The beggar man and the mighty king are only diff’rent in name, For they are treated just the same by fate. Today a smile and tomorrow a tear, We’re never sure what’s in store, So learn your lesson before it is too late, so
Be like I, hold your head up high, Till you find a bluebird of happiness. You will find greater peace of mind Knowing there’s a bluebird of happiness. And when he sings to you, Though you’re deep in blue, You will see a ray of light creep through, And so remember this, life is no abyss, Somewhere there’s a bluebird of happiness.
Kenne with Elementary School Kids In Sabino Canyon — Image by Teacher
Starting in October of each year Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists (SCVN) teach elementary school kids about nature five days a week, However, because of the pandemic classes will not be coming to Sabino Canyon till at least next October.
“Gila monsters have beaded scales in colorful patterns. Gila monsters are the largest lizards native to the United States. They get their name from Arizona’s Gila River basin, where they were first discovered. Gila monsters are also one of only two venomous lizards in the world.”
On Friday, September 18, 2020, District Ranger conducted a guided tour for Partner members ahead of the Scheduled Reopening of Sabino Canyon Recreational Area on September 21, 2020. Fifteen Partner members, five each from:
Friends of Sabino Canyon Sabino Canyon Volunteer Nationalists Santa Catalina Volunteer Patrol
In addition to the following video, images of the Drive-thru are in this Flickr Album.
David Lindo (London, England), The Urban Birder at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center — Image by kenne
As a blogger, I follow a lot of bloggers, mostly those into music, poetry,
and nature photography. One of my favorite blogs is Michael Stevenson’s “The Hobbledehoy.”
Yesterday (08/09/20), Michael reblogged “A month in the life of The Urban Birder, David Lindo.
” Right away, I thought, “I know who David Lindo is.” Why do I know him?
In February of 2013, David presented to the Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists (SCVN)
in Tucson, Arizona.
I videoed the presentation, which was about 45 minutes. The idea was to make
it available in the SCVN library or on our website.
Well, without going into the details, it didn’t happen.
So, after Michael posted the article from Country Living,
I decided to reduce the length of his presentation and put it on YouTube.
This happening here in Tucson took place long before the Karens of the world were making news in Central Park.
Flag Over Sabino Canyon Visitor Center (11/07/11) — Photo-Artistry by kenne
I miss not being able to be out in Sabino Canyon, which will remain closed because of the Bighorn Fire till November 1st.
The Forest Service is keeping the Canyon closed to minimize dam and infrastructure damage due to flash flooding
during the monsoon season.
On Wednesday, August 5th, some Naturalists will be part of a Zoon meeting with Santa Catalina District Ranger, CJ Woodard.
He will give an update on the Sabino Canyon closure and be available for questions and answers.
Ed Rawl Over Looking the San Pedro Valley — Image by kenne
IN REMEMBERANCE
Edgar (Ed) Rawl passed away on April 18, 2020, after suffering a stroke. A celebration of life memorial service for Ed is planned for Saturday, May 9, 2020 (a simple ceremony in the desert was his expressed desire). We will meet in the overflow parking lot of Sabino Canyon at 6:00 am to beat the heat and walk a short distance from there. Ed’s friends are invited, and you may share your memories of him if you wish to do so. We will try to maintain social distancing and encourage everyone to wear a mask or other face covering.
“He was a soft-spoken, kind man who was always positive despite chronic health problems. He was good with the kids and a great colleague. He will be missed very much.” — Jan Labiner
“. . . a beautiful remembrance and tribute to our good friend.” — Phil Bentley
“Ed was a special person. I always think of him when I discuss with children why they should not get closer to the edge of a cliff (such as the dam overlook) than they are tall. Ed taught me that. His vast experience as a Park Ranger gave him the knowledge that never ceased to amaze me. RIP, my friend.” — Bill Kaufman
“Oh, I am so very sad…what a loss…he was such a special..pleasant person.” — Becky Duncan
“Ed deserves this kind of tribute. Thank you!” — Dan Granger
“I remember so vividly our good friend Ed, our wonderful naturalist and hiker. It made me so sad to see our beautiful hike together….. and also glad ….. when I look at these mountains, I think Ed will be there somewhere!” — Alexa Von Bieberstein
“. . . a kind and gentle soul. Miss him greatly.” — Debbie and Jerry Bird
“. . . this special man who has been a treasure both for SCVN and all the people for whom he shared his love. I remember with special fondness the day Ed led us on our hike to Thimble Peak. I think of him and the rest of our small band every time I glimpse the peak.” — Tim Ralph
“Ed was an incredible, kind, calm, and positive person. I knew the kids were lucky when they had him for their trip. I will miss him and remember him. Coming into the canyon will always invoke his memory to me, and his spirit will exist there for me.” — Roberto Veranes
“He was a wonderful man.” — Linda Procter
“He was such a gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor. He rarely spoke of his medical challenges, which were progressive. Such an honorable man. He will be missed.” — Nancy Murphy
“Ed has a style with children that was gentle, but firm. His ability to balance these two paradoxical qualities is what made him an exceptional man to be around. He had health issues for some time, but for the longest time, he fought them off, so to keep hiking. He was a fighter. ‘Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.'” — Kenne Turner
“It is still difficult for me to process this, and I suspect friends and many Nats must be dealing with a terrible sense of loss and sadness. Ed was a second mentor to me when I began in Elementary Program on Thursdays. I still use his “Lizzie” device with the NYSI kit…haven’t found anything better. He was knowledgeable, patient, possessed a wonderful dry wit, and thought deeply about many things, such as international affairs, and the role of the US in them. His depth and breadth was astounding. He could be counted on to be there every week, and seldom made any mention of his health issues because, I think, he didn’t feel comfortable putting himself first.
It will be difficult to face a world without Ed in it.” — Jeff Hahn
David Lindo (London, England), 
Flag Over Sabino Canyon Visitor Center (11/07/11) — Photo-Artistry by kenne
Learning About Rocks — Image by kenne
Sunrise at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Dam — Image by kenne
Greater Roadrunner Photo-Artistry by kenne
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Main Entrance — Image by kenne
Ed Rawl Over Looking the San Pedro Valley — Image by kenne
Mockingbird On Saguaro Blossom — Image by kenne
