Corona de Tucson
September 2, 2022
Last Saturday morning, we were up early and out the door with coffee in hand. Our week-end adventure had us heading towards Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains. It is another one of those favorite places to spend a couple of hours no matter what the season is. This visit was to hike along Madera Creek...hoping for the sound of running water and wildflowers. Our timing was perfect. There was more water in the creek than we have ever seen.
And oh the wildflowers...every color of the rainbow.
I was happy for the trees. They have enjoyed all the rain as well. The Alligator Junipers were full of berries...
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| Did you know that these berries are edible and can be consumed raw or steamed? |
the oak trees were loaded down with acorns...
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| Acorns contain large amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fats as well as calcium and potassium. |
and the Western Soapberry trees were packed with clusters of berries.
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| Often called Indian Soap Plant, these berries give off a lather when mixed with water and Native Americans used them for soap. Don't eat these berries...they are poisonous. |
On some parts of the trail, we waded thru tall grass...
and in other places we anticipated what was just around curve.
It was a wonderful morning...simple and beautiful !
We had to stop...
Saturday night was date night...that makes two this month. It was the last in the series of Sunset Saturday outdoor concerts at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
This concert featured a local Indie Rock Band who call themselves Daytrails. There were four of them...(base guitar, rhythm guitar and singer, lead guitar, and the drummer who also sang)...inspired by a healthy blend of modern rock and the desert landscape. They performed a variety of original and cover songs.
There was a nice breeze, Sonoran dogs, toe tapping and head bobbing, and lots of smiles.
This week is definitely a reminder that summer is not over with highs in the upper 90s, lows in the low 70s, no rain and lots of wind. The cool temps we have enjoyed for awhile won't return until mid week next week...fingers crossed.
This mornings sunrise had no clouds at the oasis.
Hope you have a great rest of the week. Until next time,
Awesome the wildflowers waited for the rains. So often it's 'too much, too little, too late' when it comes to the blooms. Your morning along a babbling brook and the colors makes for a great start to the day.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Jeff! The wildflowers were/are beautiful…I’ve never seen so many different colors, shapes and sizes in this part of the country before. Madera Canyon during a good rainy monsoon season is at the top of the list.
DeleteRunning water in the desert is always a beautiful sight! Lovely flowers and two date nights in one month!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Janna! There is nothing like pretty flowers, butterflies and a creek that’s flowing to put a big smile on my face…my heart was singing! And this is the desert!!
DeleteBeautiful wildflowers. It is amazing the number and variety of plants and insects out there until you really slow down and look at them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim. I was very pleasantly surprised at the variety and all the colors of the wildflowers. We were too busy to venture out last year during monsoon season to see all this beauty.
DeleteWhat a wonderful stroll along the stream. I'm surprised and happy that you saw so many wildflowers! Thanks for showing them to us. I love date nights!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Sue…I always think of you when we go to Madera Canyon. Me too on loving date nights!
DeleteYou're sure seeing more wild flowers than we are in the east!! That running water is wonderful to see - I can almost hear it rushing by :-) Those pink and white blooms sure look like bottlebrush but I've never seen them in that color, beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe creek sure made for a relaxing morning Jodee. I spent awhile trying to find the name of that bush…bottlebrush was my first idea too, but couldn’t find a picture in any of my books or on Google. I always enjoy the drive into Madera and it was especially pretty Saturday morning.
DeleteI do believe spring has finally arrived! Lots of water and plenty of wildflowers. What a great morning adventure. I love sound of water along a trail. Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Pam…it’s a favorite even when the creek is dry so the rushing water was the icing on the cake!
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