Tucson, AZ
February 27, 2019
After a complicated series of land trades, leases, and purchase of land which took over 10 years, Catalina State Park was dedicated and opened to the public in May, 1983.
Today, this awesome park...5,500 acres of foothills, canyons, and streams... is a haven for desert plants and wildlife.
We have enjoyed Catalina SP many times, but this was a special day. We had birding plans with Sue and Dave who were camping there. We met at their campsite, loved on Lewis a few minutes and then headed out to the Trailhead parking lot to walk the Birding Trail.
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| Following Dave and Sue to the Trailhead parking lot... |
We all knew in advance the streams had water which means if you want to do the trail, you must cross the wash. Crossing with this much water was a first for us. Sue was prepared and handed out trash bags to cover our feet and legs.
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| Dave and Joe went first... |
As prepared as we were, the water was mid-calf deep in spots and flowing fast. Everyone had wet shoes and socks when we reached the other side of the wash so we ditched the bag idea. We wrung the water out of the bags and Dave packed them away in his backpack and we were on our way.
The Birding Trail is an easy loop that begins in a mesquite bosque. Bosque is a Spanish word for woodland and is used in the Desert Southwest to describe an often closed-canopy of mesquite trees that develops near streams.
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| Dave and Sue |
All together, we had four stream crossings. Sue and Dave were the smart ones...they removed their shoes and socks, held hands and walked carefully.
Joe and I on the other hand crossed the not so smart way...wearing our shoes and socks !
We heard and saw several birds, but two sightings were especially sweet as I was able to capture a few photos. Sue and Dave spotted a female Ladder-backed Woodpecker.
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| A pretty cool action shot! |
Back at the parking lot while we were loading up backpacks, we all spotted a Vermillion Flycatcher about the same time...it was the red glow in the sun that got our attention.
We watched him for a few minutes then he flew over to a post. 
Back at Sue and Daves we enjoyed more conversation, lots of laughs, kisses from Lew, happy hour, pizza with the yummiest roasted asparagus (Thank you Sue!) and a variety of sweets...the lemon bar was my favorite !
We didn't even notice the time until it was half past dark o'thirty. We bid our good-byes to get home to our pups with hopes to see Sue and Dave in a few weeks in Moab.
In real time, we have new curtains in the cab.
The old curtains were a shiny, satiny looking fabric...not at all our (well, maybe my) taste. The new fabric is a nice linen blend.
Luckily we found Chavez Since 67 located on Campbell Ave...a family owned business for over 50 years. Eddie (son of the business founder) was great to work with. The quality of workmanship and attention to detail in making these curtains was OUTSTANDING !
I'll close for now...so until next time, take care and
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| Jack is patiently waiting for his carrot treat. He has learned he will be given one as soon as I break out the peeler. |
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| Sally always brings us the purple dinosaur when we get home. |
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| Dover doesn't really want to share... |
Happy Trails !
I chuckled over your "your taste" comment--same in our household! Love the photos of your pooches!
ReplyDeleteNice capture of a couple less common birds on your outing. Fording the creeks is not fun, I found it dang difficult to but the socks back on wet feet and now do what you did, just plow on thru. I do have sock liners under waterproof socks, but still wet feet :(
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of a park we have not visited.
What a fun time birding with Dave and Sue! Once you get wet it sure makes the rest of the hike so much easier. Love your new drapes. I agree that the "shiny" isn't the prettiest. So good to see the Tan Clan. I love when you include them. Love Jack's excitement over carrots:)
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