Tucson continues to impress us greatly. The editor continues to utter that I’m impressed easily. Don’t let
that effect the impression we might be giving off of this mid-size American city (large by my standards). Of course,
I’m referring to the natural parts which surround the man-made structures. It is filled with saguaros and other
varieties of cacti. Perhaps because we don’t see the plant often although we’d like to believe to the contrary,
the cactus is quite remarkable in many ways, one being to view them bunched and covering the mountain slopes.
Unfortunately, they are extremely dangerous and a brush with them amounts to some nasty results.
Jenni sits at the peak moments before we head down for the sunset.
Meantime, the deep thinker is thinking about the 'meaning of life...actually, what's for dinner.'
As we meander along the trails, we are on guard not to allow legs and hands to stray. However, every
so often, one stumbles or stubs a rock and loses balance and the natural inclination is to reach out and steady
oneself. Funny how at that stage there is usually this spiked limb reaching out to a person in offer of support.
In looking at the plant, one can’t help notice the sharp, long, dagger like spikes or spines beckoning to grab
hold of it. It’s not surprising to see these plants intact—their covering providing a docile protection—the best
nature offers. I keep reminding the editor to grab hold of me rather; I’m much softer. Of course, that’s an opinion.
Talking of cities, we mentioned that Tucson is mid-size. In fact, subjectively, everything larger than Bishop,
California is too big for me these days. I remember when I liked the vibe of the big city, the skyscrapers,
the ballet, the noise, the dirt, the gas stations, dry cleaners, car wrecks, drunks, politicians, shootings, brawls,
gangs, graffiti…those were the days. Perhaps I’m ready to be put out to pasture or maybe, we see the world
with a different mindset. And what a beautiful world it is. Barry Jahn, a fellow hiker from Oregon whom we met
in that state, most fortunately, wrote to us last night. He mentioned that his wife, Betty, remarked that every
time we visit a place we write of its beauty. “Everything is beautiful”. Barry replied ‘What’s your point,
of course it is.’
On a somber note, while Wall Street accumulates vast wealth in the hands of a few (we are ardent free market
supporters), we see so much poverty wherever we travel and that includes the United States. It is very sad
to witness. So often when living in one's fixed enclave, we do not get exposure to the very rough times people
experience...and there are an awful lot of impoverished out there.
We have hiked six days out of seven in Tucson (big deal!). On the blog, preceding this, is our first hike which
we follow with our sixth. The reason we mention this is to illustrate that the same place is multi-faceted,
something we highlight from time-to-time. On a rest day, we became ‘restless’ and so headed out for Blankett’s
peak that afternoon. We got a different perspective we think or that’s our rationale for repeating the delightful
experience. We also met a couple from South Carolina, he being a minister in the church accompanied by his wife
dressed modestly in a long skirt. Makes for some tricky situations for women dressed in that manner on the slopes.
On the other hand, an under-dressed fellow hiker, George Salmon from Alaska, provided another perspective. We remember
last year when we were climbing the tough Montana Mountains near Flagstaff in snow and ice and met a bare-chested hiker
who was from Alaska, of course. As we mentioned then, I cannot wait to come across a woman from Alaska on the slopes.
Two of the few lonely cacti.
"Hey, wait for me." Jenni gets ahead of herself and beats husband up first of many false peaks.
A meaningful picture although not sure why. Perhaps, we like the height/depth perspective very much.
One flew over the cuckoo's nest or something like that.
It's the little 'cactus' at the top that's the loveliest of all.
We've enjoyed the haze over the Santa Rita Mountains recently. We hiked there on the following day.
Sundown softens the desert environment.
Jen stands in front of the big one at Blankett's peak. The other 'big one' takes the shot.
Some would consider this showing off...some might be right.
Shadow and haze, an interesting combination.
Golden cacti at sunset.
Leaving you until dawn.
We haven't seen a body of water for a while. Surprisingly, we return to Utah (pictorially only) to find one.
A little excitement keeps the body in touch.
We also hiked at least seven miles to, above and around the Romero Pools in the Catalina Mountains, a splendid
climb which continues to a peak and beyond. However, the length lends itself to a backpacking adventure, something to
consider on our next visit to this attractive region. Unfortunately, we have no photographs. Good question...but we
cannot offer an answer.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
