Tucson Jan-Mar 2018

Two years ago--10 days, last year--1 month, this year--3 months, and we will be returning next year for the same. Three months seemed like a long time to be away, but the weeks have flown by, and the weather on the East Coast was to be missed this year. I am writing this in mid-March and another storm is coming to Baltimore while it was mid-70s and sunny again today in Tucson.

Lynne has been able to treat her stay as a writer's retreat, and I have been biking 5-6 days a week, finishing at mid-day so there is plenty of time for other activities if we care to do so, although she seems happiest working and I enjoy my afternoon with a book and coffee (sometimes a piece of a sticky bun as well). 

Lynne had 3 friends stay in the house for a week during the Gem Show (largest in the world, not just largest in the US), while I vacated the house and stayed with an old high school friend. 

Lynne, Barbara, Denise, and Alix-the Gems

African beads, one of dozens of tents,
at one of dozens of gem areas all around Tucson

Tucson has 130 mi of paved bike paths, with 55 circling the city and no encounters with cars as the bike paths tunnel under the streets. Weekends have several farmer's markets along the path to stop for a coffee and snack. There are several bike clubs, and about 40 bike groups, so there are bikers everywhere. Most of the people I meet are snowbirds coming to Tucson for the biking.

Our 3 BR rental near Sabino Canyon 

View from the back of the house towards the mountains

The Loop bike path along an arroyo that floods in the fall.

The bike path between saguaro cacti

Saguaro cacti on the road up Mt. Lemmon,
one of the top 7 bike rides in the US.

Bike ride stopping at ramada for water

End of a bike ride at cafe

Biosphere 2--experimental environment

Tucson Festival of Books on Univ of AZ campus

 

Poetry reading: Billy Collins,
past Poet Laureat of the US, at book fair

Discussion with 4 authors and moderator at book fair

Buffalo Soldiers in Tombstone at St. Pat's Parade

At U-Drop-Inn historic diner on Highway 66 during drive home

We made new friends, enjoyed some time with Stan's three book club friends from Baltimore who spend part of their winters in Tucson, shared events with Lynne's cousins, Phil and Sheila and their two girls from Minneapolis, and a writer colleague who lives in Tucson. We enjoyed lots of good meals at home (I brought my pressure cooker), found lots to see (Biosphere, 4th Ave Fair, Tucson Festival of Books, Saguaro National Park), as well as excellent museums, live theater, lecture programs, a good library system, and, of course, warm, dry, sunny days.

We will be back in the same house for the same three months next year.  You may apply now for space if you would like to visit.

Stan and Lynne