Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
March 18, 2015

One of our most favorite places in Tucson is Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. We were up early and out the door by 8:00 am and hoping that the cloudy skies would deter other would be hikers. Our plan was to hike/walk for as long as we were enjoying ourselves and having fun. Hiking is not always about the exercise, it is also a time to connect with nature and all things beautiful...a time to relax the mind, heart, and soul. When we left Sabino Canyon, all was better than good!

It was not a first photographing a Gamble's Quail, but it was a first photographing one in a tree. I wish I could share the beautiful sound this fellow was making. The male's song is a single note caaw which we heard before we saw him.They belong to the "callipepla" family which comes from the Greek kalli (beautiful) and peplos (robe). 

A juvenile Phainopepla will gradually acquire black feathers throughout it's 1st year. 

Arizona Foldwing

Miniature Wollystar

Longflower Tube Tongue

Sasguaro Cactus bloom...first for the season.

Distant Phacelia

Wild Dwarf Morning-glory

Desert Rosemallow

Slender Janusia

From a picnic area where we stopped for water and a snack, we could see Sabino Dam. We decided to head that way...

I am so glad we did...

A Cooper's Hawk...I think...that we saw fly over the creek.

 And a mama duck playing in Sabino Creek...

 ...perfectly camouflaged.

Last, we were excited to see our first Gila Monster...not one, but 2 in one hike! Since they spend 95% of their time in underground burrows, we felt like we had hit the jackpot! Because of human encroachment, they are considered a threatened species.

 The first one was out in the open right next to the trail and not moving very much. 

I clicked away trying to get a picture of his forked tongue... 

 The second one we saw was under a tree and brush...he was moving a bit faster...

Our time meandering through the desert was about 5 hours...mostly very peaceful and quiet. Life is good!

Until next time, take care and...

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!