Coronado National Forest / Sabino Canyon #1

Sabino Canyon - An oasis in the desert - A rare, majestic spot where anyone can delight in a river nestled below the jagged saguaro filled cliffs. It's not easy to find spaces of solitude in this popular Tucson destination that sees 1-1.5 million visitors a year, yet it is possible. I sit beside the creek here just above tram stop 6. Folks looking to spend their time frolicking in the water gravitate towards the area just south of here where the usual boulders give way to a small sandy beach. Just a little further on where I relax, the dominating sound is a tiny rapid, the result of the meandering water being pressed between a few smooth rocks. Only the birds overhead speak above the waters soft churning sound. Only on occasion am I aware of a human voice or a tram of tourists going by. A slight breeze creeps its way down the canyon preventing the warm March afternoon from being uncomfortable. I watch several buckeye butterflies play amongst the trees, often landing beside me, their colors are bold against the grays and browns of the rocks and tangled tree trunks along the creek bed. I lay quietly against a boulder enjoying this spectacle of some of God's smallest creatures about their daily routine, going to and fro collecting their food, each one cared for by their maker. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever (Psalm 136:1 & 25 NLT)." I also will say, "Give thanks to Him who placed the earth and the waters. His faithful love endures forever (v.6)." What a glorious day! In this stillness I reflect and meditate, and with heavy eyelids I slumber whilst the river sings a gentle lullaby.

If you are looking to travel to Tucson, or anywhere else, be sure to click over to my travel site.
If you like the images you see they are available at my Zazzle gallery.
For Coronado National Forest visitor information click here.
For those looking for a nice ride up the canyon there is an open air tram ride through Sabino Canyon Tours. (You'll thank me later for this link as it seems there are all kinds of websites with wrong links to this company.)