Stone Structure above Sabino Canyon – 9/10/2016

Painting the stone water tank above Sabino Canyon with light. September 2016.
Painting the stone structure above Sabino Canyon with light. September 2016.

On a ridge above Sabino Canyon there is a small stone structure – the structure isn’t noted on the topo maps I have and you won’t find any informational signs as you circle the structure, but a 2012 article by Doug Kreutz for the Arizona Daily Star explains that “The structure is a water tower – or above-ground storage facility – probably associated with a well to the south and east” and likely built in the 1930s or 1940s.

The Well west of the gaging station on the top of the ridge marks the location of the Stone Structure. October 2016.
A section of the Sabino Canyon FSTopo with Stone Structure added. October 2016.
Star trails and the lights from Mount Bigelow - looking up Sabino Canyon from the Stone Water Tank. September 2016.
Star trails and the lights from Mount Bigelow – looking up Sabino Canyon from the Stone Structure. September 2016.

Unexpected Fireworks, Saguaros in the Moonlight – 4/23/2016

Unexpected April fireworks - taken from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. April 2016.
Unexpected April fireworks – taken from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. April 2016.

Nights are beautiful in the desert and with daytime temperatures getting hotter it becomes a particularly lovely time to get outside.

Saguaro and Moon. April 2015.
Saguaro and Moon. April 2015.

Hiking at night has its own challenges – just like any hike be mindful of your knowledge, skills and fitness – going with people that have experience hiking at night and familiarity with the area you want to explore is an excellent idea.

Moon Shadow. April 2015.
Moon Shadow. April 2015.

Sabino Canyon – 3/15/2016

End of the day near the Phoneline Trail looking towards Rattlesnake Peak. March 2016.
End of the day near the Phoneline Trail looking towards Rattlesnake Peak. March 2016.
A reflection in Sabino Canyon in the old 'lake' area. March 2016.
A reflection in Sabino Canyon in the old ‘lake’ area. March 2016.
A guage behind the dam in Lower Sabino Canyon -apparently to measure the level of the sand... March 2016.
A guage behind the dam in Lower Sabino Canyon -apparently to measure the level of the sand… March 2016.

Stars and Clouds, Night in Sabino Canyon – 2/6/2016

Blackett's Ridge under the stars. February 2016.
Blackett’s Ridge under the stars. February 2016.
A tree above the Sabino Canyon 'lake'. February 2016.
A tree above the Sabino Canyon ‘lake’. February 2016.
Clouds and Stars above the Santa Catalina Mountains. February 2016.
Clouds and Stars above the Santa Catalina Mountains. February 2016.

We hiked, slowly and with pauses for pictures, out passed the dam and to the lake, under the stars and clouds – it was a beautiful night and as our friend Mindi wrote “I can’t even describe how much fun it is to go sit in the dark with your camera!”

Night, Sabino Canyon, Bear Canyon – 12/26/2015

Water flowing in Sabino Canyon. December 2015.
Water flowing in Sabino Canyon. December 2015.
A Saguaro in the Moon - moonrise above Bear Canyon. December 2015.
A Saguaro in the Moon – moonrise above Bear Canyon. December 2015.
On the road into Bear Canyon. December 2015.
On the road into Bear Canyon. December 2015.