The view across Saguaro National Park East, with Mt. Lemon in the distance.
We’ve enjoyed a week-long visit with friends Chris and Judy. Before they hitched up their trailer for the drive home, we had one last adventure in Saguaro National Park East. There’s a beautiful loop drive through the park with ample pull-outs for an up-close look at the desert vegetation. Our first stop allowed Chris, who in his younger days spent seven years in Tucson, to point out some local landmarks.
Quite a few hiking trails cross-cross the park. For us, a short hike along the Mica View Trail got us out of the car, stretching our legs and working up an appetite for a picnic lunch.
The sun put on another spectacular show, signaling our last evening with Chris and Judy.
We discovered this park several years ago on our first cross-country trip.
All systems remain in working order as we mark the end of our first week as temporary residents of Tucson, Arizona. The RV park is well run and Reg’s phone pings several times a day with reminders of activities meant to create a community feel. We went to trivia night – a disaster for our self esteem, Bingo night – I won three rounds taking home tickets for a free 12” pizza, a six piece chicken wing order and a one hour free bike rental. The Friday night patio wine social was fun-$6.00 bought a generous portion of red or white wine to sip under the heat lamps with fellow campers. So, it’s beginning to feel like home.
The hiking is what keeps us coming back to this area.
Since arriving, we’ve managed three hikes. Monday was our favorite, located in Tucson Mountain Park, a bonanza of hiking trails.
We chose the Yetman Trail with a connector to the Rock Wren Trail. Along the way we passed by remains of an old rock home Sherry Bowen and his wife Ruby built when homesteading 2,000 acres in the 1930s. It was hard to imagine how extremely harsh desert life must have been back in their day.
While the rewards of desert hiking are numerous, we’ve learned there are some dangers to watch out for. While rattlesnakes are the first threat that comes to mind, there is one, far more aggressive predator to watch out for.
Watch out for these vicious desert dwellers.
The jumping cholla, also known as the hanging chain cholla are quick to attack. We had been warned about these desert predators, but obviously hadn’t given them the respect they deserve. I found out the hard way when I accidentally brushed one while directing Reg into a parking spot. The sharp spines of a tennis ball-sized segment grabbed on to my shoulder causing an incredibly painful predicament. Reg and I both wrestled with it, eventually saving me from serious injury. Now that we’re a bit more educated, we’ll be more careful to stay the suggested three feet away.
Our last day of walking. It’s hard to believe we’ve come so far. So many memories.
Reg is working on his end-of-trip wrap-up post with all the facts, figures and details I don’t bother myself with. If you have questions, you’ll find the answers there! I’ll repost it here shortly, so keep a lookout!
We checked in to our reserved Larceveau hotel room Sunday afternoon. As our host showed us to our room, we began to feel that maybe, just maybe we were the only overnight guests. We had prepaid dinner and breakfast, and because the restaurant would be closed at 6:00 PM, well before the French dinner hour, we were shown a small, upstairs dining room where our meals would be stored for us. A microwave would allow us to heat things up.
Our personal kitchen.Dinner magically appeared.A dinner table and separate breakfast table were both set for us.
Because the restaurant would also be closed tomorrow (Monday), our host pointed to the door where we could “show ourselves out” in the morning.
“Isn’t this a little too much like that movie…you know, The Shining?” I asked Reg.
Hang on to your hat…it’s a roller coaster. At least that’s what today’s walk felt like. These weren’t the longest or highest climbs of the trek, but definitely steep and relentless throughout the day.
Our elevation map for day 40 looked like a roller coaster.
In spite of our huffing and puffing, we had a pretty good day.
A relief from so much road walking.We found a coffee stop back at the church/gite complex.A nod to Pilgrims.I had no food, so got no smile.At the bottom of our last climb we dunked our heads under the running water.
Day 41 – Navarrenx to Lichos
Friday the 13th was our lucky day. Just nine miles to our next overnight stop. Our walking took us back into forests and through pastures on dirt trails. The day was cooler with rain expected Saturday. A very pleasant day. (slideshow below)
Ancient city walls surround Navarrenx.
