Sabino, April First

Most of the time when we head to Sabino Canyon we just hike from the parking lot. They do have a tram that will take you farther up the road, but I always avoid it. Still, I thought it would be fun for the kids, new and exciting

One advantage of taking the tram is there are a lot less people milling around, we got some good hikes in and the water was flowing

Lunch

I really love the way her hair is blowing in the wind, with the awesome background

Rock climber

Rock hopper

Griff took pictures of Tilda and I wading in the water. He actually fell off a rock, but had the foresight to hold the camera above the water to not get it wet at his own expense. Smart kid.

Can't really find a more beautiful spot in town

Another reason to take the tram was I was scoping out some trailheads for a backpacking trip and I was checking mileage and chatting with people coming down out of the mountains. Perhaps my next blog entry will be kid-free and just me on a solo trip.

rooster cogburn

There's this ostrich farm right outside of town, in the shadow of a steep little mountain. Kids and I got to go and feed some critters

These birds are mean and greedy. They'll take your whole hand off if you're not careful.

Fallow dear, very domesticated. You could pet them and they'd eat out of your hand. Not sure what they raise them for, probably meat.

Donkeys!!

Goats!!

The top walkway was more fun, trying to toss the food into the dish while keeping a safe distance. Griffin was very bold.

Lorikeets!!

Tilda was not interested in their exuberance.

I can't even get her to stand next to me for a photo.

However, ducks are always a huge hit.

Griffin explaining he had no more food

This funny donkey was our favorite. He kept pulling his gums back into a grotesque grin. I got quite a few pictures of it. We called him "Grinner"

At Picacho Park. Name of the trail sounds fun huh?

Not much of a cave after all.

The park even has a playground. February is a great time to visit. In a few months it will be hell.

Nature Trail loop.

First time there and it was the same as a dozen other nature trails. At this point I can practically recite the information on the signposts

Apparently a historical site as well. Tilda peeking out from behind the sign.