Creosote Loop, Bluff Trail, and Wrapping Up a Project

Corona de Tucson

December 6, 2021

The other day, Joe and I had morning errands...Home Depot for paint, Bed, Bath and Beyond for a rolling pin, and PetSmart for doggie treats...all on the west side of town.  It's familiar stomping grounds as the shopping is "just down the street" from Tucson/Lazydays KOA.  It was another gorgeous day so we decided to do a short trail first.  

The Robles Pass trails park, located in the southernmost part of the Tucson Mountains, has parking on Irvington Road (as well as Ajo Way). 

And it's only a few miles beyond Home Depot...perfect !  Our choice of trails for a quick desert walk was Creosote Loop. 

One would think this desert experience was miles away from traffic noise and homes, but it is actually 1,000 acres of desert beauty and quiet in suburban Tucson.  Never in my life, until now, did I dream that I could do a desert hike, run errands, and have Sonoran Dogs (yep, BKs is located just off W. Irvington on 12th St) all on the same day and be home before 1:00 pm.  

Joe and I both commented on how many young saguaros we saw along the trail.  Of course young in saguaro life is my age...by the time they are 70 years old, they can reach 6.5 feet tall.  The saguaros in the pic below were not yet 5' tall.  By the time a saguaro cactus is 200 years old it has reached its full height at 45' tall.   

The tallest saguaro in this pic was about 4' tall.  "The children's choir"

 

  

   

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area has long been a favorite hiking place for us.  Another day this week we hiked the Bluff Trail.  There is something relaxing about hiking a familiar trail. We stopped to watch a hawk soaring high above... 

 ...a Black-throated Sparrow waiting patiently for insects... 

 ...and a Greater Roadrunner definitely on a mission.  That's the most birds we have seen on trail in awhile. 

The scenery on Bluff Trail changes with the seasons...

...the trail has it's ups and downs... 

...and the views are spectacular !

"The adult choir"

And did you know that each saguaro arm can  hold up to 40 gallons of water? That is 328 pounds each and why they mostly curve upward. 

And how does this delicate blossom less than an inch long survive?

And how do prickly pear make hanging on for dear life on the side of a cliff wall look so easy?

Our week at home was spent finishing up on a project we started weeks ago.  Between storage and traveling some 1,700 miles across country, some of our art pieces needed help.  

In some frames, these pins that hold the art in place had come out and were between the matte and the glass 

and in some pieces, we just wanted to change the matte all together.  It is not a job to rush and I am very happy it is mostly all done.  We found this small piece at the Cotton Exchange in Wilmington, NC. The artist, Jo Ko, lived at one of our favorite places...the Outer Banks. The picture depicts the bay and dock that was across the street from the RV park where we spent three glorious weeks.  It now has a new matte and a place in our home.  

Belle has two brand new rear jacks...yippee !   

Thank you Kenneth and Rachel !

And I made Rice Krispies Cheese Crisps. My mom always made them this time of year and I do think they are my absolute favorite.  Joe likes them too !  Of course no Christmas cooking happens in this home unless I am singing and swinging to Christmas favorites...mostly traditional songs.  I do love Christmas music ! 

   

That about wraps up the first week in December at our little oasis.  Our days are merry and bright.

The weather continues to be amazing with slightly above normal temps.  We're not complaining and neither is Jack. 

 

The skies never disappoint.

 So until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS !