Road Trip Part 3 - Douglas, Az and the Chiricahua National Monument

This is the 3rd and final instalment from our road trip. Having been chased from Bisbee by a fierce hail storm we headed further south on I-80 towards the Mexican border and the town of Douglas, Az. To be honest, Douglas is small border town that appears to have had its' best days behind it. However, there is a brand new Best Western and it is a comfortable place to hold up for a night. As well, the Gadsden Hotel, built in 1907 is on the National Register of Historic Places and was worth visiting. The marble lobby is a classic. Vaulted stained-glass sky lights run the length of the ceiling and above the landing of the Italian marble stairway is a genuine Tiffany window. I have include a couple of pictures of the lobby. An unexpected gem in an otherwise tired border town.

And now for the real gem, the Chiricahua National Monument. This is found on the back roads of southern Arizona. From Douglas we headed north on highway 191, then east on 181. The highway ends at the National Monument. So, what is a National Monument? Well, actually, it could be just about anything. The Statue of Liberty is a National Monument. So is Mt St Helens. Its kind of "not quite a National Park", but can be administered by the Parks Service or the National Forest Service.

The Chiricahua National Monument has some of the most beautiful rock formations that we have ever seen. I have include a couple of pictures of the Organ Pipe rocks and surrounding hillsides. The Monument is also close to the location where the Apache Chief Cochise fought his last battle with the US Army. If you are ever in this part of Arizona, a visit to the Chiricahua Monument is a MUST!

Enjoy the pictures. Remember to click on the pictures to blow them up to near full screen.

Oh Canada!

Oh Canada! What a game! What fun! There is nothing better than sitting among the enemy and coming out on top. As Bryan S always said, "The winners laugh and tell jokes, the losers just say, deal the cards". Tonight we spent Happy Hour and dinner time at the bar at El Charro mexican restaurant which is about a mile from our townhouse. There are two large flat screen TVs in the bar area. Tonight one had Kevin Martin's Team Canada vs the kids from Sweden and the other had the Gold Medal hockey game between Team Canada and Team USA.

The curling match was essentially over in the 6th end but it was fun to watch the Canadian men play it out and win the match. The hockey game was another matter. The bar was pretty much full with about a dozen people sitting at the bar chatting, drinking and watching the Olympics. Dana and I were clearly the only Canadians in the room. We were also the only ones who had any idea what was going on in the Curling match. I over heard words like "shuffleboard" in describing Curling. I think some of them understood the basics of hockey, but others were candid about their lack of knowledge of the game. Dana and I worked our way through chips and salsa, drinks, main course, drinks and then a couple of drinks until finally the buzzer went and the hockey game was over. I raised my arms in celebration. Dana suggested I cool it least we get thrown out. Actually, when the game was over I don't really think everyone knew what had just occurred. Actually, believe it or not, the guy next to me asked me who was playing, were they all pro hockey players and when I said the teams were women, he said "those were women"? It was hard not to laugh. I just nodded politely (very Canadian of me), and smiled.

We arrived home in time to see the medal presentations on TV. It was very moving. Those girls rock! Kudos also to Kevin Martin and the boys for beating the Swedes and to Cheryl Bernard and the girls for beating the Swiss . Good Luck to the curlers as they go for Gold!

Road Trip Part 2 - Bisbee, Arizona

Having spent a fun 2 hours in Tombstone we headed back out on the road. Our destination, the city of Bisbee, another of the many towns and cities in Arizona with a rich and colourful past. In addition, for all you JA Jance fans, Bisbee is the setting for the Sheriff Joanna Brady novels.

The drive into Bisbee, 94 miles SE of Tucson, is very scenic. The elevation of Bisbee is approximately 5,300 feet. The road from Tombstone to Bisbee takes you into the Mule Mountains, over Mule Pass and through Mule Pass Tunnel. Bisbee itself is carved into Tombstone Canyon. Some of the streets reminded me of Quebec City. Really. Original European architecture, narrow streets and walk in stores that are reminiscent of 19th century French architecture. Bisbee is a classic boom and bust story. Copper mining created the jobs and wealth and when the copper ran out, so did the jobs and wealth. The town however survived and now tourism is the economic engine. In addition, many artisans call Bisbee home bringing in tourists and art lovers.

We arrived in Bisbee in time for afternoon coffee and tea at the Bisbee Coffee Company. I could have sworn that Martina McBribe was behind the counter serving coffee. Don't know who she is? Google it! I can't be explaining everything. After coffee and tea we walked the colourful streets in search of bargains but found none. Oh well, at least the shop owners were friendly.

I have included several pictures of Bisbee, the drive into town and the huge open pit copper mine that you pass on the way out of town. Btw: The weather, normally dry and warm was neither the day we visited. We actually got chased out by a fierce hail storm.



Drive into Bisbee


Bisbee or Quebec City?




Open pit mine.

February 22nd and 23rd - Road Trip - Tombstone, Arizona

(First instalment - Tombstone)

Up early for a good feed of pancakes, strawberries and a leftover (shhhh.....) Johnsonville Cheddar Cheese Braut. We loaded up the 4Runner with overnight bags and lunch for on the road and headed south on Highways I-10, SR83 and SR82 across the San Pedro River Valley then southeast on SR80 to the truly historic western town of Tombstone, Arizona. If you are a guy, and over 50 you were likely raised on TV and Hollywood films depicting the old west. In this case you will love Tombstone for everything it represents. Regardless of your age or gender I think you will have fun walking around Tombstone. We sure did!

Pictures really tell the story of this old town. I feel that as a photographer in Tombstone I really lucked out. One of the first pictures I took was of 2 cowboys (actors) and an old dude in a suit. As soon as I saw the 2 cowboys I knew there was trouble a brewin' somewhere. You just knew there was going to be a gunfight. Quite possibly it was the six shooters they were packin'.

We visited many stores in town including one with the biggest selection of hats and boots I have ever seen in one store. Wouldn't you know that it was Dana, not Barry who would emerge from the store sporting a brand new original Stetson cowboy hat. Ye ha! We walked down the street and came across another mean looking, pistol packin' hombre who went by the name of "Puff Daddy Pete". He looked like trouble but agreed to pose with Dana who was looking great in her new Stetson. Risky on my part as he seemed to take a shine to Dana, and he was carrying a gun, which I had to assume he knew how to use it. Lucky thing, he didn't put any kind of a fuss and we left him at the OK Corral as soon as we the picture was taken. I hope he was going to be okay at the OK Corral.....??!!

I did get a nice shot of a stagecoach that was being used to tour tourists around Tombstone. We passed on the tour but many did take it. I have also included a couple of shots of the streets of Tombstone. The town reminded me of a cross between Dawson City, Yukon and Skagway, Alaska. Kind of the best of both, in my opinion.

That's about it. We had a great time in Tombstone. I highly recommend that if you get a chance to visit you do so. Btw: We did not attend the re-enactment of the shoot out at the OK Corral but I am sure it would have been well done.



Outlaws Ike Clanton and either Frank or Tom McLaury (these boys didn't fair to well when they went up against Sheriff Wyatt Earp and his brothers.)


Dana, sporting new Stetson, with Puff Daddy Pete.

February 20th - 3 Seasons in 1 Day

Up early today. Dana's famous pancakes with fresh strawberries and we were ready for a hike in Sabino Canyon. Today we would hike 10 miles return up Bear Canyon trail to the scenic Seven Falls.

We started out from the townhouse in shorts. It was sunny but you could tell that the weather was changing. The forecast indicated that there was a 70% chance of shower late in the day. Seems the forecasters here are no different than the forecasters back home......

It was a terrific hike, although Dana called it a forced march/jog. 10 miles in 3 1/2 hours. 5 miles up, 5 miles down. The elevation change was gradual except for the last mile when the trail went up sharply. On the way up to the falls we had to cross the creek 8 times. We carried our hiking poles and used them to balance ourselves as we rock hopped on the crossings. We did manage to cross all 8 crossings with mostly dry feet. Similar story on the way down.

