Archive for the ‘Santa Catalina Mountains’ Category
One of the subjects we teach is geology, how the Santa Catalina Mountains were
formed, and the importance of water in the formation of Sabino Canyon. Twelve
million years ago, the Santa Catalina Mountains were just a range of hills, but the
earth’s crust in western North America was being stretched. What resulted were
huge blocks with steep vaults forming an up-and-down landscape called the
Basin and Range Province.
Naturalist, Kenne Turner with 3rd Grade Students (Sabino Canyon Dam Area)
— Images by Teacher
Sabino Canyon is composed of a hard metamorphic rock called “Catalina gneiss.”
Gneiss contains rock and five minerals; quartz, mica, feldspar, magnetite, and garnets.
Over time water and earthquakes have eroded the gneiss rock carrying smaller rocks
and minerals down streams like Sabino Creek. The minerals are deposited along the
creek edges, which created a natural laboratory to learn about the minerals by panning
for garnets. Need I say, kids love panning for garnets.
Students panning for garnets in Sabino Creek.
“For many Tucsonans, the canyon is an old friend. We are on a first-name basis.
On a sunny weekend morning, we say, simply, “Let’s go to Sabino.
— from Sabino Canyon: The Life of a Southwestern Oasis by David Wentworth Lazaroff
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Snow On The Mountain Hoodoos (Santa Catalina Mountains) — Image by kenne
Hoodoos.
Distant and lonely.
Wearing snows caps
given to them, a gift
from father winter
an infinity of whiteheads.
The sun softens the snow
water runs down cracks.
The magnificent junipers
white branches dripping.
Hoodoos.
Distant and lonely.
— kenne
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Pondering the Hiking Moments On the Trail — Photo-Artistry by kenne
Pondering the Hiking Moments
Let’s remember for a moment . . .
The trailhead gatherings,
the greetings, the smiles,
the joy of another hike.
The steep climbs, the switchbacks,
the majestic views at the top,
the masterful returns.
The trail fellowship,
sharing who we are
and common interests.
The pools near mountain trails,
resting tired feet in the cold water,
while others jump in.
The hikes along ridges of granite
and the juxtapositions of water-loving
and drought-tolerating plants.
The images captured on camera,
or our mind’s eye,
lasting images to share.
That which we have added
to life’s experiences forming
a better understanding of self.
The desire, the drive to see
what lies just over the next ridge,
on the other side of the mountain.
To our Sabino Canyon friends,
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome,
dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.” *
— kenne
* Edward Abbey
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Snow Covered Peaks In The Santa Catalina Mountains – Photo-Artistry by kenne
“AH, TENERIFFE!”
Ah, Teneriffe!
Retreating Mountain!
Purples of Ages — pause for you —
Sunset — reviews her Sapphire Regiment –
Day — drops you her Red Adieu!
Still — Clad in your Mail of ices –
Thigh of Granite — and thew — of Steel –
Heedless — alike — of pomp — or parting
Ah, Teneriffe!
I’m kneeling — still –
— Emily Dickinson
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Thimble Peak In The Santa Catalina Mountains — Photo-Artistry by kenne
Down through the canyons
Hikers come to the cross trails
Each trail a winner.
The sun will soon set
Shadows will soon fade away
Moon rising in east.
— kenne
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Hiking Ventana Canyon — December 13, 2019 — Photo-Essay by Kenne
Ventana Canyon is one of several narrow canyons in the southern front range of the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, Arizona. This hike is usually scheduled each fall and spring by the Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists, which involves crossing water over a dozen times.
— kenne
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Snow On Hoodoos (Santa Catalina Mountains) — Photo-Artistry by kenne
Snow on the hoodoos
Fresh look on the rocks of ages
Icing on the cake.
— kenne
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