Reginald Spittle's Blog: See my book blog, page 8

Tucson: Enchanting Trails, Without the Crowds

I once thought Sedona was home to the best hiking in Arizona. Not anymore. Tucson may not boast the red rock, but it lacks the crowds that require Sedona hikers and bikers to hit the trail early if they hope to secure parking. We pulled into this trail’s parking lot in late morning. Temperature? Low … Continue reading Tucson: Enchanting Trails, Without the Crowds →

Looking for Alaska and Finding Much More

When I glanced at this book’s title, I thought, “Perfect. A travel adventure book. To Alaska!” But I was wrong. Looking for Alaska is indeed a journey, but the teen-aged protagonist travels through his eventful life in a new boarding school. This is no ordinary coming-of-age story. Divided into two sections, before and after, John … Continue reading Looking for Alaska and Finding Much More →

Tempting Trails of Tucson Abound

When we arrived in Tucson in early January, I poked the AllTrails app to look for a moderate day hike to get us started. I was stunned. Dots all over my phone’s screen and “500 trails” in the blank space across the bottom. I zoomed in to focus on trailheads within about a half hour … Continue reading Tempting Trails of Tucson Abound →

Wallflower Is More Than a Coming-of-Age Story

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a journey of self-discovery for Charlie, who begins high school running away from tragedies he does not understand. Author Stephen Chbosky presents a 16-year-old who lost his best friend to suicide, mourns his aunt’s death, and carries a devastating childhood secret. Despite being accustomed to living life on … Continue reading Wallflower Is More Than a Coming-of-Age Story →

Up for a Challenge? Try Wasson Peak

Sue and I can’t resist a trekking challenge; this time, it was Wasson Peak, the highest peak in the western Saguaro National Park. There are several ways up, but we chose Gould Mine for our start and it was deceptively moderate, even sometimes easy, for an hour. A left turn brought us to a steep, … Continue reading Up for a Challenge? Try Wasson Peak →

Waterfalls Beckon in Saguaro Desert

Desert waterfall is not an oxymoron. In Saguaro National Park East, Sue and I found Bridal Wreath Falls, one of three waterfalls off the Douglas Spring and Garland trails. We climbed 1,200 feet to get there, but the view and a refreshing lunch stop in the shade made it worth it. Tucson, Arizona is in … Continue reading Waterfalls Beckon in Saguaro Desert →

Getting High in Saguaro National Park

Tucson, Arizona has lifted our winter spirits, offering trails that have elevated Sue and me to highs normally found during more hospitable seasons. The west section of Saguaro National Park was our destination on a warm, mostly sunny day for 6.6 miles and 1,300 feet of ascent. It was rated hard, but our eyes must … Continue reading Getting High in Saguaro National Park →

Tucson Pass Draws Crowds for Views

Friends Chris and Judy joined us near Tucson, Arizona at the area’s famed Gates Pass to view the setting sun. If you want to take part, get there early to grab a parking space; the hillsides are often lined with people watching the desert’s show.

Prolofic Author Offers Writing Tips

Writers and other artists seeking to unlock secrets to improve their work should check out the post about Chuck Palahniuk’s book. Also, have you read Stephen King’s On Writing? It is full of practical tips and is one of the most cited books about writing.

Warm Up Your Bike on Tucson’s Loop

Want to escape the cold and discover one of the nation’s hot spots for biking? Sue and I like Tucson, Arizona for January temperatures in the 60s and 70s and for the area’s hiking and biking trails. We sampled The Loop, a 60-mile-plus paved bike path around the city that took us through desert cactus … Continue reading Warm Up Your Bike on Tucson’s Loop →