Two fellow Pilgrims directed us back to the path.
Over the bridge we go…
Clouds signal a change in weather.
Not sure what this was all about.
Day 42 – Lichos to Saint-Palais
Another gorgeous sunrise.
We’re curious about the spring-like grass covering the hills and fields. What keeps it green and growing during the recent heat? Consistent temperatures in the 80s-90s (F) have caused us to wilt like old heads of lettuce, yet the landscape looks fresh and new. Very puzzling…
We weren’t sure whether this grand old building still houses a school as the sign indicated. If not, there’s a good chance it’s haunted. On to our next stop – Saint-Palais…then just two more days of walking!
Early morning starts have been chilly as the October sun rises slowly. A series of steep ups and downs returned midday, causing some grumbling from behind.
Sunrise over Lac d’Arzacq.
Herds of cattle return to our landscape.
The road ahead.
The church pictured below offered a shady spot for a quick bite to eat. After another few hours of walking, we called it a day.
We found some shade alongside this church.
Day 39 – Arthez-de-Béarn to Maslacq
Nothing much to report on day 39. Moving forward with just 57 miles left to cover.
Morning mist hovers over the path.
Return of the corn.
A vending machine outside the pharmacy. An after hours lifesaver for blistered Pilgrim feet.
An early start brought us 300-feet up and out of Aire-sur-l’Adour where we caught the last glimmer of sunrise.
Église Sainte-Quitterie.
The remainder of our day led us along farm roads bordering never-ending fields of corn. That was the extent of our scenery.
Not the most scenic day today.
Some fields had been harvested.
We finally saw how it was done.
And the end result.
Day 37 – Miramont-Sensacq to Arzacq-Arraziguet
Prior to leaving, our host took our photo in front of her home (circa 1742) where she and her husband host travelers from around the world. A comfortable blend of old and new, we enjoyed a large, renovated bedroom with bath, a home cooked dinner and breakfast with coffee in a mug. So much tastier than from a teacup.
Monday morning, October 9. La Prade Hotel in Miramont-Sensacq.
A walk through cornfields, a quick look behind and then we were back on the trail.
Fields of corn continued to crop up, but on a much smaller scale. Forested landscapes, pasture land, churches and herds of cattle returned, lifting our spirits.
Gorgeous views returned.
And so did curious cows.
A newly planted vineyard in the distance.
The shaded path tunneled through trees.
A stop for a cold drink, a snack and a view of where the trail was headed.
Harvesting corn.
The puzzling case of shoes without feet.
Tomorrow (October 10) we begin our last week…just 7 walking days left before we’re due to reach our goal of Saint-Jean-Pied-du-Port.
The day began with a beautiful sunrise walk, but after 30 minutes a local woman, out for her daily stroll, pointed out that we were headed the wrong way and turned us around. Drat! We were following the old route. Eventually the red and white blazes reappeared, assuring us we were back on track.
The largest ears of corn we’ve seen.Watch out for what may be lurking in the cornfield!The end of the season for this cornfield.
After hours of walking a quirky, but much appreciated, trailside rest stop appeared. We couldn’t resist the ice cold water and unique photo opportunity. We made our donation, I took photos and off we went.
Bright umbrellas called our attention to a shaded rest stop.Hoping the tracks are out of service.
Day 36 – Rest day in Aire-sur-l’Adour
Le pont de l’Adour.
The Saturday morning market was in full swing and it seemed that most of the village was there. The vendors were rushing to fill bags and baskets with fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, jams – everything one might need for a week of healthy eating.
The Saint-Jean-Baptiste d’Aire Cathedral is a Catholic place of worship located in the commune of Aire-sur-l’Adour, in the French department of Landes. Built from the 11th and 12th centuries, it was classified as a Historic Monument by decree of August 9, 1906. (Wikipedia)
La Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste
La Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste.
The pipe organ in Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste.
We’ve cancelled our half-board-scheduled dinner (on the outskirts of town) for tonight and made reservations at an Italian restaurant in the heart of the village. Tomorrow morning we’ll set off on the last leg of our trek. Nine more days of walking.
carryoncouple 