It's Already October !

Corona de Tucson 

October 2, 2021

I don't know about you, but I can hardly believe it is October.  The older I get, the faster time flies !  I always look forward to fall and this year is no exception.  

We are loving the cooler nights and days.  Last night I woke up with cold toes and had to pull up the quilt.  I say "Bring it on !" as we are looking forward to our first fall in Tucson in our new home.   

Our morning walk last Friday was one of my favorites...Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.  I chose the Sabino Lake Trail and the connected Esperero Trail for a nice loop.  

We have enjoyed this hike several times, but both agree we have never seen the desert so green and full of life.

 

And just look at all that water pouring over the dam...

...and flowing swiftly in the creek.

There were signs that a few weeks ago, the desert was full of blossoms.  I zoomed in on a few lingering bits of color.   I do have a soft spot for wildflowers ! 

We heard lots of birds and stopped often to look for them.  I saw a beautiful Ladder-backed Woodpecker in a bush, but couldn't get a focus before he flew away.  Also, we spotted several Gila Woodpeckers always pecking on the shady side of the saguaro which doesn't make for good photos, and a Curve-billed Thrasher.  I did capture a Black-throated Sparrow which was a first for me.

Its soft brown back and pale underparts help this sharp looking little bird blend in with its desert home.

What delicate wings on this red dragonfly.  Did you know that in Japan, dragonflies are considered to be sacred and that red dragonflies most often appear at the end of summer with the message that autumn is coming ? 

 There were hints of autumn in the canyon.  Seeded grass lined the trail in places...

...and trees with seed pods.

My favorite part of the hike is a climb that looks down on the creek...

...with never-ending vistas of mountains, saguaros and blue skies.

What a nice morning it was !

We rarely ever go anywhere on the week-ends.  But yesterday, we ventured out to St. Phillips Plaza to check out the market.  

It was the beginning of the "new" season with later hours and much nicer temps.  I read that 102 vendors were sharing their arts, crafts, and culinary delights.  

We did browse some, but I mostly wanted to see this historic Spanish-style courtyard...a Tucson landmark built in 1936.  

Today, the plaza offers boutique shopping, galleries, and restaurants.  

My favorite seller at the market was Alisha.  She is owner of Patagonia Flower Farm.   This time of year her flowers are dried and gorgeous.   

But what I really wanted and will return to purchase in a few weeks is one of these pumpkins she creates with dried flowers and succulents.  The pumpkins last for 2-4 months and the succulents can be repotted.  

That about wraps up our week.  Joe did have six more biopsies done last Tuesday so the cycle begins again !  One on each leg between the knee and ankle, one on the passenger side of his neck and three on the driver side of his neck...so we wait for results.  

On one of our morning walks, we finished just in time.

And I caught one of the locals in training for a gymnastics competition.    

Good save !

Happy Sunday everyone...

... and HAPPY TRAILS !