Sabino Canyon, Tucson

(download)

Sabino Canyon is about an hour from Tucson.  You could spend a whole day there: tram ride to the top- you can get off along the way- or ride all the way to the top and walk back down or wander along the paths into the canyon.  There's a 5 mile hike from the top, winding around the mountain and ending at the bottom; it takes about 5 hours!  Needless to say, we opted to stay on the path and meander down to the bottom....pausing to take advantage of the scenery or small waterfalls and brooks..there was even a small, sandy beach area and you could stick your hot toes in the cold water. 

Picnic tables are scattered throughout the canyon and water spigots are found at a couple of the tram stops.

Sabino Canyon should be on your "to do  list" when visiting Tucson

 

Chihuly in the Desert Botanical gardens ( Phoenix); gorgeous glass artwork in a desert setting

(download)

Dale Chihuly found a unique "gallery" for his artwork....in the desert gardens!

We were pleasantly surprised to find the gorgeous, brilliantly-colored glass artwork "scattered" throughout the desert gardens.  It was such a contrast in colors: the brown tones of the desert and the vibrant shades of the glass sculptures.

A few bright blue pieces were "floating" in an oasis...and there was a boat filled with glass.

What a nice treat! 

 

The Wild West: AZ- strolling the Catalina mts and desert trails, cacti in bloom, gorgeous sunset over the mts

(download)

Although it seems to be a gentle incline, elevation increased by 1000' pretty quickly.  The "hike" had us huffing 'n puffing a bit..and the only rest spots were on the nearest rock;  the view from "up there" was something else!   

Next time, I'll be better prepared with real hiking boots, energy bars, more water and a backpack...or maybe I'll just drag out the pics from this trip:)