Adventure 575: White Tank Regional Park/Post B

Bite me!

You knew I was a snake when you let me in. Elaine Pagels, who wrote a book about the origin of Satan explains that in the original Genesis story, the snake wasn't portrayed as the devil; instead, the talking snake was more Adam and Eve arguing with themselves. It wasn't until later, the story got modified to create an adversary, some place for humans to put their dark urges, something to fight against. But that's an aside because today we hiked up the Waterfall trail via the Black Rock (5.8 m) trail to a site of one of the Hohokam Indian sites. According to Brittanica, the Hohokam, which populated the Pima Valley and other parts of Southern Arizona, lived from 200 to 1400 CE. They were a populace people, skilled artisans, expert farmers, and they formed a sophisticated culture that included ball games, pottery making, weaving, quite perfect underground living structures. They mostly farmed corn, and developed elaborate canal systems for irrigation. It's said they left the area as a result of the great drought. When we got to the base of the mountain where the water falls after rain, we were surprised to see a pool of cool water. We were also surprised to feel the sharp temperature drop, and could only imagine this place as an oasis in the sweltering summer heat. It reminded us of the Indian settlements around Mesa Verde. Earlier in the morning, we rode our bike around the park for about an hour. I spent the time gazing at marvelously personal cactus, breathing exceptionally clear fresh air, and contemplating the meaning of existence. This morning I watched a clip that comic, Jimmy Kimmel, put together contrasting Obama's prayer breakfast with that of our current President. In the end, it's the arrogance that's so short sighted. If history is any guide, and I know it is, as I walked on paths today that human beings (No longer in existence) walked 2200 years ago, I wondered how i could live with arrogance at all. I should be grateful to have the ability to awaken to each new day, and I should be grateful that life is good, especially today.

 Snaketown, one of the largest Hohokam settlements in Arizona, somewhat South of Phoenix, was excavated in 1935. Archeologists learned much about the complexity of the people. One notable thing is that they were very generous in sharing their water with other people living in the area.

 We saw several etchings on our hike today.

 Grandpa Rick, getting a load of Falcon.

 Saguaro of the day.

 This pool of water sits right at the base of the mountain.

 Nice day for a hike.

Selfie of the day.

Happy I was to be allowed another day in the sun.

Adventure 574: White Tank Regional Park/Post A

Last Sunset at Cave Creek

I've always felt that people are more alike than they are different. I've added evidence to that notion by reading Elaine Pagels' book, Why Religion?. Elaine, a religious scholar, was recommended to me by my friend, the Great Guru (Dr. Kenney-philosphy and religion teacher at Eastern Washington University). The book in large part is a cathartic expose on the death of her son and her husband, but in that catharsis she searches for truth, a way to heal her heart. She notes that cultures and peoples throughout the ages have searched for the same thing as they sought to answer the reason for human suffering. She discovers that our Christian culture often ask us to suppress our anger, emphaisize our guilt, and wallow in the depths of despair. She does that for while, but in the end, she agrees with the author of an ancient text in that '...people who lack the sense of connection with others, and with the source of all being, live...as if in a nightmare. On the other hand, when we recognize how connected we are with one another, and with "all beings", we may say from the heart that,  "You are the perfect day; in you dwells the light that does not fail." Recognizing this impels us to act in ways that acknowledge those connections: "speak the truth with those who search for it...support those who have stumbled, and extend your hands to those who are ill. feed those who are hungry; give rest to the weary...strengthen those who wish to rise; and awaken those who are asleep". Basically, everyone who is alive has suffered at one time or another, but suffering is not a punishment, it's merely a condition of being human. This message struck, not only because of our current leaders (who I feel) are "asleep in their power", but also because I've experienced a bit of suffering in my own life. This makes me nothing special; rather, it helps me become aware that I am a part of the magnificent whole, just one bag of atoms among many, but still connected, this means that life is truly good, especially today.

 My Bunny checking the level of the trailer.

 Saguaro of the day.

 Falcon wakes up happy, seemingly every day.

Frac's new home for the next ten days: White Tank Family Campsite #1.

Adventure 574: Cave Creek Regional Park/Post I

Hiking Log

I'm pretty sure I have the answer to the pressing problems facing us today. Plant more trees.  After hunkering down yesterday, reluctant to face the biting wind and mid thirty degree temperature, we "cowboyed up" today. We finished the last of the hikes in the park this morning, traveling 7.7 miles along the Quartz trail, so named for a large white outcropping of quartz that rises out of the desert like an altar along the trail. The Quartz, a trail we saved for last merely by accident turned out to be the most scenic of all, filled as it was with numerous majestic Saguaros. The sheer number must be due to the fact that the trail follows the valley floor along a wash which must get some moisture during the monsoon season. At any rate, even though we started walking this morning when the air temperature was 34 degrees, we soon heated up nicely and we were comfortable for the most part, especially since yesterday's harsh wind was absent. Upon our return, we ventured out to do laundry at Papi's Laundromat about fifteen miles down the road. It's a necessary part of traveling, and our pattern seems to be cleaning up the day before we move to a new spot. Tomorrow, we head to White Tank Regional Park, the largest of the parks in this area. It's on the West edge of Phoenix. The closest town is Sun City. Reportedly, it has a very nice selection of hikes from easy to very difficult. We'll see. We're hoping to catch some of the desert bloom. Today, we saw a few California poppies peeking their golden heads out, and every brittlebush seems ready to explode with its yellow buds. The fuzzy Chollas are also beginning to set on blooms, and stickers reedlike Ocotillo are also about ready. We've not witnessed a full bloom of the desert. It would be wondrous. We'll be at White Tank for ten days before making our way West to the California coast. Mimi will fly to Spokane to see Falcon for three days in the middle of our stay. I'll hold down the Frac. We're pretty excited. This has been an excellent stay in terms of hiking, medium in terms of riding the bike, and spectacular for viewing Saguaros, of which I never tire. So, basically, life is good, especially today.