As we climbed the trail to the falls the wind picked up and the clouds thickened. We started to feel a few drops of rain. There was no question of turning back before we got to Seven Falls. Suddenly we were at the falls. By this time the rain had started. I took out the camera. Click, click, click. Okay, got the t-shirt, got the pictures. We're out of here. We turned around on the trail only to be met with a stiff head wind. Oh, boy, this should be fun. 5 miles into the rain and wind.

The rain picked up. The temperature seemed to drop a couple of degrees. As soon as we got into the valley of the canyon we were somewhat sheltered from the wind, which was a relief. Then the rain stopped. We were within 2 miles of the trail head when all hell broke loose. The wind whipped up and the rain came down in sheets. Plus, it was COLD! While Dana was smart enough to pack her water proof jacket for the hike, Barry had only his long sleeve hiking shirt. Dana had a space blanket in her pack and Barry took it and wrapped it around his upper torso to reduce heat loss in his core. We jogged most of the last 2 miles, just to stay warm.

Back at the townhouse we shed soaking wet clothing in exchange for dry warm clothes. Hot showers, hot tea, hot chocolate and lunch in that order. All in all, quite the morning.

After a quiet afternoon watching Olympic action on free TV, we found a terrific pizzeria not far from our townhouse. $2 Pabst long necks for Barry and a nice red wine for Dana. Very satisfying!

I have included a couple of pictures of the Seven Falls. It was really worth the hike. I also included a sign that was posted at the trailhead.

February 19th - Picture Perfect

How do you spend the perfect day in Tucson?

11 hours
Cycling
Swimming
Hot sun, warm wind
A good book
BBQ
Olympics (Free on TV)

11 hours - The amount of sleep Barry got last night! This after a long day on the golf course watching the Accenture World Championship. btw: Dana was up at her usual 6:30......

Cycling - Dana and I spent about 1 1/2 on our bikes this morning. A nice easy spin after a week of no running for Barry. btw: Dana would have other words to describe the ride this morning. She did great but described the ride as "an all out workout" and hard work, but very satisfying. She hit 50 kph down the big hill. Her fastest yet!

Swimming - We had a good swim after we returned home from our ride. Very refreshing.

Hot sun, warm wind - While Dana hit the fabric store Barry kicked back and enjoyed the desert sun. Today the wind came up in the afternoon. Although the wind was brisk, it was warm.

A good book - Barry is reading "Reservation Blues" by Sherman Alexie. A very entertaining read.

BBQ - It's friday! Bbq'd turkey burgers coming up. Yummy! And of course, wine. Double yummy!

Olympics on TV - No CBC, Global or CTV here in Tucson. NBC is the official network in the USA. I must say, Bob Costas and the entire NBC crew are doing a very good job bringing the events and action to the US TV market. The reporting is balanced, respectful and informative. Big surprise, but a pleasant one none the less.

Hard to beat a day like today. We must be on vacation!

Golf and Old Planes in Tucson, February 15th to 18th

Without a doubt, the weather this week has been the best since we arrived in the desert. Mid to high 70's all week! Even the evenings have been warmish.....

While we rested on Monday: Late breakfast, tanning by the pool, swim after lunch, some grocery shopping, early to bed; Tuesday would see the beginning of 3 full days of fun activity. Tuesday morning we headed out to meet Mike and Darlene at the full practice day for golfers entered in the Accenture World Golf Championship. We met up with Mike and Darlene at the driving range at Dove Mountain Resort. This golf course is amazing. It is carved out of the desert. The fairways and greens are lush but the rough is really, really rough. Hit a ball in the rough and you can say goodbye ball.

The Tuesday practice day permitted spectators to take pictures of the golfers and obtain autographs from any of the 64 golfers playing in the Match Play Tournament. (http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r470/) I have included 2 photos from Tuesday's event.

Sticking with golf, on Thursday we attended the 2nd round of the tournament. The first round was played on Wednesday. We followed Mike Weir for 4 holes. Unfortunately it wasn't a good day for Mike Weir as he lost his match to Paul Casey and was therefore eliminated from the tournament. We saw some amazing golf. These guys really are good!

