Hello Spring !

Corona de Tucson

March 19, 2023 

Madera Canyon...3-18-23

I can hardly believe spring is upon us.  When we returned home from Willcox last Sunday, I was surprised to find the torch cactus had a beautiful bloom.  

And Monday, it was completely open.  There are lots more of those hairy buds...fingers crossed !

I was not surprised to find the bird feeders empty and the birdbath dry.  The birds were not happy !

Our first order of business...Joe filled the birdbath and watered the bird's tree while I filled all the feeders.

Our travel day home from Willcox was also my birthday.  It was a tuff decision to decide what I really wanted this year.  I say tuff because I wanted a new patio rocker, but I also hated to part with the one I had which just happens to be almost 40 years old.  It was a gift from Joe when we married. 

It had been painted so many times thru the years...terra cotta, blue, black, or what ever color fit the mood of the season and finally white.  It not only rocked back and forth, but side to side too.  I spent countless hours in that rocker, but alas, it has been moved to the garage.

Monday morning, we were off to Lowes to pick up a new rocker Joe had ordered on-line.  He did a great job picking it out...it even matches his rocker.  As with most "things to do" around our house, we enjoyed putting it together together. 

Everywhere we look, orange, yellow and a combination of both seem to be the color of the week.  Arizona poppies are amazingly beautiful along the side of the road and Globe Mallow is a very close second...two of my favorites (But I usually say that about any of the wildflowers that are blooming at the time.).

We have a couple of walks in the rear view mirror.  Walking hasn't been the issue, it has been the motivation to walk for us.  We so enjoy the time we spend walking the cart path around the neighborhood, but it seems that every time we get going, it rains or it's windy or it's cold...the perfect excuse to have another cup of coffee instead.  I am determined this go round though so fingers crossed.

Saturday we had a delightful walk at Madera Canyon.  We chose the walk along the creek because what's not to love about the sound of running water.  

We spotted this deer enjoying breakfast...

 

And a smaller deer a bit more cautious...

We always see/hear lots of Mexican Jays at the canyon.

I think this is a Yellow Warbler. 

We took the long way home via Box Canyon Rd which traverses about 20 miles from Madera Canyon Rd to Arizona Scenic Hwy 83.  Heading east the maintained dirt road traverses thru grassy flat land dotted with mesquite trees.   

Eventually, the road narrows, drops down and crosses Box Canyon Creek...

...before it begins to climb the northern side of the Santa Ritas.  

You can just make out the road as it begins its climb in the center of the photo.

In this direction, the passenger has a great view of the basin with the cotton wood and sycamore trees that line Box Creek.  The driver hugs a cliff wall.

 

Back at the oasis, we had one colorful sunrise.

A sleepy Dover,

a tired Jack, 

and a "watch dog" Sally.

Spring is in the air,

and we are so ready !

Until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS!