05 Dec getting to know Tucson, AZ
Friday October 20 – Monday October 30 2023
We finally left the Gila Wilderness after a blissful, relaxing week immersed in remote wilds of New Mexico. We were bound for Tucson, Arizona for a few weeks with my cousins Mike, Brian, their 11-year old daughter Olivia and two dogs. Our journey was a leisurely 280 miles which we took the entire day to complete. We took a slightly longer route looping us northward in order to go southward through the forests of the NM / AZ border. The views driving into the setting desert sun were incredible and we stopped at a classic roadside bar and enjoyed a hamburger with prickly pear jelly!
We always enjoy staying with my family and their thousands of plants, exploring whatever local treasures they share with us. After a week exploring the western suburbs of Tanque Verde where they live, we headed up into the mountains north of Tucson for respite from the summer-like temps well into the 90s in the valley.
The winding road up Mount Lemmon showcases acres of giant saguaros then dramatic cliffs of hoodoos and epic views over the canyons leading to the valley below. Trailheads, campgrounds and scenic overlooks filled the miles until we reached our destination for the day: leaf peeping!
My Aunt Geri, Uncle Jim, and cousin Kathy were also a part of our crew, strolling under the full spectrum of colors showcased by the Big Leaf Maples towering above. Even after just a short distance we had perused several locations for family photos and spent over an hour gazing upward.
Tuesday October 31st 2023
We celebrated Halloween with locals, following their kids around the neighborhood as they trick-or-treated. We brought our simple German costumes along and good thing — as Dumbledore had arrived in the Diagone-Alley-themed shop and we were thrilled to get a photo!
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