In For the Long Haul

We left Phoenix and headed to Tucson where we plan on spending the majority of our winter. Our first stop is Catalina State Park in the Oro Valley, north of downtown Tucson. The park is in the shadow of the Santa Catalina Mountains and encompasses 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and riverbeds with more then 150 bird species making the park home. While the park is surrounded by development, you wouldn’t know it once your settled into the park.

It didn’t take long for the clouds and rain to follow us down from Phoenix.

The park offers ample opportunities for hiking and biking.

After an early dinner we grabbed our headlamps and headed up to the Nature Trail for a sunset walk.

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching we flew out to spend it with our son’s family. We always enjoy spending time with them.

After a thankfully uneventful flight we returned to Catalina State Park. The next morning we hiked up an unnamed trail that takes you to Rams Canyon.

At one end of the Bridle trail is the trail head for the Montrose Pools just off the Canyon Loop. We combined the two hikes for a 3.5 mile jaunt through the desert.

Needless to say the pools were dry. On previous visits in the spring we have seen water here.

We enjoyed our time scrambling on the boulders before heading out to walk the Canyon Loop.

At the opposite end of the Bridle Trail is the trail head for the 50 Year Trail. This is a rugged mountain biking trail that begins with a steep accent. Over the years we’ve attempted to ride up without success. Regardless, we try to do it on every visit. This year Shelly successfully made it to the top. He attributed the success to a new bike with a more accommodating gear ratio, not to being two years older since his last attempt.

We always enjoy our visits to the park, but they only let you stay for two weeks. We’ll be moving to a private RV park on the south side of the city where we can stay as long as we want.