4th Avenue Street Fair, Spring 2019 Addition
— Images by kenne
spring festival
people walking
meeting friends
drinking beer
stop for food
display booths
art or junk
you decide
smile and laugh
keep moving
keep moving
keep moving
— kenne
Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk On Patio Fountain — Image by kenne
This Cooper’s Hawk is probably not the guy that captured the Mourning Dove that I posted several days ago (Cooper’s Hawk and Prey). Since doves also frequent the fountain, it is not unusual to see hawks in the olive tree on the patio.
On the morning the dove became the hawk’s prey there were feathers near the patio door. This was not unusual since doves have been known to fly into the patio door leaving a print on the glass and a few scattered feathers. However, this time there were feathers, but no print leaving me to conclude the hawk probably cornered the dove.
— kenne
Adult Cooper’s Hawk in Mesquite Tree — Image by kenne
A couple of weeks ago some of us did our annual King Canyon trail hike to observe the wildflowers, which in the past was part of our hike on up to Wasson Peak. However, this year the plan was not to go all the way to the Peak. I hate to admit it, but time is beginning to catch up with us. So, the best I can do is to revisit a posting from six years ago. My days of cheating time might be running out.
— kenne
Kings Canyon Trail — Images by kenne
Wildflower Slideshow by kenne
Panorama of Wasson Peak Near The Top
SCVN guided hike to Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon trail, which is about a seven mile (roundtrip) hike and elevation gain of 1,900 ft.
Some of our hikers made only the Kings Canyon trail to the first saddle since we were experiencing unusually warm record-setting temperatures (the mid-90’s).
“Liftoff ” (Turkey Vulture in Dead Tree Along Tanque Verde Wash) — Image by kenne
Another Sign Of Spring, Turkey Vultures Overnight by the Tanque Verde Wash
— Photo-Artistry by kenne
“In the time of the ancients,
the sun moved close to the earth
making life unsustainable.
Whereupon all animals gathered
to see what could be done,
deciding the sun had to be moved.
One by one, attempts were made
to move the sun.
Some, like the fox,
used his mouth
to pull the sun away,
but it was so hot
and he had to stop,
leaving his mouth black
still to this day.
Next, the opossum tried
moving the sun with his tail,
but he too had to stop,
for the sun was too hot,
leaving his tail bald
still to this day.
Seeing all this,
being the most powerful
and beautiful of birds,
the vulture feared the earth
would soon burn up.
So, she bravely placed her
head against the sun,
flying high into the heavens.
Even with her crown
of feathers burning,
she never stopped
until the sun was far away
and the earth was safe.
Now you know
how the vulture
saved the world
and lost her
magnificent feathers
still to this day.”
(My telling of a Native American myth.)
— kenne
Red-veined Darter Dragonfly — Photo-Artistry by kenne
Whenever you want to achieve something,
keep your eyes open,
concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it
is that you want.
No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.
— Paulo Coelho
Fans of Sabino Canyon will have two big things to celebrate in the coming weeks: the return of the Sabino Canyon Tram and a beautiful new shade structure that will heighten the enjoyment of Sabino’s natural beauty during Tucson’s endless sunny days.
Working in VERY close partnership with Friends of Sabino Canyon, the U.S. Forest Service, and The Regional Partnering Center, Caylor Design and Construction was chosen to construct the beautiful new shade structure, designed by Eglin & Bressler Architects, in anticipation of the Tram service starting running again this week.
And while this could never be considered a “big” job, it’s certainly a big deal to the almost one million visitors Sabino Canyon sees every year, and so it was a project we took on happily and poured our whole hearts into. Working on a project like this, in what we consider to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, was an assignment we relished. Without a doubt, our biggest challenge was Mother Nature and our deep commitment to having as little impact on the Canyon as possible. The meticulous planning we put into every aspect of construction – especially getting our essential heavy equipment, backhoes and concrete trucks back into the site were rewarded with minimal or no impact on the environment. There were days where the creek was roaring, and our crews couldn’t even get back to the site!
For some companies, this project would have been too small and too demanding to be worth the effort. At Caylor, we were proud that we were trusted to be up to the task. And we’re VERY proud of the results! (The images and copy are from Pedro Gastelum with Caylor Design and Construction.)
