Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Tucson, AZ

Had two wonderful, relaxing weeks just south of Tucson.  We've been there before, 2 years ago, so there are previous posts on this area.  It is so nice to just be able to walk out of the rv park and right onto the trails!

Here are some of my favorite pics from this stay:

had to be out hiking at dawn as the temps were highs in the 80's!
in the early light, the colors really pop on this male American Kestrel









 male and female
phainopepla's

action shot:)


Saguaros make great perches
for a gila woodpecker...











and curved bill thatcher ...


and flicker!


the best example of a cristated saguaro, yes there were 2 normal arms on the other side



a crested barrel!!
some desert color





Lucky enough to
catch this kestrel
couple....











in the mood!


Tucson Mountain Park




nice to get a view looking down on these giants!

Monday, February 8, 2016

Apache Junction, AZ

Just enjoyed 2 weeks in Apache Junction visiting another of Mike's cousins and showing Dave and Mary the area a bit.  We parted ways with Dave and Mary for now but it was great getting to know more of Mike's family and spending time with them in the way that we like to spend our time:)

Here are a few pics from our Apache Junction stay:

Ahhh, hiking in the Superstitions.....one of my favs!

Cristated cactus on the trail!




A black necked stilt, so cute!




These two pics taken at the Riparian
Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert

A drive along the Apache Trail shows a group of canoes enjoying a morning outing on Canyon Lake

the Apache Trail is a must do drive!!!

Had to show Dave and Mary Tonto National Monument




another Super hike;)

Mary, Mike and Dave


The hieroglyphics trail.....in the Superstitions

great morning to be here, very few people and lots of petroglyphs(look closely) and water!





Did I mention I love the Superstitions!!!!



Spam Museum, Austin, Minnesota

We were staying just a few miles away in Blooming Prairie and, of course, were going into Austin to a couple of breweries....how could we no...