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If you've been around Tucson much, and are in the least outdoorsy, you've probably found the Summit Hut. It's a Tucson institution for hiking, camping, climbing, biking equipment. The owner and founder of Summit Hut, Dave Baker, has started a helpful blog about Tucson outdoors and things that might improve your outdoor experience. Hey, he sells stuff so he should have a good idea of what works and what doesn't. Bookmark this blog: Trail Talk
No matter where we are, I'm always attracted to these outdoors outfitters type stores. I especially like the home grown kind because they usually have folks working there who actually know about what they're selling and it keeps local money, local. There's a Babbitt's in Flagstaff, San Juan Sports in Creede, CO, Headwaters Outdoor Equipment in Salida, CO and Manzanita Outdoors in Prescott. You can find cool stuff you didn't know you needed and you can usually pick up a copy of the Mountain Gazette which has interesting writing from those who, when in doubt, go higher. I could spend hours in those stores but then, shouldn't I really be outside, actually doing something. Anyway, I digress. Check out Dave's blog and then actually get outside and DO SOMETHING and then DO MORE!
How many luminaria lightings does it take to threaten Dark Skies? I have no answer, but think of the candlepower used during this season across the Southwest. The little lights are beautiful and tomorrow night Dec. 12 will be the annual luminaria lighting at Tombstone Courthouse. The Courthouse is one of my favorite places to visit in Tombstone as it's not been commercialized and has an interesting museum. Many people might miss it because it's off the main drag. This is a free event and there will be finger foods and beverages along with Victorian-era music. Sounds cozy.
This sounds like a really cool (dress warmly) event. A campfire talk at the Red Hills Visitor Center at Saguaro N.P.-West on 12/12. This is a beautiful setting, and how fun to watch the moon rise with a roaring fire. Check out the details here. Scroll down on that page for some other interesting walks and talks.
A few more hiking opportunities this week. I know that many people don't like hiking with a group but these listings give you ideas on available hikes to do on your own along with some information on degree of difficulty. Sabino Canyon-Hike to Seven Falls on 12/12. Sabino is a fee area. More information on this hike and upcoming events here.
Birds!! Another chance to check out some of our flying friends. I still have hummers daily on my big purple sage and yesterday goldfinches were having a hayday on the gone-to-seed basil plants. You may see others at this Desert Birds Hike at Saguaro N.P.-East on Friday. This link will give you lots of information about ongoing programs at the park.
OK, that should keep you busy through the weekend. The weather looks great through the weekend (pssst, it's snowing back east). According to the weather map-we're in the best place possible this weekend.
Doug and JoAnn from Living Our Dream have been hiking a bit at Catalina State Park this week. JoAnn's photos testify to the beauty of the desert at this time of year. With beauty like this and the moderate temperatures, who can resist?
Take a hike (or a dodder)!
If you like hiking, this is the best season for it southern Arizona. Summer is hot and snaky and there are those pesky flash floods to worry about. Fall and spring can also be a little on the warm side but, winter is just right. The Sunday edition of the Arizona Daily Star has a great article about hiking trails for all levels, but most are geared to the more casual hiker. If you don't own a Arizona trail guide, check the sidebar for suggestions but this article is a good start. Take a hike!
Pima County Parks and Rec also has hikes this week. There's a Tucson Mountain Park birding walk on the 13th. Agua Caliente Park Historical events hosts a talk about Pima Co Sheriffs. Information is here.
Do you break into "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" at the mere mention of that country, or Evita, or Madonna or anything? Or you can't help but do your best Julie Andrews at the site of the Rocky Mountains "The hills are alive..."? This may be your event. Head to the Loft Cinema for the Massive Movie Musical Sing-a-Long on the 13th at 7pm. What fun! ....One, singular sensation, Every little step she takes. One, thrilling combination.... OK, I'll shut up but I'm keeping the gold lame top hat!
One of the reasons many people come to Tucson is to learn more about the culture of the Southwest and this time of year is full of opportunites. Like attending a Pastorela. If you've never heard of a Pastorela, it's the Mexican version of the medieval miracle play or the journey of the shepherd's to see the Christ child. This is the 13th annual presentation of A Tucson Pastorela with the opening night celebration on 12/12 at the Leo Rich Theatre downtown. Visit the Borderlands Theatre website for more dates and ticket information.
Another beautiful tradion is Las Posadas which reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem. Carrillo School has presented a posada since 1936. Schoolchildren walk through Barrio Historico neighborhood reenacting the Christmas story. Music and food sales benefit school programs. The procession is December 12th this year. Call 520-225-1200 for more information. If you haven't enjoyed luminaria yet, Tucson Botanical Gardens will host Luminaria Nights Dec 12-14. The Botanical Gardens are another treasure hidden away in mid-town. Butterfly Magic at the Gardens continues through March 31.
Still looking for just the right gift? Maybe you'll find it at the Mercado San Agustin located in a huge tent, for one-stop holiday shopping and entertainment featuring performers and merchants from all over Tucson.
And if you STILL haven't found that certain gift there's still the 4th Avenue Winter Street Fair, the mother of all street fairs (at least in Arizona). I would advise you go on Friday! I love 4th Ave but the crowds during this event are huge so either go Fri or get there early!
The Tucson Artist Colony is having their grand opening this weekend! Perhaps someone you know would love art lessons for Christmas.
Organic, slow food, 100 mile diet-any of those ring your chimes? If so, check out the Local Harvest Marketplace this weekend. The event will be December 14 10 AM - 5 PM on E. Speedway. More informations and directions here.
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