Puerto Penasco, Sonora

Kevin and Erika went to "Rocky Point" Mexico a few weeks ago and had a fantastic time. Kevin participated in a golf tournament and Erika lounged on the beach.


Breakfast on our last day.


The beach at sunset.


The ecology is similar to Tucson, desert.

We had a rainy day in Tucson, and Mason had fun dancing in the rain.


Kevin and his golfing buddy Johnny in Mexico.


Still enjoying the trampoline.




Woody has recovered uneventfully from his surgeries. He apparently will develop for the rest of his life malignant skin tumors called mast cell histiocytomas. They will need to be surgically removed immediately upon discovery to prevent metastases. It is unknown at this time if the tumor in his neck was high-grade (risk of malignancy), but radiation was not recommended by the vet, so we are optimistic and expecting a long life.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

60 years ago two men founded the desert museum, a place with animals, plants, rocks, minerals, and ecology of the desert. It is a network of trails through the desert with animals on display in their natural habitats. We had a great time, walked a lot, saw a lot of animals, and enjoyed the desert.






Bighorn sheep. They used to be very abundant in the mountains of Arizona, but are found in fewer areas today.




Very beautiful mountain lion. Wish the glass was cleaner and anti-glare.


Presentation called "Running Wild" showing an adorable porcupine.


Coyote


Wild Camryn


Yes, in some places Arizona has water, allowing frogs to be present.


Elf owl and his cactus home.


Rattlesnake.


Mason touching the javalina hide.


Javalina, a pig-like (but not pig) mammal. They are very aggressive, especially when with their young, and attacks are common. And they stink.

Happy Birthday Mason!

Our little man turned six on April 5. We had cupcakes and presents that night, and we're planning a Super Snake party with his friends later this month.












He was super excited about these snake books. Nana and Papa bought Mason a ball python when they were in town about 6 weeks ago, and we love her. She (Mason's decision to make her a she since it is too early to know) is a good eater, sometimes playful, and gorgeous. Mason named her "Sneaky."


Mason asked for this toy, which seems to be popular right now. They are called "BeyBlades" "Extreme Top System" which is basically tops on their own winders, with a battle stadium.

Old Tucson Studios

January 29 Erika ran a 4-mile race at Old Tucson Studios, ran her best ever with a pace of about 8:10 minute miles. We then were able spend the day in Old Tucson where we rode the train, watched a gun show,rode the carousel, and rode the train two more times.









Not the train we rode. "The most photographed train in history."






Lovin' the train ride!


Mason liked the kids' fun run.


Mama running hard!

Playing outside

We tried to let Katie out, and she had fun, but then she started jumping into the neighbor's yard every time to be in the grass. So she lost her privileges.




Loving the trampoline.


I don't know why Mason won't smile when asked.


He's having surgery tomorrow for a "clean-up" (a lot of lumps and bumps).




Mason still loves his "Love" and insists on having it when he is bored so he can sniff it. Do not attempt that yourself.

Humphreys Peak, Flagstaff Arizona

Yesterday Erika and four friends headed out of Snow Bowl, Arizona to hike up to Humphreys Peak. Starting at about 9,300 feet elevation the hike reaches the peak at 12, 633 feet. Only Mike made it to the Summit due to whiteout weather conditions and 50+mph winds.


This is the view of the valley at the start of the hike. Humphreys Peak was never actually visualized due to the cloud coverage.


Mike and Luis are discussing how to get to the trailhead.


Tom put on his snow shoes for slightly easier traveling while Luis continues to post-hole. We guessed wrong about the trailhead and had to post-hole through 1.5' of snow for about 45 minutes. Fortunately we saw two other hikers far to our right walking much easier than we were. The actual trail was fairly packed down and easy to walk on.


The terrain at these lower altitudes was snow and trees with easy visibility and little wind. When properly dressed so to stay warm, it was enjoyable. At the higher elevations, only bushes and shrubs could grow, so the wind was fierce.


I am freezing cold here, but it feels so good to sit, and the bush is providing a little shelter. In the first shot here I had my mask on and I jokingly asked "Was I smiling?" Luis insisted I take another shot without the mask. I don't know how I was able to smile. Maybe it's a frozen grimace.


Luis celebrating at the top of the ridge. This was not the summit, but it had been such a strenuous climb up that we were grateful to be close to the top. Luis, Mike and I bushwacked over some rocks up the slope in the direction of the trail's swichback since the actual trail became less packed down and disappeared into a field of white. The wind was so strong it actually pushed up us the ridge and past the trail. Luis and I were flying up while Mike stopped to add a layer of clothing. He saw the actual trail and proceeded to the summit. Luis and I tried to continue, but the snow was blinding and the wind was threatening to push us over the ridge.


On our way back down, we found the trail and a sign designating 11,400 feet. I'm not wearing my glasses because they were fogged and covered with snow.


Celebrating at the wilderness sign, making it safely back to the bottom. Notice my hair with ice on every strand. If only this jacket were waterproof, I love it.


Tom and Luis. Next stop: ski lodge for hot chocolate. I think I'll do this again in the summer :P