Gabe Zimmerman Trail

Corona de Tucson

April 5, 2022

Gabe Zimmerman, the director of community outreach for U.S. Rep. Gabby Gifford, died January 8, 2011 in a shooting outside a Tucson supermarket at an event held for Gabby Gifford.  

As a Tucson native, he took full advantage of the many opportunities to play outside...hiking and biking were at the top of his list for favorites.  

I mentioned in the previous post, that the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) traverses through a special place near Tucson known as Davidson Canyon.  Gabe was instrumental in the the Arizona Trail obtaining its National Scenic Trail status in 2009.  We returned this morning to hike the section of trail on the ridge above Davidson Canyon.  With warm sunshine, blue skies, a light breeze, and camera in hand, we headed west towards the Santa Rita Mountains on a new to us trail.   

It wasn't long before we were walking along the ridge with views of Davidson Canyon below us with the Santa Ritas in the background.

The edge of the ridge is where the golden grass stops...its a pretty big drop to the canyon where the dark colored trees are.

It is a curvy trail that meanders up and down thru groves of ocotillo, groves of creosote bushes, and golden grass and prickly pear.  The constant is always the mountains.

Headed west toward the interstate...Santa Rita Mountains

Headed east towards the parking lot...the Rincon Mountains

Our destination for today was the underpass at I-10.  It's little over 1 1/2 miles from the parking lot where we began.

It would be way cool to walk under the interstate one day and explore the other side.  

The wildflowers along the ridge were dainty and colorful.  None of them were more than just a few inches tall.   

The first cacti bloom photo for 2022.

And the only wildlife sightings for the day...

Parking for the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead is located at 16248 E Marsh Station Road in Vail, AZ.  The parking lot has room for 22 vehicles.  

The trail is used by hikers, bikers and horses.  Both times we have visited the area,  we have only seen a couple of people.  

This past Saturday morning we joined Randy and his daughter Stacie for the Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair.  It was fun walking 4th Avenue.  Some of the "crafts", which are mostly made by the vendors themselves, are quite stunning and unique.  Of course food venues are a big part of the fair and the yummy smells sure do make me hungry.  I was happy when it was lunchtime.  We enjoyed another delicious meal at Caruso's Italian Restaurant...a Tucson tradition since 1938.  

After lunch, Stacie and I were fitted for toe rings.  

So far so good.  

 

Sunday we needed a few things from Lowes.  Wild Birds Unlimited is close to the Lowes on Speedway.   I always enjoy going to Wild Birds and never leave empty handed.  We purchased two new hummingbird feeders with raised perches. and a feeder that hooks to the fence in the backyard that serves a buffet of seasonal fruit and peanut butter bites. 

  

We also added a second seed feeder.

and I love it when they come together. 

That about wraps up the week.  Life is good at the oasis !

Until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS!

Historic 4th Avenue and A Change in the Weather

Corona de Tucson

December 13, 2021

There doesn't seem to be much to write about for this post.  But here goes...early last week, we made the trip "to the city" to take care of a few things.  At the top of the list was gifts for the two youngest grandkids.  

Mildred and Dildred has been our go to place for finding all kinds of unique and fun gifts for any age from infant to teenage.  They wrap and ship so its a one stop shop... perfect!  It is locally owned, not a big-box store, with lots of selections that encourage imaginations and learning.  That's the Kindergarten/First Grade  teacher in me that still lingers after all these years !  

I had my heart set on sending our youngest granddaughter a doll.  Edith just turned 1 so it had to be a special doll...one that is soft and cuddly. Happy to check that off the list as the gifts have been delivered and are under the tree. 
   
 We don't usually do the "mall thing", but Joe needed to try on long pants.  Ordering them usually means returning them and that is such a bother.  So, we found ourselves at Tucson Mall.  It was practically empty !  And just a little depressing...

so unlike years past with he hustle and bustle of folks.  At least the Christmas music was playing.

We did spot one famous person.  What a surprise to learn after all these years that Santa likes Panda Express !

No more cookies for you!

This past Friday, we met Randy and his daughter Stacie on 4th Avenue.  

It's not just any 4th Avenue, it is Historic 4th Avenue in Tucson...home to the 51 year old tradition known as The Street Fair.  The district known as Old Pueblo hosts the fair and proceeds are used to support the avenue's infrastructure and invest in local neighborhoods.  Local artists and musicians as well as those from all over the world come to show and sell their goods.  

These natural wood (no stain) chopping boards were gorgeous.  The pieces come apart offering different sizes and configurations for cutting and dipping. Most were the lazy-susan style.  

All kinds of bird feeders, but these small hummingbird feeders caught my eye.

These solar lights age beautifully...if you like the patina look which I do.  All different shapes and heights...we stood here longer than at any other booth discussing, but in the end decided not to buy.   

Traffic is barricaded for The Street Fair and covered canopies line the middle of the street for several blocks.  The Avenue began in 1916 as a commercial district.  It has seen many changes thru the years.  As big shopping centers began to dominate,  the buildings were practically left empty in the 60s.  By the mid 70s,  small businesses and restaurants began emerging. Today, characterized "by a myriad of unique small businesses", 4th Avenue is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its history and architecture and includes 50 contributing properties that date between 1903 and 1967.  The highlight for the day for me was lunch.  Randy's daughter Stacie (whose husband is Kevin and our realtor) has lived in Tucson for most of her adult life. She suggested Caruso's Italian.  Caruso's is the oldest Italian Restaurant in Tucson...it started in the 1930s and has remained in the family at the same location since that time.  The original family owner who began the restaurant passed away at age 100 in February '21.  He was the one responsible for the interior layout, the patio, and most of the food prep.  The heart of the restaurant was and still is the "big copper pot" visible from the main dining room.  It has contained all of the Caruso sauce served since the first days in Tucson.  

The food was wonderful and the service was very friendly and beyond satisfactory.  

Boutiques and antiques, along with  book, candle, jewelry, and novelty stores line the streets.  One interesting store was Pop-Cycle where piggy banks, jewelry and other fun things are created from scrap metals. 
The Avenue also offers a very wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from.   

 At the oasis, we are enjoying Christmas.  It is such a special time of year with all the lights, smells and music.  I realized the other day, I can see our Christmas tree from every room in the house except our bedroom, master bath and guest bath.  

Last week I made a new to me goodie.  Joe likes peppermints and I like chocolate so I found a recipe for White Chocolate Peppermint Patties.  They are yummy and very "rich" as my mom would say. 

Friday we woke up to a chilly, rainy day.  This isn't our usual view out the patio door. The pups were in shock and didn't want to go out, but I thought it was a nice change...

...and perfect for white chili.  It's my favorite chili with lots of grated cheese, jalapeños and corn chips.  It is even better the next day !  I love left-overs !  Rainy days in Tucson are special and don't usually last long.

That wraps up another week.  They sure go by fast.  

As much as I love to go places and do things, I have decided that the best part of going anywhere these days is coming home.  Until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS !