We left Van Horn, Texas heading for Los Cruces, New Mexico but stopped at Guadalupe National Park for a follow-up
hike of the peak of the same name, Texas' highest, undertaken two days before. This too was a great experience, reaching
the Permian Reef Ridge. However, using current nomenclature, we'd have to rate it 'JV' in comparison but not by much though.
After two nights in Los Cruces, a short stop at City Rocks State Park enroute, we arrived in Tucson, Arizona.
Getting close to ground-level again, colors clearer. This is a land of the cactus.
Blankett's Peak on the editor's birthday; Jenni's face tells it all.
A scene that informs much about Tucson.
Delightful scenes at altitude without any 'attitude'.
Could be the 'two-step' but who knows with him. Wouldn't interrupt just yet, he should be concentrating.
The Blackett's Ridge Trail is close to town making it a favorite with the locals. It's a great workout with views
to...live for. Tucson has been the source of one positive surprise after another. Ignorance may be bliss but it's
not a wonderful attribute. We have avoided this city to our disadvantage. Natalie went to the university and so,
at the time, we got a particular perception of it. Admittedly, it was a while before mountains began to play a
bigger (higher) role in our lives.
The city is fairly large but the attraction is the extensive and attractive surrounding mountains. Another factor is
that outside of summer, the weather is mild or mostly conducive to our activities. Finally, besides Cape Town,
we don't believe we have visited a city that has so many beautiful mountains surrounding it with what seems,
reasonable access.
Part of Tucson from above but focusing on the back mountains.
Some things are so attractive and so dangerous.
School's in, on the slopes.
We thought this spectacular...still do.
I don't know who/which is more 'prickly'
When we arrived at the peak, some 1,700 feet and seven-miles roundtrip, we saw two students, one with his back to us.
He looked so much like our younger son Robbie that I was wondering whether it was in fact him. I let the imagination
run wild and thought what a surprise: Robbie traveled to be with his Mom on her birthday and not only that; he found
out where we were hiking and surprised her further. This of course proved that imagination and logic often run
in different directions. We spent a while talking with these youngsters which was time well spent. Jenni, not rudely,
interrupted the meeting to announce that it was close to 12pm and we hadn't eaten breakfast yet.
On the following day, at a higher peak on the western side, we met Mike, a scientist. It was difficult to leave but
the editor got us returning to the trail after nearly an hour of conversation. Mike, a local with international experience,
reminded us of a friend from La Jolla, Gary Frank. We both recognized his similarity in personality and outlook. It
was really wonderful to be with Gary...that should read Mike.
Color along the wash.
Is it me or does the editor spend a lot of time relaxing at peaks?
Editor buys a new hat...for me this time. However, she makes me try on the peek at the peak.
The cacti are simple, clean-looking and 'vicious'.
We'd like to think that's 'Team Lazarow'; can't think who else it might be.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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