Hot and Dry...

September 8, 2022

Corona de Tucson

So remember that lush green oasis I wrote about a week and a half ago?  Well, it's not green anymore.  

It seems the oasis turned  green overnight and back to brown even quicker.  The only color these days are a few purple asters hanging on for dear life and lots of golden rod.

It has been hot this past week with temps in the mid to high 90s and one day it reached 100.  Next week looks much better with highs in the low 90s...and the best part...lows in the mid to high 60s.  I like the 60s !  We had nothing on the calendar all week and enjoyed a rather lazy, hazy week of summer.  We still enjoy our early morning walks... 

and coffee time on the patio.

Today, we headed into town for a 9:15 appointment to get Joe's stitches out.  Afterwards, I wanted to go to Gather:A Vintage Market.  I first posted about Gather last April.  Shortly after that post, the warehouse that housed all the vintage goods was partially destroyed by a fire.  Gather has since moved to a new location...300 S. Park Avenue...and today was opening day.  

This section of Park Avenue is a small, colorful warehouse shopping district tucked away in a nondescript neighborhood better known as The Lost Barrio.  Locally owned stores feature custom made furniture, home decor (the lamps are beautiful), jewelry, rugs, etc.  It is a perfect place for Gather.  

In hind sight, opening day was not a good choice for a visit.  It was more crowded than our last visit.  We did win a $25.00 gift certificate and after verifying it could be used at a later date, we left empty handed.  We both enjoyed perusing the other stores...they were practically empty. 

Back at the oasis, the cactus wrens continue to be our favorite.

The Great Horned Owl made a surprise visit one evening.

And the hawk circled once and was on his way.

I had to shoot thru a bush...not a real good photo, but I thought his tail was quite pretty.

So until next time, 

Happy Trails !

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 !