Mike Jones

There's a magical combination of light and texture in the clouds at sunset during Tucson's monsoon season.

The rains have been spotty this summer, leading some to call this our Nonsoon Season. But all good things come to he who waits, and last night as I drove over Gates Pass on my way home, I could see that I needed to find a place to pull over and pick up the camera.

I took this photo at about 7:20 p.m. on Kinney Road, just north of the intersection with Gates Pass Road. That's the location of Old Tucson Studios, for you movie buffs. I pass it most nights on my way home.

The westerly sky was already fading as I parked the old Ford Explorer at one of the pull-outs on this scenic road. (No cash-for-clunkers for me. Mine's paid for.) Looking south, though, this was my view.

That flat horizon could almost be an ocean, couldn't it? It's deceiving. There are rolling hills and mountains to the right and to the left of my vantage point.

Okay. It's almost 4:45 a.m., and I want to get this on the blog before I go walk. I promised Bill Archambault in Houston that I would. Morning, Bill!

___________________

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE
Call me if I can help you or someone you know with a purchase or refi mortgage.
(520) 349-9090

photo copyright Mike in Tucson

In the cartoons on Saturday morning, it's the Coyote who chases the Roadrunner, but ends up hungry. "Meep! Meep!" In the desert southwest that's my back yard, I often see both the coyote and the roadrunner within yards of each other, both intent on a meal, but neither hunting the other.

The roadrunner, in its hunt for prey, will often "put up" a rabbit in which it has no interest. The coyote has learned this, and uses that knowledge to his benefit.

Aren't you glad you don't subsist on snakes, lizards, scorpions and spiders? No matter what "lizard" you're hunting for this weekend, I wish you success!

___________________

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE
Call me if I can help you or someone you know with a purchase or refi mortgage.
(520) 349-9090

photo copyright Mike in Tucson

Tucson Mountain Park's entrance is only a mile or so from the community of Tucson Mountain Sanctuary.

I'm up and out at five thirty in the morning, and dawn's breaking in the east. In the western sky, the full moon is setting over this canyon wall. The coolness of the desert night is still with us, especially down on the canyon floor, and the sandy wash where I'm walking is easy on the feet.

By noon, the summer temperature will have soared to 103 degrees, but at 5:30 a.m. this might as well be another world -- a magical world for Tucsonans who, like me, are early risers.

Tucson Mountain Park is one of those very special places on the planet. Make plans to come visit. Who knows? You just might make Tucson Mountain Sanctuary your second home.

___________________

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE
Call me if I can help you or someone you know with a purchase or refi mortgage;
(520) 349-9090

photo copyright Mike in Tucson

Where do you turn for pest control in Tucson, AZ? Truly Nolen (that's actually the man's name; truly it is) has one of the best known brands in town. The company has nothing on this fellow, though.

The Great Horned Owl frequents both urban and rural properties in Arizona, snoozing by day, and hunting from a high perch at night. You'll see them atop telephone poles, sitting on rooftops or perched in Eucalyptus trees in town.

Rodents - pack rats here in the desert - make up most of the menu for these magnificent night predators in Arizona.

One owl regularly sits on the finial that tops the flagpole in my front yard, twenty feet off the ground. He (or she--they look alike) calls "Whoo! Whoo Whoo!" Out of the night sky comes the return call of another owl, perhaps its mate.

The Great Horned Owl has the distinction of being the only animal that regularly eats skunks. They also kill and eat other owls, such as this barn owl on the right.

If you're looking for pest control in Tucson, AZ, you might just want to sit outside on a summer night and listen.

Somewhere on your street, the Great Horned Owl is doing the job for free!

___________________

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE
Call me if I can help you or someone you know with a purchase or refi mortgage;
(520) 349-9090

photos copyright Mike in Tucson

EDIT:

We went to the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum last night and watched a live presentation on raptors of the Arizona Desert. The owl was sitting on the Docent's leather-gloved hand, and (as always) I happened to have my camera.

Saguaro National Park (west) is one of my favorite haunts, especially during the monsoon season at the end of the day. Kinney Road cuts through the southern end of park from east to west. Where it passes through Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro National Park (west,) there are many parking areas along the roadside. Tourist and native alike can stop and admire the spectacular landscape.

Bring a camera!

The saguaro forest is very dense in places, and the park has miles of trails. King Canyon Trail is one of my favorites. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, it climbs from the trailhead on Kinney Road to connect with the Hugh Norris Trail, topping out on the summit of Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains.

Petroglyphs, rock carvings by the ancient Hohokam Indians, line the canyon walls in places along the King Canyon Trail.

Put a visit to Saguaro National Park (west) on your "must do" list!

___________________

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE
Call me if I can help you or someone you know with a purchase or refi mortgage;
(520) 349-9090