Happy Valentine's Day. Love to all living things. The forbidding skies of yesterday gave way to deep blue infinity this morning. We started our day at The Little One cafe, our most favored spot in Tucson. Owner, Suzanna Davila, greeted us as she does with everyone, "Welcome, my Dears, I have a table waiting for you." Judy and I benefit most because we make it a "must experience" for all of our guests, friends and family. It was, as usual, very satisfying. After breakfast, we changed into our hiking gear and made our way to the Sweetwater Preserve where we dawdled through the saguaros for about 3.5 miles. The trailing wind from yesterday's storm buffeted us only on the spine of the ridge. Otherwise, the 65 degree temperature provided a nice warmth on our faces, bodies, and spirits. For the first time desert walkers, their introduction to cactus beauty drew expected "Oohs" and "Aahs". The plan this week is to hit as many of Tucson's desert walking venues as possible, each of which makes life good, especially today.
Suzanna offered to take our picture. Ed misunderstood and said, "You want a picture with me! OK. I'm used to beautiful women asking."
Suzanna did take a team photo.
One offering at the Cafe PocaCosa is the surprise plate, which changes daily. Today Judy and I shared Chicken Mole, Chile Verde, rice, beans, salad, corn tortillas, and vegetable chowder. Judy also ordered a sweet corn tamal on the side.
So...And...And...And a rare crown developing on this regal specimen.
Ed and Deb stopping to shake hands with one of the spiny fellows.
The crew meandering along.
Judy, today's hike leader, pointing out: "We are here."
I'm reminded of Tolkien's Ents when I see arms in motion.
Since saguaros live some two hundred years and sprout arms at seventy-five, this grandfather has seen many tiny humans come his/her way (My nod to a saguaro's pronouns).
If one (Or many) kept walking over the Tucson mountains, he/she/they/them would come upon the Saguaro National Park, which long before the government claimed it, was home to a forest of unique saguaros and many breeds of chollas, palo verde, various barrel cactus, and too many creatures to list. Those with a philosophical bent might conclude that our human imprint, while progressive and devastating, is just as fleeting as yesterday's rain.
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