Going back a day, on Wednesday we began the day with a hike into Sabino Canyon. Dana, Mike, Darlene and I hiked up the canyon for a mile or so and enjoyed the early morning air and cooler temperature. In the afternoon Dana and Darlene took in some retail therapy, shopping for fabric, while Mike and I took a tour of the Pima County Air Museum. I have included a couple of photos of the over 300 planes on display at the museum. Unfortunately we did not get to take the tour of the "Bone Yard" which is where the U.S.forces store over 4,500 aircraft in the open desert. We did however get to see some of the planes from the highway as we approached the museum. The "Bone Yard" is quite a sight. From the road you can see C130 Hercules aircraft for as far as the eye can see. You can also see F16, F18, A10, F117 Stealth fighters, bombers, you name it. I believe they have been moth-balled. Like I said, there are over 4,500 aircraft in the Bone Yard.

Unfortunately although Dana and Darlene found some fab fabric, photos are unavailable. Uncle Bob, you'll just have to wait and see!

It is now Thursday evening. We got home around 5:30. Mike and Darlene headed back to Mesa after our day of golf at the Accenture. We may have gotten a bit too much vitamin D today so it is time for showers and bed. Tomorrow we plan to rise early and get the bikes out for an early spin. That will be a game time decision........



Accenture World Golf championship, Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Resort, Tucson, Arizona
Photo of Geoff Ogilvy, 2009 Champion


Photo of Canadian Mike Weir


Pima County Air Museum, inside Hangar dedicated to B29 Bombers


Pima County Air Museum

Trip to Mesa

I want to go back a couple of days and write a bit about our trip to Mesa to visit with Mike and Darlene at their vacation home in the Mesa Regal RV Resort. Friday, February 12th we loaded up the 4Runner for the 100 mile run up highways 77, 79 and 60 to Mesa. The trip up was uneventful. We saw many red tail hawks soaring and sitting on power transmission poles.

Our route took us through the city of Florence which is noteworthy for being the "Prison Capital" of Arizona. It is home to the Immigration Detention Centre (albeit not a prison, it looks like one to me), Arizona Detention Centre and the Arizona State Prison, which has the highest and baddest looking fences you ever want to see. I have included a picture of the ASP. Before we reached Mesa we had a look at the beautiful Superstition Mountains. The picture does not do them justice but does give one a sense of their beauty.

Mesa is a city, but it is like Burnaby is to Vancouver, kind of a suburb. Funny thing, Mesa is a "sister city" of Burnaby. Apparently there is an organization of sister cities, which we found out on Friday night when we attended a party hosted by the city of Mesa to celebrate the opening of the 2010 Olympic Games. The party was put on so that Canadians wintering in Mesa could get together and celebrate the occasion. There were taped messages, one from the Mayor of Burnaby, flags, national anthems sung, (retired) RCMP members is full red surge (they probably got something "free" for attending) and a ceremonial Olympic flame lighting by another retired mountie who was wearing his Olympic gear he got when he carried the Olympic flame on a leg of the torch relay journey across Canada. I have included a couple of pictures of the event which was held a Hohokum Park, the home of the Chicago Cubs during Spring Training and Cactus League play.

On Saturday we got the full tour of the Mesa Regal RV Resort. Now if you've never been to one these RV resorts, I got to tell you they are amazing. This one has "everything"! I mean everything, except maybe a running club although some guy did post a notice that he was looking to put together a trail running club. Okay, so they'll need to work on that. The following is a list of some of the amenities and activities offered:

2 swimming pool complexes
10, or so tennis courts, and lessons
Pickle ball courts
24 shuffle board courts
2 batting cages
Bocce Ball
Rolle Bolle courts
Woodworking shop, with all the equipment
Quilting and sewing
Library and Internet
Dances and parties
Live entertainment (concerts)

I have included a couple of pictures of some of the many wonderful facilities.

Saturday night we ventured out of Mesa Regal to attend the "Arizona Opry", not to be confused with the Arizona Opera. This was a dinner and "country music" show. There were about 500 people at the show. Very entertaining. We had a blast!

Sunday was the Lost Dutchman 1/2 Marathon. The story for that is already posted.

