Thursday 7th March 2019...into the mountains!!!!

I was up around 7 am and enjoyed a cup of tea in bed checking stuff on the Internet...

Then packed up lots of drinks a sandwich and headed out on my big hike in this park...

As you can tell by the photos perfect hiking weather overcast and not too hot....

My destination was Romero Pools about a seven mile round trip hike...but the first obstacle is getting onto the trail.....so off come the shoes and socks to get across the stream!!!

Then a relative flat and easy trail with some great views...

Next on the agenda was a left turn and then all up hill!!!!

Great scenery..

Looking back at the trail....

Desert blooms..

At this point on the hike I heard a noise and right in from of me this cute Javelina crossed the trail ....wasn’t moving fast but fast enough for me not to get my camera on him..so this shot is from the Internet but it is what I saw!!!

I later asked a Ranger if I was just lucky or are they a common sight and he told me of course they are always in the mountains but you should consider yourself lucky to see one!!!

Also taken from the internet..

Javelina (Tayassu tajacu) also known as collared peccary, are medium-sized animals that look similar to a wild boar. They have mainly short coarse salt and pepper colored hair, short legs, and a pig-like nose. The hair around the neck/shoulder area is lighter in color giving it the look of a collar. Javelina have long, sharp canine teeth which protrude from the jaws about an inch.

Click to hear a variety of Javelina sounds

Adaptations

One major adaptation for survival is the fact that javelina live in large family groups. The average group size is 10 or less, but a few herds have known to number up to 53 animals. Each group defends a territory which includes their sleeping and feeding areas. They communicate with their own family group and other groups using sounds and smells.

Habitat

Javelina live in desert washes, saguaro and palo verde forests, oak woodlands, and grasslands with mixed shrubs and cacti.

Range

They can be found in the deserts of southwest Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, southward through Mexico and Central America and into northern Argentina.

Wild Status

Javelina are doing well and are not currently listed as threatened.

Diet

Javelina are classified as herbivores. They eat a variety of native plant foods such as agave, mesquite beans, and prickly pear, as well as roots, tubers, and other green vegetation. However, if the opportunity presents itself, they will also eat lizards, dead birds and rodents.

Predators

The main predators of Javelina are mountain lions, humans, coyotes, bobcats and jaguars.

Home

In the heat of the day javelina will rest in the shade of a mesquite tree or under rocky outcroppings. They have been know to rest in the shade under mobile homes, causing damage to the structure as they push their way in.

Life Span

In the wild, javelina live to be about 10 years old although some live longer. Captive javelina have been known to live over 20 years old.

Size

Javelina stand about 2 feet tall and can weigh between 35 and 55 pounds. They are 3 to 4 feet long.

It was a tough hike but the views were rewarding and even better when I got to the pools..

The water is clean even though it looks otherwise..

I went about 100 yards down stream scrambling over some high rocks to find this great lunch spot!!

My long time and regular readers know I really enjoy the hike in SMA to the slot canyon which in the rainy season has waterfalls....this place so reminded me of that..same desert terrain...same small slot canyon and waterfall!!

The hike down was easy and it was fun to rest my feet in the very cold water!!!!

It was a wonderful hike enjoyed every uphill minute!!!

I then went and bought myself a pair of tennis shoes..I have decided to stick with my favourite New Balance brand!!!

Then went to Linda’s and used the hot tub for about 30 minutes and then took a shower and took Linda out to a lovely restaurant and we both had a fantastic home cooked turkey dinner!!!

Now home relaxing with tea and going to watch another episode of Designated Survivor on Netflix..if you have not seen it...riveting stuff well written and acted!!!

My last full day in Tucson..I have a special surprise so stay tuned!!

Yashi Kochi!!