February remains uncharacteristically windy. That usually happens in April and May. Then in June the winds die off and it becomes unbearably hot. February and March are generally calmer. We need a weather machine, turn the wind on and off.
Wednesday we drove down to the Sarasota Trailhead and did a loop around Little Cat Mountain. It's a pleasant walk, except for the pointy rocks one must walk on. It is, however, a lovely part of the Sonoran Desert. Here are photos.
Look at that sky. That's the winter sky in Tucson. When it gets hot, it becomes lighter and a less intense blue.
It has always astonished me that people can ride these trails. There are many big rocks in the trail which must be ridden over.
Golden Gate on the left, farther away. The ridge on the right is Bobcat Ridge, or as some people call it, First Ridge.
A cholla, these have wicked spines that bury themselves in your skin.
This is a trail. It just looks like a water course.
One takes the trail up the hill, and turns left at the top. Then one continues on up.
There is a trail that traverses the ridge line (the aforementioned Bobcat Ridge). It's a beautiful hike, but it's six miles which is more than we're up to doing just yet.
My favorite rock formation. They sort of look like potatoes.
Yesterday we rode in the howling wind. We had a cross wind in both directions that was really noisy. Then we rode up Via Entrada, which is a nice climb. It makes you work, but doesn't hurt too much. It's been paved recently which was very nice.
Today they were forecasting 28 to 42 mile an hour gusts. It's not fun riding in that much wind, so we went out to the Iris Dewhirst trail. There were a lot of people there. February is high season for the snowbirds, we're everywhere.
Look at the size of that rock. The big chunk is on the right, but there is more of it on the left. I would like to know how it got there.
There are more rocks up stream.
Downstream view. There is still some water, but not as much as before.
The republican party continues to embarrass themselves with cat calling in the State of the Union Address, yelling during sub-committee meetings, and generally being pathetic. It's going to be a long two years of performative bullshit. So, buckle up.
WOW Allison, that trail, those trails , are so challenging! Beautiful country, someone left the lights on! You two are amazing travelers. Even my young sons would have to think twice before taking on those trails!
ReplyDeleteThat sky is incredibly blue indeed. I don't enjoy the wind, even if the temperature is mild. (especially in WA with all our trees) The GOP becomes more and more dangerous AND ludicrous yet people still vote for them. It's disheartening.
ReplyDeleteThose trail with rocks looks very challening, and possibly dangerous. I think I'd be sticking to the pavement but then I would miss those views. Thanks for sharing the photos...I now know I need to find my way to Arizona at some point.
ReplyDeleteThe scenery is beautiful -- as is the sky! But yeah, that trail looks like a challenge for riding OR walking, with all those loose rocks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hike. I love seeing all the desert photos. The desert is looking good these days. All the rain we've had has helped. You are so right about the wind the last few days. I walked at the Desert Botanical Garden on Friday and my hair got so wind-whipped, I looked a bit like a scarecrow when I left.
ReplyDeletethat gorgeous blue sky, so intense.
ReplyDeleteMarjorie Taylor Greene the tantrum throwing toddler threw a tantrum in the national security meeting about the chinese ballon, bitching because she had to wait her turn to yell and scream at them and then bragged in an interview about how she really gave it to them. and she's proud of that. JFC.