The Arizona Sonoran desert is surprisingly beautiful. Eons of wind and rain sculpt the granite backbone of the Tucson Mountains into amazingly intricate forms.
My favorite is the Rock Angel of the Desert. Facing an outcropping opposite Cat Mountain, she stands silent, wings folded, head bowed, face obscured by its cloak.
Her form is ethereal. For half an hour during the afternoon the sun paints the rock face with shadows, and she appears.
As the sun inexorably moves on its way to evening, she disappears from view.
No named trail leads you to her, but the location between Cat Mountain and Cat Back is easily accessible, either from Tucson Estates II or from the east flank of the mountain which overlooks Tucson.
If you visit, do so in the early afternoon, and bring a camera. It's worth the hike.
Photos © Michael Jones 
Carol, please collect this one! Right click on the photo, and "save as" to a picture folder on your computer. You have my permission to use the photo in any manner you choose!
With appreciation,
Mike in Tucson
Ginger, thanks for visiting again, and for commenting. Arizona's not far away. Come on back for a visit.
Leslie, I have yet to show that picture to ONE person--even in Tucson Estates II, my neighborhood--who has any idea. And it's less than 1/4 mile from the neighborhood. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Come on back!
Mike in Tucson
You are going to have to share some more of these formations to me. I have been in Tucson 7 years now and have never heard of these! Take care,
Lexa
Mike thanks for sharing the great pictures. My wife and I have been using our Sundays as a day to just visit new places in Arizona.
Great Post
Marie, thanks for visiting and commenting.
Lexa, what part of town is home to you? Maybe we should organize an A.R. hike!
Gary, you and your wife would be welcome too!
Calie, c'mon down. Sounds like we'll have a caravan.
Marlene, the beauty of God's creation is everywhere, isn't it? Psalm 19:1
I really appreciate all of you visiting and commenting. C'mon back, y'all!
Mike in Tucson
These are beautiful photos. You obviously know your camera. Thanks for sharing. It's nice to read something so "serene" and "calming." You're a good writer.
2 happy people who just moved to Paradise from Miami, Fl in June- I gather we are neighbors!! Astounded with the beauty of this photo- Please- could you help me find her?? I retired 2 years early because I found our awesome home on the internet and we are HERE- with beloved Cat the focal point of our kitchen, dining and master bedroom. She was the magnet that brought us. How we love watching her many faces- how shocked to awake and find her GONE- egads!! a San Francisco fog totally blocked her from view one morning early!!! And now this lovely angel... Just got our walking sticks... so we are ready to explore. Thank you Mike...
Hope,
Welcome to the neighborhood! I'm happy to contact you, but you'll have to send me your contact information through Active Rain or call me on my cellphone at (520) 349-9090.
Mike in Tucson