Another Boxing Day in Arizona

It was HOT HOT HOT today on the flatlands so off to the mountain we went. Mt. Lemmon that is. The first hike was about twice as long as expected and so we were pooped and really hot by the time we got back down. Babad Do'ag is only a short distance up the mountain so it is still very deserty and HOT. It was nice to climb up to 8,000 feet and 76 degrees for a cool down even if we did do another hike. The top of the mountain is foresty and a ski area. Quite a contrast from the lower elevations. As we came down the hill the outside temp gauge rose with leaps and bounds from 76 to 108 at one point through town. Unbelievable. So glad we went to the mountain. There is a treasure on the same mountain that we might go for tomorrow or Monday. It is on the backside so you have to take a totally different route, or have a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I have all-wheel-drive, but wasn't sure I wanted to risk it. Besides, 3 - 5 hiking miles and 80 driving miles were enough for one day.

Some more nature picts. Plant life and heat were the vicious opponents of the day, with respite under the trees at the top.

If you click on any of the fotos, it will take you to the Fotki page where you can see them larger and not in slide show format.