We'll be heading back to Mesa Regal on February 28th to spend a couple of days before we head north to find some snow so we can get some skiing in. We can't wait to visit with Mike and Darlene and enjoy their hospitality along with sampling some of the activities at Mesa Regal.



"uneventful" desert highway.


Arizona State Prison, Florence, Az.


Superstition Mountains





Hohokum Park (Cubs Spring Training Ballpark)

Dana, Retired Mounties, Darlene and Mike

Lost Dutchman 1/2 Marathon

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today I ran the Lost Dutchman 1/2 Marathon in Apache Junction, Arizona. Apache Jct. is essentially a suburb of Phoenix. It is located to the east of Phoenix in the shadow of the beautiful Superstition Mountains.

Race day began at 0545. Dana and I were staying with Mike and Darlene at their vacation home at Mesa Regal RV Resort in Mesa, Az. Similar to Apache Junction, Mesa is an incorporated city, but also considered to be a suburb of Phoenix. We drove up to Mesa from Tucson on Friday. More on that later.

After a quick bowl of oatmeal Dana and I headed for the race start area in Apache Jct, a short 25 minute drive. Soon I was in the starting area along with the other 1,100 athletes. At 0730, after the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner," the gun went off and the race was on. Racing in dry, sunny and warm condition seemed so odd given my past several races. The only thing I had to contend with was running into the sun. The 21 kilometre race is an "out and back" course. On the way out I was happy that it was slightly downhill. Of course that meant that the return leg would be slightly uphill, a thought I tried to keep out of my mind as long as possible.

I went out in 54 minutes. I was feeling okay. I made the turn only to discover that in addition to the uphill return, the wind had picked up and I would have to run into that for most of the return. One of the hills began at the 13 km mark and went on for about 4 kms. I have to admit that by the time I got to the top I was running low on gas. Another gel and I was feeling better. I ran the last 3 kms at sub 5 minute kms so I felt pretty good about that. I admit that when I saw the finish area I thought, "Thank God!", and also I was hoping not to puke at the finish area....

I am pretty pleased with my results. I finished with a time of 1 hour 51 minutes. I finished 7th out of 44 in my age group, and overall 169th out of 1,100 athletes.

One of the neat things about this event is that there were 5 events, all with start times that brought finishers together. I was finishing with some 8k cross country racers and 10k road racers. A few minutes after I finished the announcer told the crowd that the first marathoner was entering the finish area.

I have included a few pictures from race day. The pics were taken by my agent, publicist, trainer, coach, chauffeur, nutritionist, massage therapist and Valentine Sweetheart, Dana, who is always there to get me to the start line and pick me up at the finish line. Thank you, thank you, thank you, sweetie Dana!!!!!!



Pre-race "tech" check".


Strong finish!! (Oh, god, don't puke now!!! And, smile for the camera. Yikes!)

February 11th

The sunshine did indeed return to the desert today. We were up at 0700 this morning for a nice 8k run in Sabino Canyon Park. This was Barry's last run before the 1/2 marathon on Sunday up in Apache Junction. After breakfast and showers we were ready for lunch. Okay, so it was a slow morning, all part of the training program. Really!

Afternoon brought warmer temperatures. This could mean only one thing. Pool time! Dana swam, Barry read a book and enjoyed the rays. Returned home in time for dinner. Real tough day. Actually, this is all part of Barry's training program for the run on Sunday. Really!

Tomorrow morning we load up and head north 100 miles to Mesa where Mike and Darlene are residing at Mesa Regal Resort & Country Club. Our plan is to head to Hohokum Park, where the Cubs play spring baseball, and take in a Snowbird sponsored 2010 Olympic opening ceremony event. Should be a blast! This also part of the training program. Really!

Looking back at our tour of Tucson on February 9th, there were a couple of pictures that I wanted to share. In the first one the sign is a bit faded. It is probably from the 1940's. The sign says "Swimming Pool - Refrigerated - Pueblo Hotel and Apartments". I wonder what is refrigerated. The pool? With temperatures reaching 105 degrees F in the summer, maybe it is?

The second one just struck me as interesting. Really, you don't find many "Temples of Music and Art".

