We ventured
out today to locate some snow, where do you find snow in southern Arizona after
the last four days have been record setting days with temperatures in the high eighties.
The answer of course is Mt Lemmon. Located on the east side of Tucson the
mountain rises to 9100 feet and is home to the small town of Summerhaven as
well as Ski Valley and the Iron Door Restaurant. Mount Lemmon is the highest
point of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the ascent to the top is along the
Sky Island Parkway which is part of the national scenic byways system. Our trip
included the 55 mile drive to Tucson and then the 28 mile trip up the mountain,
it was a beautiful drive.
The disappointment
came when we arrived at the summit and discovered that everything was closed.
We had hoped that perhaps the ski lifts were operating, as they do in some ski
areas during the off season, and we were looking forward to the Iron Door
Restaurant. Still it was a great day and it beat going to work.
Overlooking Tucson to the southwest
A rare overcast day
Continuing our upward climb
Can you spot the climber?
How about now?
Now
