After a very pleasant morning and delicious breakfast by Mme Awesome, we drove to ride the Sweetwater Trail System. The trails were a mix of smooth and chunk with a couple of spots which were best ridden after a peek. Maybe they are rated as beginnerish because of the gentle trail slope? Really, as much as ratings are by definition subjective, it is equally impressive how varied are the gradings of different areas.

As fun as it was biking, the best part of the ride was the immersion into certified Cactus Land: we were really surrounded and, at times, covered, by cacti. Meaning we truly had to duck under the arms of giant saguaros and at times I wondered if I could make it through the cactus doorway without hitting my bars.

Cactus Land itself has distinct barrios, some of which were exclusively one variety – mainly the saguaros – and others which were more of a cactus melting pot. The tall spindly ones with many flowers got us thinking that roses may not be such different relatives.

An attempt to show the variety present. The many flowers and their amazing placement were a visual treat.

On the way back we picked up some kambuchas and chomped on almonds. Good times. We also passed Joe the Mudra Mechanic en route. Shalom.

We had a nice dinner out with M DN and Mme MN trading stories and news. Fully sated, we came back and hit the hay.