River Walk and Market Meandering

 

Sunday, November 4, 2012 – River Walk and Market Meandering

I’m just back from an early morning river walk.  The Rillito River runs outside of our hotel, and the paved path that runs beside the river is a popular place for weekend cyclists, joggers, and walkers.  I started on the paved path, but then took one of the ramps down into the actual riverbed, which locals call “the wash,” to see the desert plants close up.  Walking there was a bit of a challenge, not because of the little stones on the sandy surface, but because the wash is a perfect playground for dogs and the dog owners don’t do a particularly good job of cleaning up after their pets.  

Santa Catalina Mountains seen from the river walk

By the time I ascended from the wash and strolled back over to the plaza where the hotel is located, the Sunday market was already getting underway.  St. Philip watches over the marketplace. (91, 93, 94)  Around 9 a.m., Elliott and Gale joined me for freshly roasted coffee and treats from the French bakery stand.  We sat on the sunny ledge of the fountain, soaking up vitamin D.  Then we wended our way through the market and loaded up on biscottini, mesquite flour, tamales (for lunch at Gale’s), organic salad fixings (ditto), and doggie treats for my favorite canine friends back home.