Ms. Karen and I had not been anywhere of note in ages, mostly because of the pandemic, but more recently because of the summer heat and to celebrate Ms. Karen’s birthday. So, we decided to venture up to Northern Arizona, to cooler climates, Wickenburg and Prescott, in August 2022. Why … Continue reading
In early October, 2021, Ms. Karen and I made a quick vacation trip to Central Arizona above Phoenix. Our purpose for the trip was to ride the Verde Canyon Railroad. It was a four-hour drive to Cottonwood for our first night where we stayed at the Iron Horse Inn, in … Continue reading
For me, the most interesting backroads are those that traverse scenic countryside, of course. But more so, I look for many points of interest, usually historic sites, along the way. I hate long, monotonous drives. I appreciate local, esoteric histories. This means that I tend to meander, stop and chat with … Continue reading
I was inspired a few weeks back when someone wrote to tell us that she loved our backcountry stories and was trying to save them for when she comes to visit. So I decided to compile another list of great drives we have enjoyed over our years in Southern Arizona. … Continue reading
Having posted a video of the fall colors in the Huachucas, Jim and I decided to take a drive. After being mostly homebound for several months, our plan to circle the Huachucas seemed daunting. We decided to head to Carr House in Carr Canyon and assess the 6+ hour trip … Continue reading
Our perfect 3-Day Road Trip started in Tucson and headed east to (A) Willcox. From there we continued on I-10 over the AZ-New Mexico border to NM Hwy 80. Then south to Rodeo, NM where we visited the Chiricahua Desert Museum. Leaving Rodeo, we continued south on 80 to (B) … Continue reading
While exploring the Aravaipa Canyon from the east entrance last February, we came across a cabin with the words “Guest House” painted on the sign. Welcoming words, indeed. After arriving back home we did some research and found that the Nature Conservancy rents it out. We vowed to return, stay in the cabin a couple of nights, and share the experience with friends.
Continue readingMany folks in Tucson don’t consider a day trip or overnight road trip to Patagonia and Patagonia Lake State Park because they think it’s too far.
Continue readingMuleshoe Ranch, a preserve of the Nature Conservancy, is one of the five best conservation areas for bird watching in Southern Arizona. Over 200 species of birds either live here year-round or pause here along the streams on their seasonal migration.
Continue readingTwo & three-day getaway mini-vacations for Tucson locals around Southern Arizona. Tucsonans know that 7 months out of the year we live in paradise. We seldom have a desire to leave town between October and April. So these recommended getaways & staycations are geared toward the hot summer months, May through September.
Southern Arizona mini-vacations are only a bit complicated because you folks in Sierra Vista may want to spend a few days in Tucson to see a play or concert or enjoy our terrific museums. By contrast, you Tucsonans may want a weekend in and near Sierra Vista to hike Ramsey Canyon or explore the San Pedro River Valley.
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