The first week, we had storms that rolled through with wind and strong downpours. When the storms passed, we were treated to rainbows, sometimes double rainbows.
There is something about rainbows that just makes me happy.
We decided to join in on the guided hike into the desert on the 11th to see the 48 or 56 (depends on whose counting) arm Saguaro cactus. This was suppose to be a 3 mile hike but the guide told us that he was planning on a 5 mile hike and that if we didn't want to continue on with him, we could return the way we came once we got to the Saguaro cactus. Sounded fine to all of us. Well, we got to the multi-armed cactus and with all the turns this way and that way, no one wanted to risk getting lost in the desert so on with him we hiked. Here is a picture of the multi-armed Saguaro cactus (actually they are more like nubbins than arms):
Got to admit that I was a bit disappointed as I expected the Saguaro to be large like the ones we saw in Catalina State Park last year. After our morning walk/run plus the five mile hike, my right knee was being a real pain by the time we got home. I was more than ready to get home.
With all the rain the area has had, the desert is very green. Here is a shot of a bright green Ocotillo and a close up of its beautiful bloom.
We took a ride with Rick and Y up to the ski area of Mt. Lemmon (approx 8,200 feet) which is about 60 minutes from where we are located to see the snow. Mt. Lemmon is a very popular place in the summer as it is 20-30 degrees cooler than Tucson. The town of Tucson can be seen at the top of the first picture. Second picture was taken in Summerhaven, a small town that sits below the ski area that locals use as summer homes to escape the heat. We saw a lot of families playing in the snow. Third shot is of a small waterfall.
With our bird feeders and large seed block that sits on the ground, we have quite the entertainment factor going on. We have Cottontails, Gambels Quail, Mourning Doves, Harris' Ground Squirrel, Chipmunks, and assorted birds that visit us daily. Here are some pictures of some of our visitors (1)Cardinal, (2) Harris' Ground Squirrel (sort of looks and acts like a prairie dog), (3) Lesser Goldfinches and a House Finch (red head), (4) Northern Flicker, and (5) Pyrroluxia.
Saint Patrick's Day rolled around with strong easterly winds and the temperature got up into the high 80's (boy, was it warm come the afternoon - almost time to turn on the A/C). We said goodbye to our friends Rick and Y in the morning as they left to return to the Austin, TX area as their daughter-in-law, who is expecting twins, has developed some complications and the babies may be arriving earlier than planned. Also, Y is having some issue with her shoulder that needs to be check out. After hugs and safe travel wishes, they headed out. We will miss their company and our nightly game of cards and/or Pegs and Jokers.
Later in the day, we went over to the clubhouse to partake in the Saint Patrick's Day Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner ($4 per person - not too shabby for dinner). They had a good turnout and the food was tasty. A couple from the park provided the entertainment and lead us in some Irish song singing. A good time was had by all. Oh, before I forget, I won one of the three prizes - framed photo and Irish Blessing.
At the top of the framed picture is the Irish Blessing that most RVers are familiar with. It goes: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, May God hold you in His hands.
Quite the duded up steer - very cute.
You have definitely shown diligence to have read this entry all the way to the end! No guarantees but I'll try not to let two weeks pass before making another entry.
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