good-times-rollin

Friday, September 24, 2021

Madera Canyon

Corona de Tucson

September 24, 2021

When we spent winters in Tucson, we always made it a point to go to Madera Canyon. Now that it is practically in our back yard, we can enjoy different seasons there. So with cool temps, clear skies and nothing on the agenda for the day, we decided that's where we would do our morning walk.

Today, we parked at the Proctor Parking lot and started our walk at the paved nature trail. We connected to the Madera Creek Trail (which is part tarmac and part dirt) and turned around at Madera Picnic Area.

Water :

One thing we always enjoy on hikes is running water. Madera Creek is a beautiful creek with boulders, grasses and trees.

Wildlife :

We heard and saw lots of birds, but I was only able to get pictures of two. Mexican Jays were busy and hungry.

A yummy caterpillar for breakfast.

And a single Acorn Woodpecker was making his way up the utility pole.

I think he has been there many times !

The birds weren't the only hungry critters. The White Tail Deer were foraging for breakfast...

...as well as the butterflies.

Forest :

Many trees make up the Coronado National Forest. My favorites today were the Alligator Spruce,

Arizona Sycamores,

Oaks,

and Cottonwoods.

Flora :

At this elevation, Madera Canyon is a nice blend of desert and forest with a variety of flowers from both.

Water, trees, birds and animals, flowers, gorgeous weather, blue skies and time with Joe...whats not to love? I really had a great time this morning with camera in hand enjoying this beautiful area and I see many more visits in our future. My bucket list includes a picture of the Elegant Trogon. I have never seen one and I am hopeful that 2022 might just be my year !

That about wraps up the week here although we did get flu shots, Joe went to the eye doctor, we ran errands, and stopped at Quality Pottery just to look around. Way to many beautiful choices !

Until next time...

HAPPY TRAILS !

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

We Have Legs!

Corona de Tucson

September 21, 2021

Our good friend Randy gifted us with a piece of mesquite wood. Randy bought a home in Green Valley a few weeks after we bought our home. This gorgeous piece of wood was used as a shelf in Randy's new home. He had other plans for that space.

When he brought it over for us to see, Joe and I immediately said at the same time, "a bench" as it was the perfect length for the wall in the foyer. After some google time, Joe found legs...black, metal legs that satisfied my requirements and sturdy legs that met his requirements .

Not only is this piece of nature's art a special gift from Randy it is also a gift from the desert as Mesquite Trees are native to the area.

Mesquite Trees have been around since the Ice Age when they provided a necessary food for ground sloths. Since that time, they have adapted to the arid desert environment. For instance their leaves are small and wax coated to minimize evaporation of the plant's water and their seeds have a protective coating and can last for decades. I find it fascinating that the "wide-spreading and deep-reaching" root system is host to colonies of bacteria that can replace nitrogen in the soil...one of the minerals most important to plant germination and growth.

Mesquite Trees have long been a source of food for both people and animals, a source of many medical remedies, and filled the need for wood used in building missions, ranches, and fences.

Although often crooked in shape, the branches have served artisans in the crafting of furniture, flooring and sculptures.

Thank you Randy ! We love our new bench...its perfect for the foyer !

We have enjoyed several sunrises since I wrote last. Except for Sunday when it was hazy, the skies have been clear and blue. Morning walks are much more pleasurable as the air feels cools...I like to say crisp...and fresh. Sure adds an extra little bounce in my step ! And the skies are so blue !