Well, it’s been 2 weeks in our new city and we’ve been preoccupied with unpacking, cleaning, and consulting some contractors for initial quotes for home projects (like replacing windows).  While we are motivated to get our (very 80s and very NOT upgraded) house in order, we also know that we need to take some time to get to know our new surroundings.  Earlier this week, I rode my bike up South Mountain for the first time, with my SAT (“self-appointed trainer” for those of you newer to my blog!).  While the climb is not as steep as the Red Rock scenic loop, it still affords road cyclists the opportunity to practice those important climbing skills, like breathing.  The view from the top is pretty scenic, as you can see most of the valley and the road is fairly smooth, much more so than in Red Rock Canyon.  Mileage is 7.5 miles one way and the overall grade is only 3%, but in all honesty, that felt worse at different points during the climb because I’ve not been riding my bike regularly!

(At the top.  I would’ve taken more pictures, but it was getting warm and I wanted to go home!)

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We went on our first group hike today and it was lovely.  I signed us up for a hiking group and the goal was to do the Tom’s Thumb loop, a total distance of approximately 12 miles and elevation gain of ~2700 feet/823 m.  The temperature hit about 90F/30C today, but the refreshing breeze present during most of the hike was splendid and a welcome relief.  We were delighted to see all the desert flowers in bloom and the many saguaro cacti acting as prickly sentinels guarding the land around us.

(Desert wildflowers!)

(A brightly colored reptile; standing in front of Tom’s Thumb.)

We live in the Sonoran desert, which is much more green and lush than the Mojave desert we left in Las Vegas.  From what I have read, the Mojave desert is higher in elevation and drier than the Sonoran (except Death Valley, CA) and its boundaries are generally defined by the Joshua trees found there.

(Joshua tree.)

The Sonoran desert is the hottest desert in the United States and is the only place in the world where the saguaro cactus grows in the wild.

(The trail and cacti.; A huge saguaro cactus waiting to give us a hug.)

All in all, a wonderful day with new friends!  I’ll leave you with a couple more pictures.