February 10th

As expected today was a "weather event" in the desert. I think because the State is relatively flat with few mountain ranges, weather can be predicted with some certainty. So, when the weather forecast includes notices such as "Severe Storm Warning", one can be fairly certain that bad weather is moving in. So, today was just that kind of day. No pool, no tanning, no riding. We did what everyone does on days such as today - we shopped! Actually that turned out to be a bit of a bust due to the heavy rain. No matter, the good weather returns tomorrow and we can once again enjoy the sun.

I got a surprise email from a former colleague today passing along good news about goings on in my old "company". It caused me to do some reflecting and thinking about my friends up in Canada. As a result I want to dedicate todays blog entry to all those men and women who serve in the enforcement community in British Columbia who will be spending the next 3 or 4 weeks ensuring that the participants and those attending the 2010 Olympic Games are safe. All best to all of you.

Go Canada Go! Go Canada Go!!!

February 9th

Oatmeal for breakfast and out the door at 0930 for a bike ride around the Sabino Canyon area. We headed up Sunrise Street, then north on Kolb for a 1 1/2 mile hill climb. As soon as we left Sunrise we entered "where the rich and famous live" part of town. Ventana Canyon boasts one or two golf courses, condos and houses perched high on the Catalina Mountains. The road angles west then heads south, downhill for 3 miles to River Road, near where we run at the wash. Circling back east, then north up Sabino Canyon Road back to our townhouse at Ventana de Sabino. The loop was about 22 kms. While Dana made a pay phone call home I added a couple of kms to the ride by doing a bit more hill climb training on the hills around our neighbourhood. One of the hills, with a sign indicating an 18% grade, was particularly challenging even on the descent. All in all, an excellent ride and a great workout.

While we were anticipating a cloudy afternoon we were pleasantly surprised that the sun shone warmly through high clouds. We enjoyed several hours at poolside and even swam a few laps in the warm pool (Dana swam several more than did Barry, but nothing new here.).

Today I've included 3 pictures taken on the ride this morning. Not to be pretentious, but what I have included is actually a good representation of both the architecture of the houses in the area and an indication of the apparent wealth of the residents. There is definitely money in Sabino Canyon! (click on the pictures for a better view)



Gated hilltop residential community overlooking Tucson to the southwest and Catalina mountains to the north.


Adobe style condos at a golf resort in Ventana Canyon. Note the large houses perched on the side of the mountain.

February 8th

What a difference 24 hours make. Yesterday, pouring rain. Today, brilliant sunshine. Cool, but sunny. After a slow start we did manage our 1 hour ration of tanning at poolside. A quick lunch and off to downtown Tucson. Today we would do the Historical Walking Tour of the "Presidio Trail". You can google this and view a map of the tour.

We started the tour at the Tucson visitors centre. There we chatted with a very friendly representative of the city. Actually, I have to say that most people we have met here have been very friendly and helpful. The tour began and ended at the visitors centre. Over the next 2 1/2 hours we followed the turquoise line as it winded its way through downtown Tucson. I have included a few of the many pictures we took on the walk. One of the points of interest that did not make the cut was the Hotel Congress. This venerable old hotel has seen a lot of action over the years. It has played host to the famous and infamous. John Dillinger and his gang stayed at the hotel. He was recognized and captured shortly thereafter in Tucson.

It wasn't all beautiful buildings and palm trees in downtown Tucson. Unfortunately Tucson is suffering the economy like most other cities. We saw similarities to what we saw in Sacramento when we were there for the marathon in December. There are definite signs of economic stress. There are many, many empty stores. There are very few restaurants or coffee shops. Although not as bad as Vancouver's downtown east side, there were many down and out folks on the street. I think it is important to see the bad along with the good. The core of any city is it's heart. I make it a practice not to ignore the complete picture. I feel that to do so would be wrong and would leave the wrong impression. A practice Vanoc and the IOC could follow, but I digress....

We wrapped up the day with a meal at El Charro mexican restaurant and a movie. We saw "Crazy Heart". Jeff Bridges deserved his Oscar nomination for his portrayal as burned out country music writer and singer. Decent movie, but not great.

Enjoy the pics!






