Wildflowers and Water

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.

The ground cover was thick, but we found lots of busy insects.

I was happy for the trees. They have enjoyed all the rain as well.  The Alligator Junipers were full of berries...

Did you know that these berries are edible and can be consumed raw or steamed?  

the oak trees were loaded down with acorns...

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.

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 !  

For about a mile before reaching the entrance to Madera Canyon, the road was lined with bushes that had showy pink/white blooms.  

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,

HAPPY TRAILS !

Flash Floods

August 20, 2022

Corona de Tucson 

Back at the oasis...we had a beautiful start to the week.  Mornings began with lots of white puffy clouds, blue skies, low 90s and no humidity. 

Expected darker clouds and welcomed showers rolled in during the late afternoons...typical summer in the desert.

 

We can always smell the rain headed our way.

We enjoyed our early morning walks.

A couple of mornings we pulled weeds in the front yard.  It's a small price to pay for the rain.  Our reward...

I am always amazed when I see these hummingbird moths and their really long tongues.

Mid week, Joe had stitches removed and two more MOHs surgeries.  He has one more surgery next week on his driver side arm and fingers crossed he is done until his next check-up this fall.  

We had made plans to go to the Tucson Botanical Gardens for the concert tonight.  We both enjoy acoustic guitar and there were two guitarists performing for the Sunset Saturday outdoor event.  

With flash floods and severe storms forecast, we will just enjoy a quiet evening at home instead.  This mornings backyard photo !

I only captured a few bird photos this this week.

That's a wrap for the third week in August.  My how time flies.  

Until next time, 

 

HAPPY TRAILS !