Tucson...So Far

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
February 2017

I can't believe how time seems to be flying by.  We have been in Tucson for over 20 days visiting with old friends, meeting new friends and just getting stuff done. 

Carol and Ronnie stopped by for a week and were our next door neighbors.  We were busy with appointments, but did manage to get in a nice bike ride, a walk in Sabino Canyon Recreational Area, and an early dinner at Mi Nidito.  Sabino Canyon is one of my favorite places to spend time when in Tucson and I was excited to share it with Ronnie and Carol.  While we were there, we watched a mama and daddy roadrunner building a nest in a tree near the Visitor Center.  Sorry for a blurry picture...they both worked so hard and steady ! Such a treat to see.







We met Sue and Dave last April in Moab and they are just down the street.  We met Pam and John last February right here in Tucson and they are just two rows over.  Jodee and Bill were here for a week and we finally got to meet them.  We all enjoyed several happy hours and visits...its so much fun connecting !  

Joe and I have been checking things off the list.  First off, doctor appointments for Joe.  
We made three visits to Arizona Oncology for Joe's blood work, PET and CT scans, and to see the doctor.  We are so happy to report that Joe is two years cancer free and will not have to return for anymore six month check- ups...yipee !  That means no more hot August stays in Tucson !  Joe also aced his dermatology appointment this time...no MOHS surgery either.  Yes, life is good !

After a weekend of storms, high winds and lots of rain, 

Monday dawned with blue skies, white fluffy clouds, a cool breeze and lots of sunshine.  The perfect day for a bike ride.  We chose Rillito River Park Bikeway.  There is a nice paved parking lot across the street from Trader Joe's (located on N. Campbell Ave.) and the bikeway goes in both directions for as many miles as you want to go.  

We passed a farm and Just had to circle back to get a pictures of the billy goats.  This one was sound asleep with his head propped up in tree.

Yesterday with warmer temps, we opted for a hike.  Tanque Verde Canyon was at the top of my list so off we went.  It's so nice to have a hubby that says he will follow me anywhere !

In another couple of weeks the desert floor will be yellow.  The Brittlebush is covered in buds.

I love this hike. It's short and sweet, steep down and steep up, the canyon walls are beautiful, the vegetation is amazing, and what's not to love about water in the desert.  But, the best part is rock scrambling among the boulders and flowing water in the river.

Just a quick update on Dover.  She is doing great after her bout with acute pancreatitis.  We have her on a low fat, high protein diet which seems to be agreeing with her and with Jack and Sally .   

Well, until next time...

 HAPPY TRAILS !

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!

And never a missed opportunity for a nap!

Until next time, take care and...

happy trails!