Superstition Mountains, Siphon Draw Trail to Flatiron

Thought we'd take a little hike this morning, two miles up Siphon Draw behind the campground.  What we didn't know was that there was about 2400 feet (more or less) altitude gain in those miles.  That slowed us down, but the view from the top of Flatiron was spectacular.  The hike was challenging, to say the least, and there were quite interesting sections of differing trail types.  There were fantastic views both and and down the canyon, and from the top-spectacular!  

Flatiron is the flat peak about in the middle; the draw goes around to the right of the first stone block on the left.





One section of the trail had this kind of rock, much steeper than the picture looks.



Looking down the draw, back toward Phoenix.




View from the top of the draw.  Flatiron Mt. is to the left, beyond the photo.



At the top.



Coming back down.

We spent eight hours on the trail, taking it slow, but not easy.  Lots of effort went into the up, and lots of caution into the down.  What lovely day!
Helen

Picacho Peak, north of Tucson, Arizona






Picacho Peak from a distance




almost vertical rock climbing, with cables to help




a very long way down




Helen liked the steep parts!



Today we climbed a good bit of the way up this very steep peak. After making it up a nearly vertical chute with the help of cables, there was still some very steep climbing left so we headed back down! It was a delightful 4 hour hike, with wonderful views, including a Prairie Falcon soaring overhead and then landing on a ledge. The desert has turned green after the recent rain.

Tucson Gem Show

One can hardly call the event the Tucson Gem Show, for there are shows all over town in many venues.  We visited one of them yesterday-in the parking lot of the Kino Stadium.  There were around ten tents set up, plus venors outside under their own little awnings. 

 There were huge items, from slabs of rock, cut and polished into tables, to large pieces of gems stones such as malacite and torquoise.

There were also many vendors with finished jewelry for sale, 



And the makings for doing it yourself.



Organic (onions, seeds, eggplant, etc) beads from Philippines.



There were many other items made from stone.



Selenite lamps.




Congolese carvings.




Peruvian stone balls and eggs.

Helen

Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park



Everything has spines around here



Our home so far near Tucson has been the Gilbert Ray Campground, which is part of the Tucson Mountain Park, located very close to the Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park. This morning I biked for 8 miles from our campground and only saw 4 cars - quiet and peaceful. We have an electric hookup in the park but have to use our own RV shower. Costa's Hummingbirds showed up at our feeder within an hour after I hung the feeder on the side of our Tioga RV.
Bruce

Patagonia Lake State Park



Ash-throated Flycatcher at Patagonia Lake State Park




Searching for trogons




Helen on the steep walking bridge at Patagonia Lake


 

Western Screech-Owl at Patagonia Lake - use your imagination..

 During the three days that we spent at Patagonia Lake, I did a lot of walking while looking for birds. Although we didn't find any trogons, there were other birds to keep me busy. The lake hosted a lot of ducks, as well as many Eared Grebes and a number of Black-crowned Night-herons. I searched for Ruddy Ground-Doves but didn't find them either. We may just have to go back there again in February!
- Bruce

Madera Canyon and Florida Wash



Female Hepatic Tanager at Madera Canyon feeder




Male Hepatic Tanager



Mt. Wrightson & Mt. Josephine - above Madera Canyon

Randy and Sandra Rowe led us up Florida Wash on the successful search for a Rufous-capped Warbler



Florida Wash - Rufous-capped Warbler habitat

 Not far south of Tucson is the famous Madera Canyon, with camping, hiking and several lodges. The next canyon north is called Florida Wash and has been well-known to birders for a few years because of the Rufous-capped Warblers that have been found there. But there are lots of other birds in the area, even during the winter. Two peaks tower above the canyon.

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area

Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is connected to Patagonia Lake State Park.  We hiked over the spillway that would serve as overflow if the lake filled a lot fuller, then along a ridge, down into a wide canyon where Sonoita Creek flowed above and underground, and out to the ridges and back to the beginning.  Nice start to the day. 

Patagonia lake from lower end.



Helen and the largest Ocatillo we've seen.



Bruce by one of the canyons at Sonoita Creek.



Slot canyon at Sonoita.





After lunch at Patagonia Rest Stop, and a birding stop at Pattons, a family that puts out bird feeders and welcomes folks into their backyard to see the flying friends, we arrived at Kartchner Caverns to camp for the night and view the caves the next day.  We did one of the cave tours, but no photography.  The cavern was spectacular with wonderful formations.  It is conservationally extremely well done and preserved.  Way to go Arizona State Parks. 

Helen