You wouldn't think to find this cottage near Tucson.
It looks more like something you would find in the European Alps.
The city of Tucson has a program called "Tucson Will Surprise You!" It's true. There are hidden gems in and around this 1,000,000 plus population that you just wouldn't expect. But I digress...
I hiked in Madera Canyon yesterday afternoon, driving out from the trailhead at sunset. The cottage in the photo is halfway up the canyon toward the trailhead, and although it's usually open, this July 4th weekend must have been an owner's holiday.
There are more than twenty miles of trails up, over and around Mt. Wrightson (Old Baldy) and the surrounding peaks. South of Madera Canyon road, the setting sun painted Elephant Head in shades of blue, while the northerly part of the Santa Rita range featured the rising full moon.
It was a magical hike, one I'm sure you would enjoy. Call me for directions if you're planning a vacation in greater Tucson. The trailhead is at elevation 5,000, so it's a cool hike for summertime. If you go all the way to the top, you'll gain nearly another mile in elevation.
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I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.
Call me if I can help you with a purchase or refi mortgage;
(520) 349-9090
Photos copyright Mike in Tucson
Mike,
Brenda loves them,
this I know,
For my darling told me so!
Bill
Hi, Brenda!
I'm glad you like my photos. Give your darlin' Bill our best.
Mike in Tucson
That sky - the colors are just breathtaking!
Tina in Virginia
Tina,
Aren't they! Tucson will surprise you!
Mike in Tucson
Beautiful pictures.
I love that cottage nestled in the mountains...who would have known!
Sally,
Isn't that unusual? I love that place!
Ann,
Thanks for commenting, and for the link this morning about rainwater harvesting.
Mike in Tucson
Mike - you just get some amazing colors (and gems) around there - so beautiful. ~Rita
Rita,
We're blessed.
Mike in Tucson
Mike,
You sohow off your little corner of the world very well in both pictures and words. Thank you for sharing AZ. with us.
More beautiful and inspiring photos! You are quite the photographer. It takes a special eye for the photos you take!
I love early morning hikes! And I think you must know where all the best AZ walks are - you've got a great eye for natural splendor.
Tucson looks beautiful...
What unbelieveable sunsets!
Love that little cottage! It would make a cute horses and Cowboy Christmas shoppe! Thanks Mike.
What an enchanting and intriguing cottage! Are you sure you weren't a travel writer/illustrator in another life? :)
I now bring a camera EVERYWHERE I go thanks to you Mike!
In fact, on my way into work this morning...I took pictures that will be in my upcoming blog!
Thanks for the motivation!
D
Darin,
That makes me smile! I guess I'm the Johnny Appleseed of visual blogging!
Carol,
I don't know that I ever had another life. I do expect to continue this one beyond my earthly existence, however. Thanks for commenting!
Susie,
I'm thinking you'd want to be the shop-keeper. It would be a good fit!
Toula,
It certainly is! You'll just have to come visit.
Penny,
"Natural Splendor." That's a good way to put it! Thanks for stopping by; I haven't seen you here for awhile.
Sharon,
Thanks for the encouragement.
Don,
You're most welcome! Come visit any time.
Mike in Tucson
By the pictures Mike, you were not kidding, Tucson looks magical. Some day...I know I keep saying it, but I need to take a road trip to Tucson!
Cheron Lange
Cheron,
When you and Michael head this way, please let me know in advance. We'll show you the town.
Mike in Tucson
Thanks for showing the rest of the world just how gorgeous our state really is. Also Mike, thanks for always supporting Karen. I never thanked you for that.
How many rattlers do you see on a hike in Tucson? I would have to guess that proper boots are required for your safety.
Larry,
The biggest rattler I've seen wasn't in Arizona. It was in New Jersey. I haven't seen my first rattler yet this year, unless you count the one that lives in my back yard under the boulder.
Michael,
You're most welcome. I'm glad you keep up the blog. I'm still a subscriber. And congratulations for hitting the 100K milestone!
Mike in Tucson
Hi Mike!
Those are spectacular photos...but I have to say, it looks like you were hiking in the dark! That would scare the pants off me!
Paula,
I wasn't hiking in the dark, although I do that often. I left the mountain just at sunset, and that's when I took the evening photos. Thanks for commenting!
Mike in Tucson