Microblog

With my alter-ego temporarily banned from Twitter, established another presence.

On my walk: ice floes on the Mississippi, downriver from St. Anthony Falls.

It was a PET scan, but I closed my eyes and pretended I was on a lie-flat flying somewhere good. When the machine ejected me, I was still in Rochester, MN.

When in doubt, I can always make risotto from preserved ingredients. Previously frozen before our trip: sautéed onion, Parmesan, butter, stock. Shelf stable: Arborio rice, splash of wine, dried mushrooms (I usually prefer dried to fresh). So that’s what I’m making.

Photographed the dusty exterior of our rental car (to prove there was no damage) before returning it to Tucson TUS. Less than one tank of gas took us to every trailhead.

Last Arizona hike today. Inspired by Marie Kondo, thanked a hiking sock for its service before discarding. It should’ve departed a long time ago as it had lost most of its cushion. My feet are happy with synthetic: comfortable, they wick, no blisters, and overnight wash and dry.

Hiked Saguaro National Park West for a second day before returning to our base near Saguaro National Park East.

Layers of desert, mountain, and sky from a trail in Saguaro National Park West. We’re staying close by for a night before returning to our base near Saguaro National Park East.

Meat Loaf played quietly in the background throughout an early dinner (we’re old). But what of Mrs Loud, the session singer belting at the end of “I’d do anything for love”? I found her at the top of page 1 of my hometown paper (she and I are Geordies).

We’ve found so many coffee shops and restaurants in Tucson that we like, all locally owned.

Today’s a rest day. Posted Rental Apartments: Embracing Imperfection. Tomorrow, we’re back on the trails, and that’s a good thing.

Explored the Tucson Botanical Gardens, where cacti are held in captivity and a cafe serves lunch: a change of pace from our desert hikes.

Hiked in the mountains above Tucson, Saguaro National Park East. Looking out, across Tucson, we could see the largest aircraft boneyard in the world, housing almost 4,000 carefully lined up military planes.

Hiked in the Santa Catalina Mountains above Tucson to a height where fewer cacti roam. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.

Hiked the Sonoran Desert trails of nearby Saguaro National Park (named after the tall cacti), followed by mid-afternoon lunch at a decent “crafthouse and eatery” on our way back to our rented apartment.

Explored Tucson on foot, bike, and streetcar.