Tucson Botanical Gardens

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
March 12, 2016

One of the things on my to see list in Tucson has been the Tucson Botanical Gardens.  Joe and I have passed by it many times on our way to various other places.  Today was the day.  

These beautiful gardens are located on what was once the home of Rutger and Bernice Porter.  The young couple married in 1931 and started Desert Gardens Nursery.  


Rutger was an up and coming landscaper in the small town of Tucson.  The home they bought dates back to the 1920s was constructed with adobe bricks made on sight.  

Through the years their family grew, their home was expanded and the gardens evolved into a wonderful landscape of winding walks, adobe walls and fountains.

In 1968 (4 years after her husband's death), Bernice wanted the beloved property to become a public garden and donated it to the City of Tucson.  

Today, the Historical Garden contains many of the original plants from the Porter estate including citrus trees, roses, privet, pomegranate, jasmine and many other plants. 

It was a delightful morning.  As we strolled along the walkways we enjoyed listening to the birds chatter and sing.  






It was a challenge to find any of them as the trees and shrubs are so thick and green. 

Broad-billed Hummingbird

The colors were rich and plentiful...

The gardens included a wide variety of cacti and succulents from Mexico, Arizona and some from Texas. 

Bishop's Cap

Everywhere we looked, there was something beautiful to see...

The gardens are a sharp contrast to the busy city...a quiet and peaceful refuge most unexpected.

Until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS!

Tanque Verde Canyon

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
March 10, 2016

March is certainly flying by.  Last week we found ourselves homeless for a day.  Belle was getting her oil changed and I got a much needed new washer/dryer.  The weather cooperated as we hunkered down in the x-pen with the pups under the orange tree we thought had a pleasant smell.  









We are not so fond of the smell now!  Joe and I  suffered horrible sinus headaches for three days as a result. 



Other days this month have been spent with appointments for me.  It is a relief to get those dreaded doctor visits done and I only have one more left next week.  Yippee! 

 Today was our first free day to get out and hike.  So it was off to Tanque Verde Canyon.  Tanque Verde began as a small community settled by ranchers in the 1860s.  The name of the area, which means "green tank" is reference to the algae in a large and prominent stock water tank used for cattle in the late 19th century. 

It's not a very long hike, but one filled with lots of punch.  Switchbacks that carry you to the canyon floor also carry you back to the parking lot.  The trail is just wide enough to keep you from getting scratched by the thick growth of the desert garden you walk through.  

  
As you wind your way to the Tanque Verde River, the views are amazing.

Looking towards the city...

The first view of the river...

And the opposite canyon wall...

 Then there is all the beauty right in front of me...

Once at the canyon floor, you are on your own if you want to continue to the waterfalls.  There are a lot of boulders to climb over and play on as you make your way up canyon.  Pools were knee deep or more and waterfalls were plentiful today.   

 Boulders are huge...a sample of what we climbed over.

 A little piece of desert paradise...

We could hear the sound of rushing water ahead...a great motivation to continue.

After a lot of scrambling, there it was...the lower falls.  We stopped here, but there is another (much bigger) waterfall further up the canyon.  












As we walked back to the trail I noticed a cool reflection in the water. 

What a great morning.   

This past week-end we had some high winds and storms.  

But nothing like Ronnie and Carol had at Pismo Beach, CA.  Carol sent us the following pictures...

Thank goodness no one was hurt. Carol and Ronnie's MH did not get any damage.







And Sally wanted me to mention she got a  haircut and nails clipped (actually all three pups did).  Joe even dropped me off at VerVe for a morning at the salon too. The girls are looking good !



Until next time, take care and...

HAPPY TRAILS!