Journey to the Mountain Top

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It might surprise you to learn there is a location just twenty miles from Tucson that receives 180 inches of snow annually.  It's 9,000+ feet above sea level and it's called Mount Lemmon.

Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains, which are part of the Coronado National Forest.  It had been thirty years since either Tom or his Dad had driven up to the top of Mount Lemmon, and I had never been there.  So, this past Saturday, we decided to take a nice leisurely drive up through the winding Catalina Highway, which was recently designated as the Sky Island Parkway, and is part of the US National Scenic Byway system.

As you depart Tucson from the North it's about 21 miles to the top.  It's a fairly slow climb; the speed limit is 35 mph.  The landscape goes from a sea of saguaros, to scrub oak, to pine.   

We brought the puppy along for the ride.  Hoping to find a couple piles of snow for him to play in.

Here are some pictures from our trip.  Tom may not like me sharing these.  He likes to tell people that southern Arizona is nothing but blowing sand dunes.  It's his way of trying to control the people population.  Enjoy.
Saguaros - the desert's sentinels
SNOW...Yeah!  Hard to remember it's winter time when it's 75 and sunny!
Tom was so proud...Colt got to make yellow snow.
Rolling with the big dogs.
Taking a break for a little snack.
Chewing either a pine cone or rock.  Can't remember which.


City of Tucson in the background
One pooped pup - definitely a good day


Comments

  1. JuRitaFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:26 PM

    So fun! yes, I was surprised you can still find snow in Arizona! We really are considering coming and seeing you this upcoming May. I think it might be possible. i will keep you posted ;) The kids will love to meet your little colt!

    ReplyDelete
  2. JeanineFebruary 5, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    so happy for you guys. love colt. thanks for sharing...we can dry camp too. lol...we have lots of trips planned this year mostly n.e. trying to get you all on next year. as soon as our youngest starts school full time we are out a here. lol

    ReplyDelete

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