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If you're looking for a relaxing day trip in Arizona, the state's oldest botanical garden, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, is tucked away in the Town of Superior. It's a leisurely 1 1/2 hour drive from Tucson and about an hour from Phoenix.
Due to the great amount of winter rain we received, our desert is in "Super Bloom" this year. Wildflowers are everywhere. The drive up Route 77 from Tucson was spectacular. Both sides of the roads were lined with blue lupine flowers that extended 20-30 feet into the desert. On the drive back down, Route 177 was filled with poppies, lupine, and various shades of globe mallow. In the 26 years that we've lived here, there have only been 2 Super Blooms and I am so happy I was able to experience both of them.
Route 77 Route 177
The Arboretum is a wonderful place for a relaxing stroll through almost 5 miles of winding paths filled with tall sycamores, cactus gardens, and breathtaking rock cliffs adorned here and there with gorgeous flowers. Walk over to the Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden and chill on a bench for a while to watch these beauties do their work.
The Arboretum Main Trail Loop is one and a half miles of moderate hiking. Hiking counter-clockwise, you walk along the river before climbing up about 130 feet above the desert floor. Be sure to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water because it's 90% out in the sun. You'll get a good dose of Vitamin D on this walk! Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and stop to rest at one of the shaded ramadas along the way.
We were chilling at one of the ramadas when a curious visitor showed up.
Cardinals are notoriously shy and do not come near people. This one, however, was checking us out, moving closer and closer to us until it was less than 2 feet away. It stayed with us a good 5 minutes before another hiker came along and scared it away. What an amazing treat! Many people believe that seeing a cardinal is a "sign" that those who have passed are with us in spirit. I have a good guess who our visitor was, but whoever it may have been, we were blessed to have the company.
There are so many hidden gems here and we highly recommend that you take a day to explore all it has to offer. Get some sun, relax, and lower your blood pressure. There is a reasonable entrance fee and it won't break the bank. The money goes to the upkeep of this beautiful facility and is well worth it.
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Until next time,
Peace & Love
Pete & Lori
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