St. Augustine Cathedral, built in 1896


Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, reconstruction of the 1775 fort.


Adobe wall of the Presidio at the original site of the 11 acre fort.


Plaza La Placita, the heart of downtown Tucson.

February 7th

Super Bowl Sunday!

We were awakened early this morning by heavy rain on the tile roof. They don't install rain gutters on house in the desert so when it rains it makes a racket. As California continues to be hammered by seasonal storms, we are the recipients of what is left over.

Dana went off to church this morning to pray, I think for sunshine. I spent a busy morning mentally preparing myself for the day ahead. Right.....

After a light lunch we headed for the Rillito wash for a run, as it turned out in the sunshine. I did 12k, Dana did 8k. It was my last long run before I tackle the Lost Dutchman 1/2 marathon in Apache Junction next Sunday. We are still both dealing with exercising at 2,600 feet elevation. Also, the dry air has an affect on breathing. Luckily Apache Junction is only 1,700 feet elevation.

After a short trip to a not so local Ticket Master outlet to pick up our tickets for the Accenture World Golf Championship which is being held next week at a golf course near Tucson, we headed home in time to catch the kick-off of the Super Bowl game. As Canadians this is the first time we have been able to see the special super bowl commercials, and the game. I heard last week that a national poll was done in the U.S. concerning the commercials. The result was that 51% of respondents indicated that they watch the game to see the commercials. I'm not in the 51% but I have to say, some of them were very funny and I did find myself staying tuned in during the commercial breaks. It helped that it was a great game.

Here are a couple of pictures from the day. Note the snow on the mountain peaks which was new over night.

February 6th

Today we bid farewell to Jo and Bud who loaded their car and headed north to Canada. We wished them safe travels and happy birding on the return trip home.

While Jo and Bud headed north, Barry and Dana headed for the pool for an hour of sun before lunch. As it was a clear day we decided on a road trip to the top of Mt. Lemmon. As I have previously describe the bottom 7 miles, let me try to describe the remaining 17 miles to the 8,000 foot elevation marker. To help, I have included several photos that Dana took from the 4Runner as we went up, and as we descended. Apart from the amazing rock formations on the rapid ascent, there are a few interesting features of the landscape. One is that unlike our mountains back home where the tree line means where the trees end, here the big trees, in this case Pine, grow above 6,000 feet. You go from desert cactus to oak and sycamore to big beautiful pine trees. And, at this time of the year there is plenty of snow over 6,500 feet. Being a weekend there were plenty of locals from the Tucson area up the mountain playing in the snow. The "pull-off" areas were cramped with cars and trucks. In open areas you could see some kids and adults on plastic sleds while others loaded large snowballs or made snowmen and put them on the roof of their vehicles for the drive down the mountain. On the way down the mountain it was easy to see where the snowmen met their fate as they fell to the pavement. Keep in mind it was 70F in the valley and around 40F up the mountain. It seemed that the snow was a bit of novelty for many of the locals.

After our return down the mountain we enjoyed tea and coffee at Le Buzz, a local coffee hangout for cyclists. Then it was grocery shopping and time to head home for dinner. Got to watch a bit of Hockey Night in Canada on the cable TV Service. Although we missed the game, it was great to see the Canucks end their 2 game mini skid today in Boston.

Super Bowl Sunday tomorrow. We'll get to see all those great commercials and hopefully a great game. I've no "favreate" as my team, the Vikings lost to the Saints a couple of weeks ago. Plan to enjoy a cold MGD and the game.

That's all from the desert. Cheers!

The walking tour of downtown Tucson will wait. Today it was time to RIDE!! While Jo and Bud were packing up, they head north tomorrow, Dana and I headed for the Rillito wash for a 30km morning ride. What a great morning to be outside. Sky was blue, temp warm and just a slight (to stiff) headwind on the return leg. The wash is 20km long. We went out 15km and then turned around after Barry took a spill in the sand. Lucky for Barry he only brushed the cactus on the way to the ground. Ouch! That could have been nasty. Someone needs to remind him that his Trek is not a mountain bike.

Here a couple of action shots from this mornings ride. I took these while on my bike.