Posted on Wed, 31-Jan-2018Wed, 14-Feb-2018 by pamJanuary 2018 at Sabino Canyon, AZ Ready to Celebrate Happy New Year 2018! What a beautiful New Year Eve Sunset A view of our picnic area. Ready for some errands in Tucson. Along East Bear Creek Trail – an easy 3 mile loop we walk from our camp. Looking down on the island at 3.7 miles on the road from Phoneline Trail. This is 3.7 island and the end of the road for the trams. This a little garden area we have adopted by adding an occatillo last year, and this year a staghorn cholla, a barrel cactus, as well as an agave (at my feet). We pruned the beautiful hop bush and left a few other interesting plants. Many people touch the rock as an achievement for running or walking to this point so we made it a bit more accessible. We make weekly trips to water and keep the weedy grass from regrowing. Another beautiful sunset in the canyon from our camp! A hike to 7 Falls — no water at all in any of the stream crossing. And no water falls but a beautiful reflection pond is still retaining some water. One of the many art shots we took while appreciating how the reflection was more scenic because of heightened contrast. A really nice spot to hang out and contemplate before our 4-mile walk back to camp. The Canyon during the three day government shutdown: the parking lots and visitor center were closed, creating work for law enforcement. We spent a day at Catalina State Park with Joan and Jim – we hiked some of the trail to Romero Pools, enjoyed a picnic lunch together, wine o’clock at their camp followed by Joan’s delicious beef stew. Nice day. Back on the job, we refinished 4 teak benches at the visitor center. Lots of sanding, bending over, and 2 coats of linseed oil. Two of the larger benches that get more sun damage. Oh but they feel sooooo nice. Such a good job~! Couldn’t resist a detail shot! Storm clouds but still no rain. It is extremely dry — very different from last January! But enjoying another beautiful sunset. And the full super blue blood moon rise. We enjoyed one night from our camp site and the other at Saguaro National Park West with the native flute music. A wonderful way to end this January 2018.