 "Can't wait to see you next week, Mimi!"

 We passed these cowboys on the trail today.

 The desert is quite serene, quite pleasing, and quite unapologetically harsh.

 Plant more cactus.

 The trails in the park, while rugged, are well marked.

 See ya next time, partner.

The vista, majestic as far as the eye can see, can't really be captured in photos.

"Four more years?????"

Adventure 573: Cave Creek Regional Park/Post H

One more hike completes all trails.

What a difference a day makes? Yesterday it warmed to 73 degrees. This morning we were met with less than 50 degrees, and by the afternoon twenty mile an hour winds rustled over head. We took advantage of the cool morning for our longest hike yet in the park. We traversed the Flume trail, which met with the Slate trail, which met a part of the Overton trail we hadn't yet covered. Total distance walked today amounted to 7.7 miles. After lunch we read, napped a little, and otherwise kept ourselves out of the elements. In all, another good day in the desert where life is good, especially today.

P.S. My only angst surrounds the misleading political commercial aired by President Trump during the Super Bowl (The lady's sentence was commuted before Trump signed the First Step Act), but not even that could prevent me from enjoying the desert this morning.

 Saguaro of the day: Falcon says, "Oooh, cool!"

 And look at that bird, "Tweeet."

 "I'm a nature kind of guy."

 "I'm not kidding."

 "Let me prove it with my muffin face."

 Selfie of the day.

 "Don't you just love that Mimi and Poppops?"  (Question: Who among you grand parents didn't have grand children speaking in full sentences at seven weeks?)

Adventure 572: Cave Creek Regional Park/Post G

St. Francis Sanctuary

Today began all about St. Francis. We attended mass at St. Francis Xavier this morning, I must say, it was the most uplifting mass I've been to in a while. The scripture reading told the story of Simeon and Anna, and in his homily, Father made me see a side of that story I'd not realized before. As you may know, Simeon had been told that he would see the Lord before he died, and Anna, a widow, spent all her days and nights in the Temple. Joseph and Mary, as was mandated by law, brought Jesus to the temple for presentation. Both Simeon and Anna held the child. Here's the part that Father pointed out. Simeon and Anna began the day with no notion that it would be different from any other day. Interesting, because both held the Lord in their hands. Let me say that again. Each held the Lord in their hands. It made the idea that we know not when He will return more meaningful because clearly we just need to be ready. My cousin, Douglas, often a man of wisdom, sent me a text this morning suggesting that whatever I let into my spirit I would become. I let the gift of understanding I realized from the story of Simeon and Anna in this morning. My spirit is better for it. We followed mass with a brunch at the St. Francis Restaurant, which we discovered on our first visit to Phoenix. It was as excellent as we remembered it; however, they did change the Chili Verde recipe, and while it was still really good, ours has overtaken this version. During brunch, an exceptional Jazz combo led by singers, Diana Lee and Dennis Rowland, provided music. They were ably supported by bass player Fellix (Papi) Sainz and pianist Dave Henning. We weren't expecting the music, but it just added to the spiritual uplift I received at mass. After brunch, we did some necessary shopping at the local Trader Joe's, a madhouse, but since we were in town, we took the plunge. At the benediction, Father said that God probably didn't take sides in the Super Bowl , but he did live in San Francisco for a while. As part of our food frenzy, we bought two fat burritos after church from a group raising money for the homeless. We enjoyed them during the Super Bowl, so regardless who wins the game, we'll go to bed aware that life is good, especially today.

Saguaro of the day.

A very nice dining experience to be had at the St. Francis Restaurant.

Dennis Rowland, dowapping diddily bop.

 Chili verde, while delicious, didn't match our memory.

 The Pig dip, a combination of pork, bacon, sweet onion marmalade, and comte cheese, was spectacular.

 Falcon out for a walk today. "Ooooh, I like this."

Church burritos for dinner. Yum.

Adventure 571: Cave Creek Regional Park/Post F

Good morning sunshine.

What a difference a day makes? I'm no less distressed, but I did awake to a bright blue Arizona sky. I did win the morning cribbage game. I did get two very heart warming photos of young Falcon. I did ride my bicycle twenty  plus miles while my Bunny learned about desert birds, and we did walk 6.5 miles in the warm afternoon sun, and of course, the Zags won, so. What, me worry? We even pretended we were camping, built a fire, and roasted weenies. Even with the fire roaring and a near half moon waxing we could still see Orion's sword. Not only that, but we were serenaded by a large chorus of desert coyotes. I mean it's hard for life to get any better, and since we're all Republicans now, there's only one safe answer: submit. So, I am (not) but nonetheless, life is good, especially today.

We should all wake up so happy.

Easily the cutest child ever!

 My Bunny checking out our route.

 Getting the fire started.

 Saguaro of the day. Elephant boy.

Just another ho hum sunset here in Arizona.

 Get the weenies ready!