A Day In Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County is still sparsely populated and remains an excellent destination for bird and wildlife photographers, hikers, ghost town hunters, kayakers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

There is much to do just a little south and east of Sierra Vista, such as hiking and bird watching along the San Pedro River; visiting ghost towns, such as Fairbank and Clovis sites, such as Murray Springs; and climbing the 600′ to this shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Saguaro Fruit Harvest: Learning To Live Off The Sonoran Desert

Neighbor Roy & I attended an Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Study Program in late June. We learned how to harvest and process saguaro fruit the way the Tohono O’odham have done it for millennia. We learned many other interesting things, like how the O’odham calendar alines with changes in their natural … Continue reading

Ms. Karen’s Magic Gardens: A Slideshow!

March 2014. When we moved to Tucson back at the turn of the century, we purchased a fine house but not much landscaping. Once moved in, Ms. Karen immediately began to rectify that problem. We now have 3 patios & 5 amazing gardens, including her world-class rose garden, and somewhat … Continue reading

International Wildlife Museum: A Cool Spot On A Hot Summer Day!

The International Wildlife Museum located west of downtown Tucson on Gates Pass Road is definitely on our list of recommended “Things To Do With Kids In Tucson”. Particularly on a hot summer day. The International Wildlife Museum, IWM, is focused on conservation, discovery and education. They offer events to kids … Continue reading

Parker Canyon Lake: A Day Trip From Tucson

On a Sunday one late June (2013), we left Tucson and headed south to Parker Canyon Lake via the San Rafael Valley. The mountains surrounding the rolling grasslands of the San Rafael Valley are the headwaters of our Santa Cruz River. For a list of the Best Park and Gardens … Continue reading

Around BANWR – Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem. Its visitor center is located 5 miles from the little enclave of Arivaca, Arizona. In its totality, the refuge encompasses over 100,000 acres, and includes Brown Canyon at the base of the Baboquivari Mountains which were purchased to protect endangered … Continue reading

Southern Arizona Gardens: April 2013.

Southern Arizona gardens can be incredibly diverse as well as astoundingly beautiful. Our home in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains has many gardens & patios. We can easily tell the seasons by which plants are in bloom. Here are some from early April 2013. … Continue reading