Sandy, Kim and I visited this amazing historical site in early June, 2021. Although we could see some lightning off in the distance, the temperatures were warm and the area near us was safe enough.
The site has 21000 petroglyphs in all, many viewable on the easy trail we took along the basalt crest. The petroglyphs were created by Jornada Mogollon people who created the rock etchings between about 900 and 1400 AD.
Kim and I enjoyed perfect early spring weather in the desert in April this year, spending a couple days with friends and my dad in Phoenix, then almost a week in Tucson. We hiked almost all the way to the Romero Pass, several miles beyond Romero Pools, and at one water stop, came across an ancient grinding stone which was used by the Hohokem People, probably for about a thousand years up until about 400 AD, likely part of a forward camp. Other hikes in Sabino Canyon area: up Bear Canyon to Seven Falls (beautiful!) and also in Bear Canyon area, Blackett’s Ridge, a perfect place to enjoy lunch with spectacular views across Tucson and also north to the Catalina Mountains. And finally, a hike that turned out much more interesting and pretty than I expected, the Telephone Line trail. Tram ride to the end of Sabino Canyon road, then hike back down the canyon. Lots of flowers, cacti, blooming agave and yucca, plus birds and other critters.
Day trips to the Pima Flight Museum, which was terrific (includes a well restored B-17 and also a couple B-52s among many other aircraft), plus a trip to the Biosphere 2 project north of Tucson.
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From the early morning portion of the trail to Blackett’s Ridge
In early December, I had a chance to visit the National Mall in Washington D.C. I got up really early and took Metro to the nearest stop, and made a beeline for the Washington Monument, arriving just before the first rays of sunshine touched it’s apex. A few shots later, I dropped down to view the early morning sun just hitting the Lincoln Memorial. A stop at a French bakery to refuel and warm up, I then proceeded to tour several of the Smithsonian Museums and also the National Conservatory, finally winding up at the beautiful and elegant National Christmas Tree near the White House.
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Predawn view of the Washington Monument
This year Bonnie and I added a few sweet pumpkin plants to our garden patches in the backyard. Although the hot and humid summer triggered a battle between the giant leaves and mildew, we still managed to harvest about eight nice sized pumpkins, including a doublet we affectionately named “Butt Pumpkin.”
On Tuesday, Kim and I visited the century old conservatory at Volunteer Park, Seattle, up on Capital Hill. No matter when we visit, there are wonderful plants to see, growing, blooming, twisting, curling, opening, closing… I especially like the orchids and the desert areas. The conservatory is in need of some restoration, and so if you can stop by and join, enjoy yourself and help keep this treasure in Seattle for years to come.
I took a few photos and posted them in a gallery. Just click the photo below to access the gallery:
Some sunflowers blooming at the conservatory in September
Bonnie set to head to the bus on her first day in a Husky Marching Band uniform.
Husky Marching Band — Bonnie on Day #1
Kim, Bonnie and I went camping last week to Klipchuck Campground on Highway 20 just west of Mazama, Washington. The weather was perfect — highs slowly declining from 75 to about 70 over the four days, clear skies, starry nights. Continue reading
Well… my old blog was scrambled by my hosting company, 1&1.com. I’m still using them, but since they deleted Bonnie’s blog a few years ago in a fit of electron misfires, they really cannot be trusted to host another one. This time I have set up the blog manually and so hopefully I can keep them from screwing it up. We’ll see…