good-times-rollin: Lower Tanque Verde Canyon

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Tanque Verde Canyon

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
March 16, 2015

There is nothing like a hike and the great outdoors to elevate your spirits and adjust your attitude for the better. Especially if the hike is in the desert...a desert in all its glory!

This is our third winter to spend time in Tucson. I fell in love with the desert the first time I laid eyes on it, but never have we seen it so full of color.

Tanque Verde River...looking right towards Tucson

The trail to the Tanque Verde River is .5 mile down to the canyon floor. Loose gravel and boulder steps slowed us down to a cautious turtle pace, but that was OK by me...more photo opps!

...and looking left towards the falls.

Once in the canyon you can head in either direction and walk as long or as far as you want to. There is no defined trail along the river. We did read that going left is a bit more serious with much scrambling and climbing over boulders. Our legs are not quite there yet!

Rocks and more rocks...I do love a canyon wall and this one was quite showy with its colorful layers, pops of yellow flowers and awesome cacti.

And did I mention a river? Yep, with crystal clear, cool...um...cold water

flowing over huge...um...ginormous boulders!

First sighting of signs that Saguaro Cacti will bloom soon.

A good work-out going up...

Even though this was a short hike, it sure had alot to offer.

Yikes...can you believe all that puppy hair on Pearl's seat? What a pain in the derriere. It weaves all in the fibers that the seat is made of and will NOT vacuum off!

I am pleased to report that I am now a very happy jeeper. We splurged and bought Trek-Armor seat covers made just for Jeeps and they fit like a glove and best of all, I can wipe Dover and Wreck's fur out with my hand!

When we were at Christopher Columbus Park the other day, we heard a boat motor...one of the lakes there is designated for Remote Control Boats. Joe has built two of these. There is a club and they have races here. This was a test run to work out some kinks. The gentleman was very nice and spent some time talking with Joe.

I still haven't figured out how The Tan Clan managed to all be on Belle's dash at the same time...They were anxiously waiting our departure from San Diego. Never a dull moment!