Tucson as viewed on the road up to Mt Lemon – image by kenne
Last week we spent a few, with an emphasize few, days in what I call my “valley of the sun,” Tucson, AZ. Often, I write about being “. . . a tourist in other people’s reality,” but for a change I was a tourist in my reality. Ever since first visiting the Tucson area in the late sixties, I have had a spiritual connection with part of the great American southwest. 
As if to welcome an old friend back, Tucson provided picture-postcard perfect winter — low 70’s day-time highs and in the low 40’s at night in the valley and less that an hour away, snow in the mountains.
Tucson has a lot to offer the body, intellect and the spirit, and yes, great live music venues. In a lot of respects, Tucson is to Arizona what Austin is to Texas. All this, plus great outdoor activity opportunities. The linked photo set only represents two of the many day-tripper areas, Sabino Canyon and Mt. Lemon in the Catalina mountains. 
While there, we stayed at the Windmill Inn in St. Phillip’s Plaza in the foothills of the Catalina’s, with some of the best places to eat within a short walk.
The next time we go to Tucson, it will be with Houston in our rearview mirror.
kenne
Sabino Canyon
Having moved to Tucson in 1994 and experiencing all the wonders of this valley and all of the surrounding mountain ranges, I couldn’t agree with your comments more. Granted, it can get warm 3-mos in the summer but the rest of the year, this is a wonderful place to nest!!
Sounds like a place to retire and relax
Wow! looks like great weather, bet there are some nice golf courses there.
. . . yes, very nice, at least this time of year.
Tucson is one place I have not been. It looks beautiful and inviting from your pictures and commentary. It looks very different from Phoenix.
. . . Phoenix is very different. If one is looking for great home deals, Phoenix is the place to go. It has been hit real hard by the current housing market. Not so true in Tucson, just 120 miles south of Phoenix.
Beautiful. Makes me want to dig out my pictures of my visit to Tucson. When I went the snow was too deep up in Mt Lemon and cars were not allowed to go up. Still the canyon was awesome and the hiking around the foothill of the mountains was awe inspiring. My friend who I was visiting there moved to Seattle which gave me another great place to visit and enjoy. Glad you had a great time. Welcome back.
. . . it’s hard not to love the Tucson area!
To do such a bold move at this height of life is always a beautiful thing,it takes more than the commom known youth inconsequence…it takes maturity and courage…its a rare thing my friend, to know exactly what you want.
I admire you for knowing so!
See ya my man!