Click the image to learn more about the cause.

When you think of a vacation in the English countryside you probably think of cottages and tea and that rapscallion Mr. Darcy.  Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Then there are those with different ideas.  In just a few days a collection of people from all corners of the world, including a couple of UpTake’s very own (Phil and Ed, respectively, who will be sharing details from their trip upon their return) are doing something that may seem a bit off the beaten path.  Keyword: path.  They are partaking in a six day walking vacation along Hadrian’s Wall (built by the Romans!).  That’s 84 miles along the border with Scotland, which covers the entire width of England.

Now before you ask if they are crazy, please allow me to say that, yes, they are.  However, that has nothing to do with this trip.

The walk is something of a causecation.  Charitcation? Vacarity? It’s a charity vacation, they are traveling to England to help a cause. A damn good one.

The Joseph Salmon Trust is a charity offering financial support to parents who have lost a child. It was founded in memorial of Joseph Salmon who died in his sleep at the age of 3.

I can’t even imagine.

One of the driving forces behind the trust and the subsequent walk(s) — yes, they’ve walked before, is one Dan Hughes, blogger extraordinaire in the aforementioned England. The man’s heart more than makes up for his awkward attempts at humor (kind of like that one).  He’s a great guy and he has championed the cause on behalf of his friends the Salmons.

If you are able to donate anything at all to support the cause please visit their website. All donations go directly into the trust.

It is a far, far better thing that they do.

For selfish reasons I hesitate to write this post. Not having had the opportunity to truly enjoy this little piece of Shangri-la, I’m not sure I’m ready to share it with you. But times are tough and we need to eat, so my suffering is your good fortune.  

Last month, on our way to Carson City, NV and the annual Comstock Tournament, we had to make an emergency stop along Hwy 50. The boy was threatening to throw up, and rather than endure the rest of the drive ensconced in the sent of vomit, I bailed at the first available turn-out, where we practically shoved him out of the car.  

Fortunately it turned out to be a false alarm, but his wonky stomach’s impeccable timing proved to be a stroke of luck. Otherwise we would have blown right past the little sign marking this hidden slice of natural beauty.  

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The Arboretum at Flagstaff

My husband and I didn’t quite pick the ideal time of year to visit The Arboretum at Flagstaff, located just a few miles off of Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona. This botanical garden, nature center, and research station is open from April 1st through October 31st, and since it’s only the third week the property has been open for the year, there was a lot of planting and cleanup going on, but no flowers as of yet.

One of the stars of the Birds of Prey program

However, along with a lovely hike along the property, including a nice little path through the forest and grand views of the San Francisco Peaks, The Arboretum at Flagstaff holds a twice-daily live birds of prey program. Handlers bring out owls, falcons, and other raptors, and allow the birds to free-fly over the audience from perch to perch. It was breathtaking and wonderful, and after the program we were allowed to approach the handlers and see the birds close-up.

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A path among the yet-to-bloom mesquite trees in Catalina State Park.

A few weekends ago my husband and I drove about an hour and a half south of where we live, to an area just north of Tucson known as Oro Valley. Among other things, we wished to hike the Catalina State Park. So we got up early on Saturday morning, showered and packed and did all the things homeowners (and pet owners) do when they’re going to be gone for a 24-hour period of time.

We arrived at the CSP right at noon – which, upon reflection, wasn’t the best time of day to start our hike. The 68-degree weather was lovely, but the breeze barely provided a defense against the direct sunlight and lack of shade. Plus, the harsh sunlight is not ideal for photography. Still, we weren’t altogether miserable, were sun-blocked up, and had plenty of water. So after a cursory look at the “Wildlife Display” (which featured a half dozen various snakes, a few gila monsters, and some pelts) we addressed the trail map and set off.

I wrote a recent entry about our hiking experience, along with my first attempt at a video blog, which you can view here.

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