Empire Ranch Open House

Had a nice time at the Empire Ranch open house neare Sonoita (N 31 47.121 W 110 38.548) last weekend. Great weather, good food, nice scenery and some interesting displays. If you're at all interested in this stuff, I'd recommend going next year.

Cutting horses

Miniature horses

Arizona Adventurer, youngest adventurer daughter and cat-dog

Cool grasshopper

Empire Ranch from a distance

Wester author's booths

Topo! © 2008 National Geographic

Walk a labyrinth

During a recent bike ride in Oro Valley (32 23.863 N, 110 58.027 W), we discovered a labyrinth to walk. A labyrinth is sort of like a maze, but there's only one way to go. You walk a labyrinth to clear your mind. Very cool. Go here for some more information on labyrinths.

A wild and spooky canyon

This canyon is hard to find. And it takes skill not to go on private property. But it's worth it. If you go, it's a unique, challenging and different hike. And you will get wet. And you will meet some fairly scary critters. Just be careful of those huge waterbugs. They're hungry :-)


View down the canyon


Spider holes--filled with hundreds of daddy longlegs. Creepy


Trying not to get wet. Good luck.


A boulder wedged in the canyon


A wall of beautiful ferns. Doesn't look like southern Arizona, does it?


Another type of critter you might meet on your journey. Be careful, there are lots of these guys out there


Watch out for those huge waterbugs!


The waterbugs got another poor soul


Topo! © 2008 National Geographic

Snow Melt

Here's a great spot to play in some clear, cold snow melt. You can have a nice picnic in the shade, go for a bike ride, let the dogs out or just dip your toes in cool the water.

Waypoint WPT001: 31 42.595N, 110 42.595W

Enjoy!

Arizona Adventurer


Topo! © 2008 National Geographic