abby's originals

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

7 Falls Hike - Bear Canyon

Today's hiking adventure was great! Headed up Bear Canyon to experience 7 Falls view. The creek beds were all dry - foreshadowing perhaps for no falls at the end? - However, the day was perfect, no wind and sunny with temps in the mid 60's later. Hikers beware as there were lots of rocks and then they became huge boulders to traverse. It was all well worth it though. 7 miles in about 4 hours...I really enjoyed the hot tub later to unwind!

Old dried cacti - "Weeping arms"

Seven Falls did not have much "falling" as it was too dry but pools of water were below and I saw a mouse scurry to get a drink.

Jim and Jim enjoyed a quick bite after hiking almost 2 hours into our adventure.

All the markingson this cliffside cactus indicate wounds from falling rocks. These are 400 pound cacti that can really withstand a boulder beating.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Helvetia Mining Hike

It turned out to be a blustery day for a hike but well worth the chilly air. We headed up the Santa Rita mountains to a former mining area with lots of rocky trails and animals. Glancing up the mountainside, I spotted 2 deer who then spotted me too!

Cows were also out grazing in the free range.

Beautiful views in Santa Rita mountains

Amazing turquoise shades in rocks

Entrance to a mining cave

Colorful rocks were throughout this area

This is the remains of the corner of the hotel that used to house the miners.

After hiking through the chill, we took another cross route to see the "smelter." This is an area the miners would come to burn off the valuable minerals. As you can see from my pics, the rock is black, black, black and flakes at the smallest touch. A

Grasses

Mining cave entrance at smelter

Straightest monkey cactus seen yet!

Smelter rock designs

Base of smelter area

Posing at the base of the smelter

Remains of cooking/kitchen area of mining operation

Old stove

Grass on smelter rock backdrop

Dry bed

Tree growing through metal bucket

Old car

Sunday, November 29, 2009

You know you are in Green Valley if...(part 2)

Some of you might recall an entertaining blog I wrote about Green Valley on a former trip. Because Green Valley's population is 55+, it makes for an interesting experience.

Take, for example, our latest trip to Walgreens and seeing the end of a brick wall obliterated. Now, it very well could be the trucker smacked it while attempting to get in the docking area, but given it's Green Valley, it's also highly likely the sweet, little old lady down the road obliterated in her run for scripts.

My latest addition to the list of ways to know you are in Green Valley comes courtesy of today's indoor swimming experience. A lady floating leisurely in the pool volunteered she observed a gentleman come out of the restroom without anything but his birthday suit one time at another pool. Upon realizing his error (and nakedness) he declared, "Oops!" and returned to attire himself before swimming.

ONLY IN GREEN VALLEY!!!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Copper Mines and scenic shots

Copper mines outside Green Valley

Purple prickly pear cacti indicate a high level of distress - mostly due to lack of moisture - but they are very beautiful.

Ode to the Bug and Shooting Practice

Today after a run to the White Elephant, Jim and I headed out for a little golf ball shooting with the 22. The day was lovely and I didn't do too poorly with my shooting coach nearby. My big bonus for the day was the dilapidated VW bug nearby so enjoy my pics!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Parker Canyon Hike 11.27.09

We traveled about 2 hours til just north of the Mexican border to an winding, hidden lake. 3 hours later, we returned tired but having enjoyed breathtaking views, wildlife, and perfect weather. Nothing black about this Friday :)