First Destination

We made it to our first destination on Sat. afternoon with no incidents. We are staying in a KOA park in Visalia, CA, which is rustic, but the electric works and we have a place to set out our Weber grill - what more could you ask for? We don't have satellite TV because trees are blocking the signal - so a few days without TV.

Now you ask, "Why are you in Visalia of all places?" Well, maybe the pictures will tell you why.

Here is a where the old road used to go thru a rock tunnel. The main road goes around this now.

We finally ran into what we were looking for - a Sequoia Tree!!! Wow are they big. Yep Jim- that's a real tree.

Walking around the forest where we stopped, we found a trail to Sunset Rock - it's a hugh granite slab of rock on the edge of the mountain.

A view from Sunset Rock.

Hiking back we stopped along the trail to pick a few wild berries to eat when we heard a noise on the trail in front of us. We both looked up and Jim spotted it first and said "A BEAR!" We both froze - not knowing what to do. We heard further noises and 2 cubs came out onto the trail. Obviously they liked the berries along the trail as much as we did. Luckily Mother Bear & cubs walked in the opposite direction than we were, but in the direction we were going. After they rounded the corner, we started to clap our hands, whistle and make as much noise as possible. That did the trick, they left the trail and went on their merry way. Although it took awhile for our heart rates to get back to normal after this encounter. Sorry the picture is sorta far away from the bear - I really didn't want to move any closer than I already was to this beautiful creature.

After our bear encounter, looking at big trees was more our liking. Here is the Sentinel Sequoia.

Here is the father of all trees - General Sherman Tree. It is the largest tree by cubic feet - not height. It's one big tree around.

Here is a view looking up at two trees side by side.

We came across this beautiful meadow.

Coming down the road we notice several people along the roadside taking pictures of something up on a cliff. So being curious, we stopped. There was this little black bear having his lunch on the brush. Notice the tag in his ear? They must capture and tag bears in the park for research.

 We had an enjoyable day in Sequoia National Park. Saw some beautiful country, plenty of outstanding big trees and cooler weather. Took along our lunch and stopped in a picnic area and had a wonder setting for our meal.

Here is Lake Kaweah that is on the way to the park. Stopped at a vegetable stand on the way back and picked up a few locally grown fresh veggies.

So now you know why we stayed in Visalia - a park that was fairly close to Sequoia National Park. We will be here through Monday and leave Tues. morning for our next destination. Might do a little golf tomorrow - don't have anything really planned at this point.

Stay tuned for our next destination.

Search for Wildflowers

We're all settled back at home in Tucson again. Decided it was about the last chance to find wildflowers, so met a friend, Cindy Klinge, at Sabino this morning for a few hour photo shoot. The wild flowers were hard to come by, but we did leave with some good shots. Here is a sampling of some of the flowers we did find.

We came upon this beautiful, colorful lizard just sunning himself on a rock. He just stayed still for us to take as many pictures that we wanted. What a ham!

A few yards down the trail we came across a gila monster. He slithered around the rocks for awhile, then was on his merry way.

It's always an enjoyable time when it's spent with a friend, wildflowers and critters.

Slim Pickin's

Last Thursday I took my first trek of the spring in search of wildflowers. They're out - but you need to search for them. This has been a late spring for the wildflowers, I imagine that by the end of this week into next week, the flowers will be at their peak and should put on a beautiful show.

My search brought me to me favorite Sabino Canyon.

Here are a couple of shots of some wildflowers, but I didn't too many good shots.

 The creek is flowing. It's so peaceful to sit beside listening to the water rush over the rocks.

We are planning to head back over to Indio this week for our annual Indio Invitational Golf Tournament. So my search for wildflowers will be put on hold till we get back. Hopefully they will still be in bloom. But I will keep you posted on the Golf Tournament on whether Greg or Linda can beat our two time champion - Jim.

Wild Wild West

With the beautiful weather we have been having (in the mid to upper 70s) I could not pass up a trip to Sabino Canyon last Wednesday. The day was overcast but still warm, which made it just right for hiking. As I was sitting on a rock along the Sabino Creek contemplating life .....

Just like to wild west - I suddenly had visitors.

They didn't appear to be outlaws.

 They stayed just long enough for their horses to drink the cool water - then rode on up the trail.

 It's nice having water running in the creek again.

Along the way I ran into this Saguaro scarecrow. It's quite interesting how old, dead Saguaros take on different figures and how they remain standing.

 It was sure nice getting out for an afternoon in the fresh, warm air and enjoy nature again. It's been awhile since I ventured out.

The next morning my day was greeted with a colorful sunrise. With the clouds moving in we had showers on Thursday and there is a promise of more showing up tonight through the weekend. Well I guess washing the vehicles is out for now.

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.

Nature Siteseeing

Monday brought a beautiful day, so Carol, Joyce and Linda took a trip over to the west side to discover the Desert Museum. Many beautiful cactus flowers were in blossom, but we were a little disappointed because most the animals were in hiding. I did get a peak at a gila monster before he slithered away

A hummingbird was kind enough to pose for a picture.

We took a break half way through to rest (of course the resting spot happened to be the snack bar that served ice cream).  Later that afternoon, Jamie joined us at home for a round of skipbo (the card sharks were so engrossed in their game that dinner wasn't even on their minds and needed to be interrupted).

Tuesday brought another beautiful day so off to Sabino Canyon. We took the tram to the end where we disembarked for a photo shoot.

On the return trip we got off the tram at two stops to take more pictures.

We found a nice resting spot next to the creek under some trees with a cool breeze. It just doesn't get any better than this.

This evening will be rounded out with cards and dinner. Tomorrow we will keep it simple with taking Joyce and Carol to see the motorhome, visit Jim's business, go by Chris' gravesite, then dinner at Chuck and Kim's place.