I got a late start for a group ride so had to go solo. Traditionally, the ride starts from a long closed restaurant off I-10, beneath the above signage. But…
…hey, a new, Mexican restaurant is set to open soon. Also interesting…..
…we can combine nicely paved Marsh Station Road with recently repaved, Old Sonoita Road, making for a 37 mile route. I’d be interested to see how the county selects roads for repavement. This road was bypassed by #83 and hardly anyone drives it.
The road does emerge on #83 just above one of my favorite wineries!!! Alas, probably should not combine a ride with wine and thankfully, it was too early for the winery to be open.
On the return, I passed with interesting ranch entrance.
Another beautiful sunrise as I switch into hiking mode. I rarely hike and I can’t fathom why that is the case. I look at our beautiful mountains, having peaks and destinations, almost all of which I’ve visited and have no desire to revisit but….
….Gibbon Mountain got put on my radar and thought I should do an exploratory hike. I chose a day that…..
…was rather cloudy with threatening rain. I drove about 7 miles up Catalina Highway and parked (I’ll have more details after I complete the hike), to begin the hike. Beautiful fall colors at this higher elevation.
About the first 1 mile follows a trail to the above saddle. From that point, it’s all off trail. I began the off trail portion but it began to rain. I turned around and it rained harder, soaking me by the time I returned. fortunately I had a change of clothes. Finished with 2.3 miles and intrigued enough to finish the hike. The peak sits across the canyon from Thimble Peak and would be a cool perspective.