Rounding the last corner, mere feet from the drive we saw the first one—-full grown and staring directly at us from the yard. This one had to run at the high end of the scale; maybe 50+ lbs. Immediately two of the dogs zeroed in on it and we had a stare-off. Rosie tried to charge, letting out a couple muffled whimpers. We took a few steps back, where there is one there is a herd. Sure enough several seconds after stepping back another appeared from behind the cover of cactus. Then another….until a total of five, three adult and two small youth. By now both female dogs were fully engaged and interested; Walter was indifferent. The small herd made their way down the small hill, across the street and took cover at the edge of the neighbors yard. By the time we walked the few feet back to their crossing they were fully obscured by foliage, not to be seen again.
As we sat in the starlit darkness of the Christmas evening, the fragrance of the dinner’s main course filling the back yard the occasional echo of a coyote could be heard. It was early in the evening; they’d be expected to crank up the volume as the night wore.
Christmas weekend was great. Highlights included a day trip to Tumacacori National Park. A trove of early southern AZ history related to Native Americans, Mexicans, and Spanish missionaries. Ever get the chance it’s worth the side trip to spend a few hours learning a bit about the lives of those in the area over 330 years ago.
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| Worship Hall and Cemetery, 3 Miles South of Tubac, AZ |