fruit. Hope you grabbed a quick treat.

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    1. Joe and GayFebruary 18, 2016 at 8:48 PM

      Desert hiking has everything...we love it Jeri!

      Delete
  2. Jeff PierceFebruary 17, 2016 at 5:28 PM

    Another great hike for our Tucson list. Thanks for posting.
    BTW your Roadrunner cover foto is awesome!

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    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 18, 2016 at 8:49 PM

      Thanks Jeff...only the third time I have tried to photograph a roadrunner.

      Delete
  3. John and Pam (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com)February 17, 2016 at 8:27 PM

    It was so exciting to finally be hiking together:) It sure took us long enough to catch up with each other, but we did it:) See you Friday to do it all again!

    Thanks for the info on the produce market. I will be checking it out for sure!

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    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 18, 2016 at 8:50 PM

      We are looking forward to Friday and lunch too Pam.

      Delete
  4. AsTimeGoesByeFebruary 18, 2016 at 7:42 AM

    Love the interesting cactus photos. It looks beautiful there.

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    1. Joe and GayFebruary 18, 2016 at 8:51 PM

      It is Gayle. Never thought I would love the desert as much as I do.

      Delete
  5. Jodee GravelFebruary 18, 2016 at 9:24 AM

    Your post could be the title of a children's book :-) - one us big kids enjoy as well! Finding those cresteds sure adds to the joy of a good hike. Wonderful cactus pics, especially love the Barrel. Looks like a perfect market!

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    Replies
    1. Joe and GayFebruary 18, 2016 at 8:52 PM

      I always wanted to write a children's book...thanks Jodee!

      Delete
  6. our awesome travelsFebruary 18, 2016 at 10:20 AM

    What a fun day and love the rare crested Saguaros.

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    1. Joe and GayFebruary 18, 2016 at 8:53 PM

      Thay are a cool to see George...we actually saw one riding through a busy intersection going to pick up my new glasses today.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2016 at 5:14 PM

    We missed that market! But now we know where to go if we come back.
    Glad you enjoyed hiking with the nimble hiker. I guess Pam's enthusiasm of finding a crested saguaro has also rubbed off on you. I, too get excited when I see one.

    ReplyDelete

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