Hiking and Shopping with Bob and Lesa

Scott, Bob and Bob's sheltie, Dandy on the trail at Madera Canyon

As you can see it was a perfect day!

A view up to the hills.

 

We've hiked with Bob over 50 years now, mostly in New Hampshire where they used to live. Our hikes are shorter now and easier but still wonderful. And Lesa always knows the best second shops around. I've bought some of my favorite clothes under her tutelage. They moved down to Green Valley 20 or so years ago at first spending only the winters but eventually selling the house in North Conway.  The area is really lovely and self contained. Homeowners in the town have access to tons of activities.  They have room in their driveway for Baby and we have a great view from our dinette. This is our third visit to them - they are wonderful hosts.

There has been some rain so we saw water in the creeks and flower buds on the trees and bushes.

Our first full day we spent at Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains. We hiked up the Bob Springs Trail and then cut over to the Nature Trail, taking it back down to our car. It was a perfect day, about 68 degrees and sunny. Bob is a Friend of Madera Canyon and head of the Trail Maintenance  Crew.  He was able to point out all the work that has been done to the trail and how it was accomplished. 

A view from our seat in the Trolley.

Bob and Scott on the hike down from Sabino Canyon. Dogs
aren't allowed so Dandy had to stay home.

The first of the poppies, which soon will be out
everywhere.

Our second day we drove north to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, part of the Coronado National Forest. During the Depression the CCC and WPA built a dam and 9 shallow bridges with a plan to extend the road up to Mount Lemon. There was talk of a major dam there as well. But all these ideas failed, happily, as now there is a 4.5 mile road up into the Canyon that stops at the end, with major trails heading out from there. This has been a popular spot for Tucson residents and car traffic had started to be a real problem. So in 1978 a trolly system was instituted and no car traffic is allowed. 

We reserved a spot in the trolley and rode to the last of 9 stops up the Canyon. Then we walked down, stopping to enjoy the views and the stream crossings. There are a lot of bridges but they are built low so in high water the stream goes across. We got our shoes a little wet on one. I love the benches and picnic tables that are scattered along the road! We're sorry we didn't have more time to explore up the stream. And it was a little cold to get in the water. During warmer times though the sandy beaches are very popular. 

The bridges built by the CCC during the Depression have lasted although I'm sure there has been lots of maintenance over the years.

Lesa and Bob in their kitchen. Their house is
beautiful, built on a big lot with views of the
mountains. 

We accomplished a number of chores: refilled the propane, dumped the tanks, refilled with water, had my lab tests done, had a pedicure and shopped. I found a rain jacket and a now favorite top at one of Lesa's great shops. And we had two wonderful dinners out and one in. What a fun visit!

But now it was time to move on again, this time to our friends and neighbors in Shrewsbury, Donna and Dick. They have had a winter home in Marana, just south and west of Tucson for 20 years. We visited them 3 years ago on our first trip in Baby But last year they were unable to make the trip so we had to stay at their home without them. More on our stay there next...