On a Dark Desert Highway: Desert Escape Day 7 – Tucson to Superior

Dear Isaac,Maia, and Virtual Wanderers,

Today was our infamous hike at Catalina State Park near Tucson. The first time Maizzy and I dipped down to see the Sonoran Desert was 10 years ago. I searched State Parks with saguaro cactus and found Catalina.

Kokopelli, Kachina and Cimarron on the trail at Catalina State Park.

I remember that year because Maizzy was 8 years old and still up for hiking some more rigorous trails. We took the Montrose Canyon trail. Then, Maizzy got old and needed a pack. Then, Sazi got a disc injury and needed to be carried. But, I still did those trails except the year both Maizzy and Sazi were sick – 2018. We have done the Birding Trail several times, but it’s not stroller friendly. I need one fewer old dogs because carrying 30 pounds in the heat probably isn’t a great idea.

Kokopelli and Kachina share a stroller ride at Catalina State Park.

Two years ago, I put Koko in the backpack because of her heart. I didn’t have Cimarron yet. Koko hated the pack because she got hot. Last year, with the addition of Cimarron, we started doing the Nature Trail in a stroller with Cimarron in a carrier. It’s an OK Trail and really the only option other than packing both Koko and Cimarron plus water. And, Kachina is 11 now, too.

Or, maybe I’m not quite as much as an envelope pusher at 70 as I was at 65 or 60. Or maybe if Koko liked the carrier. IDK, but it’s still beautiful scenery and we get to see the Catalinas and saguaro cactus.

After the hike, we did something different. We visited Cimarron’s previous human’s best friend. We met online through Cimarron’s rescue. She lives in Estes and Tucson/Catalina. She is an artist. We both rescue from Harley’s House of Dreams. Lots in common. Although social events after a desert hike – well, I wasn’t showered or dressed for the occasion.

My friend Elena and I with Kokopelli, Kachina, Cimarron and Betty White.

After that, we continued north on Hwy 77 a few miles. We turned north on Hwy 79 and drove through Florence. We continued until the US Highway 60 junction, then went east on 60 a few miles to Superior.

I absolutely adore the old copper mining era hotels. Very unique and artsy. Tomorrow, the Arboretum. There is construction on US 60, so that may change our route. Stay tuned.