Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Not All Who Wander Are Lost
June, 2019 - Mount Denali, Alaska

Monday, February 27, 2012

My Senses Are Confused

Yesterday we went for a 2 hour, 14 mile bike ride. Tucson has some really nice bike paths that run along the Santa Cruz River. There is no water in it, but it’s still called a river. I was talking to a local person, and she told me that there hasn’t been water in it for a long time.

The sun was out and the temperature was in the high 70s. As we rode along, the warm breeze felt so good. We passed a park where I heard the sounds of a softball game and kids playing on the playground. The smell of a charcoal grill was in the air. These beautiful flowers were growing wild along the path.

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As we were almost back at the truck, I spotted a Carls Jr along the side of the path. This beautiful day had me in the mood for some ice cream. They had an Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich that tasted so good. So, I know the calendar is telling me it is February, but all of my senses were telling me it was summer!

Some of you that are in colder climates may not appreciate this post. Go ahead and send me your hate mail. I deserve it :)  But, I just have to say, we’re loving our life!!

 

P1120670After the bike ride, we took a drive up to the top of Sentinel Peak, or the A Mountain as it is more commonly referred to. The paved bike path is right along the other side of the orange fence at the bottom of the picture. There are miles and miles of paved paths along both sides of the river.

 

 

 

When we got to the top of the peak, this is what the A looks like. The peak is 2900 feet high. The large stone A was constructed by University of Arizona students in 1915 as an engineering class assignment. It measures 70 feet wide and 160 feet tall. It was originally painted white, but after September 11 the colors were changed to the school colors of red, white and blue as a sign of patriotism.

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There are some very nice views of the Santa Cruz Valley from up there. The Hohokam and Pima Indians were the first settlers of this area. The Indian name for the valley was Schuk-Shon which means at the foot of the black mountain. The Spaniards pronounced it Tucson and that’s how the city got it’s name. The tall buildings on the right are the downtown area.

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We saw more quail on our hikes in the desert last week. I’m thinking the warmer temperatures has caused them to be more active. Most of the time they are running along the ground. But, we happened to catch this guy sitting up in a tree.

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More and more little flowers are popping up in the desert. It amazes me that these flowers grow out of the sand and rock.

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Last week we had an absolutely gorgeous week. Today a front came through and winds were gusting up to 50 mph. No walk today. I spent the day working on a new sewing project. The rest of the week is supposed to be less windy with temps in the high 60s to low 70s. I think we can handle that.

Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!

6 comments:

  1. Thats my kind of weather! I dont like it real hot or real cold. 70s is just right.

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  2. That's my kind of winter weather. That's why I live in central Texas.

    http://travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com

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  3. No hate mail but I am sending a big bag of cold air to you forthwith!! We have more than enough here in Eugene, OR to spare and I would love to share it with you. I'm kind that way. We have visited Tucson a couple of times and it is one of my favorite cities in AZ. Enjoy - the temps sound perfect.

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  4. Rainy and cool here the last few days. I am wishing I was in the desert too.

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  5. Looked like a great hike. I liked the photo of downtown Tucson.

    We're down to frigid feeling 60's here in Desert Hot Springs today - feels real cold. But, it won't last for long as it should be back in 70's by tomorrow.

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  6. Love the view of the Santa Cruz Valley. When we finally make it to the Tucson area we will have to remember about all the bike trails. Glad you are loving life, so are we.

    Kevin and Ruth
    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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