Monday, March 16, 2009

March 8 to 16, 2009

This is like a 'set-aside some time to do necessary stuff ' day. Lise has been working on our taxes and on those of family members. It is amazing how we can do this while travelling far from our home base. The technical tools available make it so easy - as long as we get all our mail on time!
Lise and I golfed on Sunday, March 8th. I enjoy being able to golf together. It is certainly fun with my regular golfing buddies as well, but it's nice to see that Lise seems to be picking the game up and enjoying it. On Monday, I backed out of an impromptu hike up the Dutchman Trail, off the Peralta trailhead. I had a scheduled golf game with our group from the park and I didn't want to miss that. So, Lise enjoyed the hike - and provided some pictures, while I knocked that old ball around once again :-)
Tuesday was spent running from one thing to another. I golfed, Lise practiced her violin, and then went to her lesson, and after dinner we participated in a 'Canada/USA darts tournament made up of people in our park. That was a lot of fun! There were 12 people for each side so we made 3 groups of four per side and had a round-robin tournament. Canada ended up winning by capturing the last game to break a tie (3/3). Everyone enjoyed it and it's another example of the things we do here in the park to generate some fun!
Wednesday and Saturday we went for a bike ride along our usual bike path. It takes over half an hour to get there but it's well worth it. Our total for the two days was 52 miles. One thing is for sure, it helps you sleep well at night. We need the recovery time.
Thursday was another day of conflicting activities. I had golf, of course, and there was a hike scheduled along the Arizona Trail. Lise went on the hike, I golfed, and then drove the hour out to the trail and caught up with the hikers at the spot they stopped to have lunch. It's a little more nerve racking at this time of year, with the weather being so hot, as we have to watch out for rattle snakes. Lise and I had brought our walkie talkies so I was able to find out how far ahead they were and keep in touch since it's not a great idea to be out hiking by yourself. Some of our group did see a five foot diamond back rattlesnake on the way back. It was less than 3 feet from the trail when they noticed it (heard it's rattle), but it slithered away. Unfortunately (or fortunately :-) ) we didn't get to see it as we had already passed by that area and were quite a ways ahead. If it was up to Lise we wouldn't have any interest in getting anywhere near any snake, let alone a rattlesnake!
Nice view - Dutchman trail picture
The (Ocotillo)cactus is starting to bloom and the flowers are coming out
The Happy Hikers :-)
Taken from the base of the cactus (Saguaro)

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