Memorial Day - Christopher Moon

Memorial Day is a holiday in remembrance of all our men and women who have given their lives for this country. When one of those fallen heroes is one of your own family, this holiday especially takes on a special meaning.
Chris you are a special spirit who lives on in the many people you impacted during your short time on this earth. You are always in our hearts and minds. Thanks for the sacrifice you made for your country.

The lives of those who we honor continue to have value; they live on in our memories and in the effects of all they did and said. I am grateful for each and every person who has served in our military to keep our freedoms we so cherish.
I relish the thought of the time when people agree to settle their disagreements using peaceful means to find common ground and the use of weapons are no longer needed.

Enjoyable Saturday

Greg invited us over yesterday for an afternoon of golf and an evening of great food and conversation. The day turned out to be quite pleasant in the 80s but with 20 mph winds which made the golf a little challenging.

Greg lives on the 8th fairway of Dorado Golf Course. This makes it convenient for him to own his own golf cart.

 And quite the golf cart he has with the fancy wheels and of course the flames on the side.

 After a challenging and windy round of golf, we headed back to Greg's place for a few beers and glasses of fine wine to ease the beating the golf course issued, plus a delicious BBQ dinner. And don't forget the peach/raspberry pie for dessert.

We enjoyed the flowers that are blooming in his backyard while enjoying the evening on his patio. Greg is such the accomplished gardner.

It was a great day! What more could one ask for - golf and great food and great company. Thanks Greg.

Phone Line Trail

It's been awhile since my last post, so that was the only excuse I needed to head to Sabino Canyon to take pictures. The day proved to be perfect for a hike starting out in the mid 70s this morning, climbing to mid 80s in the afternoon. I wanted to hike the Phone Line Trail, which for people not knowing the area, this trail is along the side of the canyon wall.  Not sure of elevation change from the valley floor, but about halfway up the side of the mountain. The trail is about 4.5 miles long one way.  Knowing I would not be able to hike both ways, I copped out and took the tram to the farthest point, then took the next 2 3/4 hours hiking back to the beginning.

Here are some of what I experienced along the way. This is looking to where I need to go - the trail is along the side of the left about 1/2 way up the mountain, all the way through the canyon.

The buds are showing up on the Saquaro.

There were some wildflowers still hanging on.

Came up to this thistle with the puffed heads and blooms with threatening long spikes.

 Surprising, the wildflowers that were still present were quite small and delicate.

A nice couple stopped and offered to take my picture when I rested on a rock enjoying the beautiful scenery - wanted to prove that I was really there.

 There were several butterflies gracing the trail along with me.

 Most of the blossoms are on the cactus now, such as this one on a cholla.

 It's a bug's life enjoying a Mexican Poppy.

 As you can see, the flowers are starting to dry out.

 Another cholla bloom.

Ran into a friend along the way.

The hike was a little longer than my usual treks, but it was well worth it. I always enjoy nature especially when I am able to photograph flowers. But it's coming to the time of the year that the temperatures will prohibit mid-day hikes, so either I will be on the trail at daybreak or need to travel somewhere to find cooler temperatures.