2014-06-12

The purpose of this trip is to try out my new bivy bag and experiment with tarp shelters and guy-lines. I have some purchases to make and I need to get better information. Also, I need to study and this would afford me time and solitude for that. It also would be nice to get out of the June heat and into the refuge of the pines trees at 9000 feet.

The ultra-light weight can open up many new opportunities for stealth camping and hiking freely in more remote areas. Eight to fifteen pounds is an entirely different experience from an old 45 pound rig filled with comforts on my back.

I don’t know where I am headed really, just Mt Lemmon. There was a trail at 7000 ft. and a camping area at around 9000ft. All along the way up here, I have been looking for spots where I might be able to camp and then hike just out of sight of the beaten path, checking terrain, vegetation and possibilities of water.

This is always a beautiful drive. I had to stop with another motorist facing me in the other direction, to allow the safe road crossing of a young coatimundi, a very unusual delightful sight.

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06-27-2018

Often, a place offers a partial glimpse of what is within, but doesn’t reveal it all at once.

Life unfolds.

There was a next to full moon last night. Things can get a bit looney on those nights. People lighten up.

The moon is out early and full in the sky. There are just a few clouds, so the illumination is a wash of light, which gives an almost daytime visibility. I had mentioned these conditions to DF and suggested a full moon stroll on the Tucson river walk.

There is an ever expanding system of asphalt trails along the generally dry Rillito and Santa Cruz Rivers. It expands for many miles now. Along the way, there are the mesquite tree bosques and occasional parks. All are pleasant. We haven’t walked there for several years, but to watch the floods, or the bats come out from under bridges at dusk. We visit the henge on the solstice.

It is approaching 10pm on a Wednesday night, as we are parking in the lot at the Racket Club. I have my camouflage kilt and toe shoes. DF has covered herself with a short light dress. Otherwise, we have left everything, but the car keys.

I must explain. I went back in the daylight and took a few photos to illustrate. You can click them to enlarge and clarify them. It is night and we want just a moonlit walk in the park.

Daytime Biker Between Two Bridges

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July marks three years that I have been coming up with weekly, sometime more often, posts. When I started, I didn’t think that I would have material for three years. I’m pleased for this life that has blessed me with so many naturist adventures and my wonderful partner in those endeavors. We have certainly had a great deal of fun. I am grateful for the friends that have contributed. I look back and life has been a blessing. There is always something new.

I still have enough older material, to cover a few months more. Some is better than others, some a quicker read. We already have had new adventures that will take some more time to get published. We have recently been into Northern Arizona. We have been hiking places near the hot springs. We traveled the San Pedro River Valley, and a rugged trip in the Catalina Mountains. All were new places for us. The bucket list continues to grow. There will be a weekly post for a time.

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Summer 2006

We have been exploring the treasures of the Tortolita Mountains created by the desert summer rains. In Part II we head back upstream to continue deeper into the mountains on an old the jeep trail.

Part I is here:

https://thefreerangenaturist.org/2018/06/27/monsoon-the-desert-springs-back-to-life/

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2018-04-13

Be sure to click any image to increase the size, or definition.

This time, we are exploring the foothills of the buttes and mountains to the North of the hot springs.

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