Monday, October 11, 2021

Saguaro National Park East

Corona de Tucson

October 11, 2021 


With bright blue skies and cool temps, our weekly "desert fix" was a hike in SNPE which is 18 miles from our home.  Once in the park, getting to the trailhead is half the fun. 
















We did have to make a quick stop along the way.  This slow moving Gila was on a mission to cross the road.  What a way to start the day.  















We make a loop by starting out on the Loma Verde Trail, take a right turn on Pink Hill Trail, and another right on Squeeze Pen Trail.  

The views seem endless in all directions...















and Beige carpet covered the desert floor.

















I'm sure a few weeks ago, the grasses were all green and pretty, but I really like these soft, subtle hues.  




 











I am constantly scanning the trail ahead of my steps to avoid  stumbling over an unexpected obstacle and I want plenty of reaction time just in case I cross paths with a snake.  I have to remind myself to look up sometimes !



















 












































Our only errand last week was to take the little guy to the vet.  We had lunch with Randy at El Patio in Sahaurita. And I  have been sorting thru a kazillion photos while Joe is making frames.  We hope to be cutting some mattes soon.

The rest of the week we enjoyed home !  Morning walks and sunrise...

October 4 @ 6:12 am
















October 6 @ 6:50 am















October 7 @ 6:12 am










and patio time to play...
































It's simple around here these days.  It's quiet and peaceful, it's busy or relaxing, it's not boring and dull, it's happy and content.  Joe always says the difference between a rut and a grave is the depth of the hole.  We aren't digging holes just yet ! 

So until next time,









































HAPPY TRAILS !

10 comments:

  1. Odd the Saguaro NP is divided by Tucson :) We drove the loop road for the east side, but certainly missed your crested saguaro :(
    You and Joe certainly stay busy!, the framing project looks like it could take some time.

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    1. Both parks are fun to explore, but we find SNP East is smaller and less crowded. The crested was on the hiking trail so you would not see it from the road. It has been fun going thru pictures, but I find I can’t spend hours at a time doing it. Part of getting older I guess! On the other hand, Joe can spend hours and hours in the garage!

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  2. Once again you have posted incredible pictures. I've been reading blogs with fall colors from up north which are beautiful, but then I see yours of the desert and I become calm and happy.

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    1. What a nice compliment Sandie…thank you! There is something very calming about the desert with all it’s silence (except for the birds) and beauty.

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  3. We too love the east side of SNP--way less people! We too must not be digging any holes--we are content sitting in the house looking at a foot of snow with more falling. I expected the desert to look more green?

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    1. Oh the snow…so incredibly beautiful. Falling snow is so peaceful and exciting (especially if you are from GA where it didn’t snow very much). We haven’t had rain here in about a month so the green is fading fast!

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  4. I love the golden grasses - wish we had more in our immediate area! Your photos are lovely as always. Feel like I could feel the prick of the cactus if I touched the screen! We've yet to see a Gila Monster in all our years in the desert so glad you shared yours :-)

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    1. Thank you Jodee! I love the golden grasses too! They sure help to make all the other colors pop! This was only the third Gila we have seen. The other two were at Sabino Canyon, both on the same day! I was so over the top excited! This was a very nice surprise. It’s a one-way loop and traffic moves slow. Not the drama one feels in Yellowstone, but way cool just the same!

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  5. I know this hike well. We've done it a few times. I often said if we ended up settling in Tucson, I wanted to live by SNPE. Love seeing all the beautiful saguaro. Thanks for sharing so many. A Gila!!!! Wow!! We've only ever seen one. Your lucky day! Beautiful skies!! Puppy time is important! Glad to see Jack still has his ball:)

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    1. SNPE is a favorite of ours too Pam! As much as we like the hikes, I also enjoy the drive and a picnic! It was way exciting to spot the Gila crossing the road! The photo wasn’t all that clear, as he ( maybe a she…I have no idea) was definitely on a mission & I was not about to disturb him. Jack is still full of energy and insists on playing ball everyday!

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