On Day 9 of my wandering trip (see my video playlist, "Nomadic Wandering Solo Trip 2024" for more from this trip), I awoke at what I called "pirate camp" and headed out to Saguaro National Park (West) for some desert hiking.

Back when I lived here in Arizona, I never made the trip out to Saguaro National Park because on the map, I could see it was surrounded by the city of Tuscon and I assumed it would be too busy and cluttered to be worth the visit--to removed from the wild nature that I love. But this is a beautiful park and while I could still hear the sounds of the city at times, I also found plenty of quiet, and plenty of well-preserved and carefully protected desert land.

This first hike of the morning was a short out and back along Valley View Trail and then on to Wild Dog Trail. I took my time with these trails, soaking in the sights and sounds. When I hit the turn around point, even thought I was tracing my own footsteps, it all felt new again. The point of view had shifted for one, but the rising sun sent different shadows in to mingle with the landscape that made each step feel fresh again.