It had to happen sometime and so it did. The editor took ill and declared herself unavailable for hiking
until further notice. It’s a good thing she does not work for a corporation; otherwise, she might find herself
hauled up a mountain after three days. This left me searching for a replacement partner. Before I commenced looking,
the editor reminded me rather subtly that she was in fact irreplaceable. Fortunately, it was an idea I share
wholeheartedly.
We’re back in Tucson for a week as we returned to work from a six-week ‘vacation’ in San Diego. The idea is
to follow the sun. More specifically, to find warm weather and undertake many of the hikes we missed the first
time around. Thereafter, we’ll continue our quest looking for warm weather and manageable snow—whatever
that means.
Reach out and touch something...someone, at the peak.
Funnily enough, this is not the Finger Trail.
I want to go higher...moving up on the Finger Trail.
A full-blooded sunset over Tucson from part way down the ridge.
Hike-about 25 got off to a tough start as only one of us headed for the first climb, a hike
that happens to be one of the roughest in the region. Jenni gave me the finger, that is, the Finger Trail
which took me some 3,200 feet above the trailhead. Well, it hardly took me as I had to take myself. Many miles
later, I returned to continue my nursing activities only to realize I was hardly missed. I have been worried
about the editor’s health, of course. Truth be told, I was also concerned about finding the trailhead, then being
able to follow the trail, having to carry my own bag as well as lunching on my own. Life became difficult
without Jenni.
The trail was quiet until a couple of students reached and overtook me—youth can be quite painful particularly
when showing off. The male/female duo ended their hike at the 2,000 feet level; I continued another 1,200 feet—guess
who decided to show off, too. When they passed me, I noticed another challenge. Put it this way, had she been wearing
a bikini, she would have been dressed more modestly. Jenni has explained to me that it’s not proper to look
at other women. I agree but find that if members of the fairer sex are directly in front of me what can I do.
Fortunately, I never notice them when the editor is close by.
Loved this one as the beams narrowed, focusing on the saguaro, 'bronzing' half a tree.
A sprawling city taken from the Finger Trail.
Setting sun makes its mark by tinting the mountaintops.
Heading down to the canyon on return.
Many of the trails in Tucson require discipline. They are rocky, steep, often on edges and ledges,
a little iced at higher elevations and mostly defined by cactus plants of a few varieties. I noticed
the ocotillo particularly over the last couple of days. Without the flower covering, the dagger like spines
and thorns are more visible—covering their branches densely. They are most intimidating even as they appear
to reach out in a welcoming manner. Unfortunately, it is almost instinctive to grab a limb when one slips.
We shudder when we think of the implications.
Here’s to always trying to remain upright.
Another scene that was captivating. The sun sure knows how to put on a show.
More subtle...Goodnight!
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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