Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Feb 3-6, 2011 Sahuarita and Tucson, AZ,

We left Sedona and drove south on  I-10 to Phoenix  then on I-17 to Tucson. We arrived around 6pm to Dave and Candace’s house in Sahuarita, AZ. Dave and Sonia met at Mt Stuart Physical Therapy after Dave broke his shoulder and came in for therapy —they instantly clicked and became friends. Dave, being the devoted father he is, was in Leavenworth helping his daughter remodel her shop for a new business. What a guy—just had major surgery and was undergoing a major remodel…that’s why he had to keep coming in for PT!!  Not knowing these people very well, we were compelled to  visit and were more than glad that we did. Dave and Candace and their 2 dogs, Mack and T-Zer, welcomed us into their beautiful home and made it so comfortable we stayed for 3 nights. The 6 of us got along fantastically and enjoyed sharing good food, wine and travel stories late into the first night.
We are living the life--A comfy bed, our own bathroom, Dave’s fresh Soy Lattes and big smiles in the morning.   Friday, we all went out for a hike on the Bog Springs Trail in the nearby Madera Mountains.  A  cool but sunny day (temps in the 40s).  We are all tromping up the trail, talking and taking in the scenery when suddenly the dogs take off on a wild who-knows-what-chase. T-zer comes back and gets leashed up---but where is Mack???  We call and call and call some more, for about 45 minutes. We all spread out in our search efforts. After a while, we all are thinking thoughts we didn’t want to think---did a bobcat get him? He’s a mere morsel (Jack Russell terrier) to a bobcat or coyote. Suddenly, our search not looking favorable for the little dog.  We begin looking for tufts of hair, his collar, a wounded dog—the images and thoughts have shifted to not so pleasant thoughts. Sonia was dutifully praying to St Anthony-the patron saint of lost things.   Then, just as we were all thinking he’s gone---Candace yells, ”I got Mack”….we all breathe big sighs of relief. They come running up from the bottom of the trail. We figured he must’ve been chasing something, got far enough away, got confused,  then went down to the car (smart actually). So many people were calling from different directions—he didn’t know where to go but to the staring location.  Thankfully we got him back and he’ll now be a leash-dog for a very, very, very long time. One scare like that and that’s it for his freedom to roam. He knew he was gone a long time and was content to be on leash as we continued hiking up to a vantage point on some rocks. We had a snack, a rest and enjoyed the views looking down to the huge copper mine in the valley below.
Finally found the little bugger
We went home and relaxed in the Jacuzzi with Dave’s special Margarita blend. Life is rough.-huh? Homemade meal for dinner and peach pie for desert—we are living the life. We enjoyed more good conversation and good company late into another night. We are growing rather fond of Dave and Candace and their home and may not want to leave!!
Saturday, we had grand plans to hike in Saguaro National Park-East. We left about 11am and decided to check out the Colossal Caves first. These caves were formed by cracks in the earth’s crust. They were discovered by Indians but only explored a short distance into the caves. They were later discovered by a train robber and outlaws, they would flee to these caves for safety after robbing the trains.  Eventually, the word got out where they were taking refuge and were followed  by a posse, one of whom was an Earp Brother. The posse set up camp at the opening to the cave and decided to wait him out…they waited and waited and waited meanwhile the sneaky train robber gang found a way through the narrow passages, crevices inside the cave and made a stealthy exit on the backside of the caves. Supposedly, they hid their loot in the cave and it has never been found. We took a guided tour through this 1 mile long cave with stalagmites, stalagtites, flow columns, and other cave formations.  4 different kinds of bats still roost in these caves in the summer. Another interesting thing about this cave was that it is consistently about 70 degrees and dry. We are used to thinking of caves being cold and damp. Well not this one!  It’d be fun to crawl around some of the tight passages and do some exploring…another time.
We were hungry and went into Tucson to Café Poca Cosa (traditional Southwest cuisine)  per recommendation from Dave and Candace. We shared 2 meals: Chicken Mole-which was good, but the other dish was far better. It was a vegetarian tamale-- best described as a Masa mash with a squash and yellow pepper elote sauce with a light layer of cheese melted on top.  The flavors just blended really superbly and the texture melted in your mouth. A healthy side of greens, fruit, rice and beans to accompany the meal.  An excellent dining choice.

Jason loves his plants

Now, we are ready to go to the desert, finally, its nearly 4 pm. We take a walk right through the middle of the desert. The desert is an incredible place. The different varieties of cactus-saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, barrel cactus, ocotillo, yuccas and some others. Liittle cactus wrens make homes in the giant saguaros. Pack rats nest in the prickly pears. It’s cool to see how the animals and plants coexist in such a seemingly challenging and harsh environment. They got it worked out and the desert is thriving with life. We climbed up some rocks and quietly sat for 30 min while the sun was setting. A nearby coyote was barking and howling for his cronies. Birds were chirping but no javelinas were seen—how sad.  Jason REALLY wants to see a javelina. We drove out and caught a fire sky sunset. Never have we seen such deep oranges and reds as the sun set. We drank a beer and took in the beauty, feeling thankful for our friends, family and the opportunity to experience a desert sunset like this. Another great day.

strolling through the desert



We went home, packed, did laundry, cooked some grains for our road meals, watched some basketball and Mixed Martial Arts (ultimate fighting…another good day.
The next morning, with excitement for new adventures but sadness to leave the comforts of Dave and Candace and their home, we departed by noon to Cochise Stronghold and Gila Cliff Dwellings.
We want to thank Dave and Candace for being such wonderful people- a source of inspiration to live life meaningfully, being good role models for a healthy, loving marriage, opening up their homes to us and making us feel totally comfortable…and not to forget the excellent, healthy food and drink. Thanks so much, we look forward to seeing them in Leavenworth this spring/summer.

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