The Happy Saguaro is not happy!!

 Check the following blog. I've never claimed to be the most astute speller.  But I'm pretty good at pronunciation.  So how have you done??  It's Sue-are-oh and yes, it doesn't look like that to me either.

Party time at The Happy Sauguaro

 TUCSON, AZ - - These Flamingo party animals will go anywhere for a celebration.  The same for the frog while the Javelina (hah-vah-leena) family (wild desert pigs / hogs) all  lined up for refreshments.  Yard decorations like these  are just a small part of the colorful inventory at The Happy Sauguaro.  

    Why the celebration??  We should be on the road northward on Tuesday to locations which may be somewhat cooler.  Somewhat being the 'operative' word.

Mt Lemmon

 TUCSON, AZ - - We finally got a day when it appeared that the temperature would 'only' hit 100 degrees.  So, in celebration, we headed off to drive up nearby (50 miles one-way) Mt Lemmon.  The twisting nature of the 20 mile road to the top makes it a favorite with bicycle riders ... that, and at just over 8,000ft the fact that it is at least 20-plus degrees cooler than where the 'up' starts.

     An early stop on the way up provided a good depiction of the sprawl of Tucson and environs.  Note the young saguaro cactus on the left. Once they get older, like 75 years plus, they may sprout 'arms.'

     This stop is about 2/3 of the way up. A part of the road is visible in center area of the pic. If you had a super strong magnifying glass you could pick out at least two cyclists sitting on the wall at the edge of the road.  We cheated and found them via our binoculars. 

     Now, if you really want some spectacular pics get yourself a drone.  Two young German tourists were setting this one up for some test flights. There is a miniature camera in the nose (center right side) which allows the operator (wearing special goggles) to observe everything like an eye in the sky.  Once they have a plan of what they want then they attach a Go-Pro camera and film their vision.

Around the house

TUCSON, AZ - - Yesterday's high temperature, on the home weather station monitor, is the same today... and likely will be right thru Saturday. While it's a 'dry heat'  as noted by the 1% humidity, it's still damn hot. So any activities like shopping or heading out on an adventure are reserved for any time before 10am.   

     Our daily company consists of Cooper, a Tairn Terrier, who enjoys giving us the 'evil eye' without looking directly at you.  The family cat, Bud, delights in being aloof and hiding where we have to 'tear apart' the house to find him. 

     Our best source of entertainment at most times are the bird feeders and bird bath in the back yard.  The northern cardinal caught here is a bit washed out in color but didn't lack any spunk in chasing other birds off while he had is pick of the good pieces.
 

Desert showoff

 

And nowTucson

TUCSON, AZ - - Why a photo of roses??  Well, there wasn't a tele-sign with the temperature on it nearby.   Anyway, it was only100-degrees and that isn't 'real' Tucson weather.  It was up to 115 on our 2019 visit.  So we stopped our morning hike and checked out the local Trader Joe's.  No purchases, but plenty of ideas for our next outing when we drive.  We'll be in the area for three weeks playing house-sitters.
 

Ride this train - -3

FLAGSTAFF, AZ- - The photo of the lead engine on this 120 car-plus freight rolling through Old Town Flagstaff is what you get when you aren't quite ready to shoot.  This freight, one of about 80 per day,  was pulled by four BNSF engines ( 'Burlington Northern Santa Fe) with two engines at the rear of the procession adding a bit of 'push.'  Great for train buff watching; not so great if you are a driver stuck at the crossing.

     On our trip from Santa Fe to Flagstaff  the 'singing rails' ran (sort of) parallel to I-40 so we got to see a good deal of rail traffic.  Most of the freights were well over 100, with maybe as many as 200 cars.  My favorite:  a freight which seemed to go on forever with five engines pulling and another four situated about midway.  Try figuring the dynamics of getting the rolling stock moving or, better yet, stopping.

Bye, bye Santa fe; Hello Arizona

 FLAGSTAFF, AZ - - Impending heavy rain, dropping temperatures and a feeling we had stayed too long in Santa Fe and led us to pack it all up Memorial Day afternoon and await what the threatening clouds promised.  The temperature dropped15-degrees in three hours from a cold rain to 40-degrees by the time we turned in.  It was 35 at 6am.  Time to go.

     We'll miss Santa Fe:  The Saturday farmer's markets; The fish swimming up stream like they were two years ago and the lively street art and building murals.  

     It was hot enough at the (closed) Arizona Welcome Station that changing to shorts and short sleeves seemed like a very good idea.