Madera Canyon

After receiving an REI gift certificate, Eric & I decided on a roomy tent and nifty Coleman stove for more comfortable car camping.  Just a few days ago, when the temps were in the 90's in Tucson, we drove 30 miles south of Tucson to the cooler climes of Madera Canyon.  The Bog Springs Campground was nearly empty.  The camp hosts, a friendly couple from Leavenworth WA, said it was a relief after the very busy Easter weekend and Spring Break hordes.

Pusch Peak Easter Hike

Our Seattle friends Ron and Adrienne finally got us to hike with them up to Pusch Peak.
2 miles one-way.  Elevation gain:  2700'!  Most of the gain is in the last 1.5 miles.
My quads are still screaming.

Below:  About 1/3 of the way, Ron & Eric with NW Tucson in the background

Seven Falls at Sabino Canyon

Sabino Canyon has plenty of trails to choose from, but I usually opt for short, exercise intensive hikes.  It was great to finally put aside the time to wander up to Seven Falls with Ron & Adrienne, who will soon be heading back to the PNW after wintering here like us.

Ronstadt Generations

Back in the Southwest for Eric's birthday, how generous of the Ronstadt Generations to put on a live show for us at the Tucson Racquet Club!  The Ronstadts have lived in this area for many generations, and before that, down in Sonora Mexico, and before that, Germany (great-grandpa "Agosto").

When I approached the stage at intermission to request a Mexican ballad, La Llorona, I had an interesting chat with Michael (pictured at far right below), Linda's youngest brother.  He explained that besides playing a lot of gigs around town at intimate venues--- such as the TRC and The Chicago Bar---, the band often tours in Wales.

Makapuu & SE Oahu

There are many spots on Oahu that hold wonderful childhood memories.  Makapuu (for body surfing), Sealife Park (mini-Sea World), and Hanauma Bay (snorkeling).

1st we took a pleasant walk up to Makapuu Lighthouse & then visited the beach.

This photo doesn't really capture the height or strength of the waves!

Oahu Trip

Rex and Allegra and their two young sons stayed at our townhouse in Seattle last summer.  This March we enjoyed our half of the house swap, staying at their island home at the foot of Diamond Head.

For the first few days on Oahu, though, we stayed in Waikiki at the Ambassador Hotel, where Pan Am crews used to stay in the 70's.  I remember my dad running along the nearby Ala Wai Canal, and then all of us (Mama, Helen, & Suzy) would head over to the beach to play volleyball at Fort Derussy with Vietnam vets on R & R.

The actual hotel is to the left and not in this photo!

This lovely canal park is just a few blocks from bustling Waikiki.

Dakota

We met our friend Laurie for a nice lunch on the patio at Dakota' Bar & Grill here in Tucson.  It's located in a little Western theme park with lots of wild west store fronts... the undertaker, the saloon and such.