Moon over Tucson

Anyone who regularly reads this blog knows I have a thing about full moons. We just experienced an Equinox full moon sometimes called the Awakening Moon for it being the beginning of spring.

It was during a full moon and an eclipse that I had traveled to Tucson; and there I was, about to leave, with the Equinox and the moon nearly full again.

Could I miss the opportunity to see it rise from one of my favorite desert canyon trails? I didn't plan this opportunity but am never one to pass up what fate hands me.

We had walked about a mile, half the trail, when we stopped to wait at a high point for the moon to come over the ridge. It was right at sunset which made the light rich and appropriate for welcoming the first spring full moon.

Doing this also meant we would be one of the last ones off the trails, but it was worth a little nervousness on finishing the hike nearly in the dark to see that full moon with the canyon, stream, mountain, and cactus.

I not only waded the stream but took a moment to dip my hands into the stream to baptize myself with the water and the power of the moment.

"And the moon shines high over Tucson

Over waters that were long ago dried
Cause the moon don't care if the water's not there
It still tries
It calls to the water and it calls to the land
It calls to the hearts of women and men"

lyrics from Carrie Newcomer's 'Moon over Tucson' on one of my favorite albums 'Betty's Diner- Best of Carrie Newcomer.'

These are the times I most value having a blog-- a place I can share my experience.

Photos taken March 19, just before the spring Equinox, on Tucson's Canyon Loop Trail as the moon rose and the sun set.

I am back in Oregon but the next set of photos will be a few (the difficulty is getting it down to a few) of the many wildflowers from the Sonoran Desert's spectacular spring.