Romero Pools with Krissy January 4th, 2020

Krissy and myself, left to right 

My friend Krissy is a Minnesota mamma. But when I first met her we were both living in the Pacific North West. The first time we talked we were new students at Portland State University and together we attended the new grad school student picnic. The picnic was held at a park filled with so many shades of green and a pond. The park is called Laurelhurst Park in Portland Oregon. Oregon is not a place you need to hunt for water it often comes for you. Our first bonding moment was the shared need for book shelves. Years later we are  no longer students, we have all we need, including the book shelves and our friendship. 

  

As it was Krissy's first trip to Arizona I wanted to share something special with her. So the hike we went on was, Romero Pools in
 Catalina State Park. 

Saguaro 

At the beginning of the hike the seasonal Sutherland Wash was flowing so we took off our socks and shoes, and waded across the wash we needed to do this so we could climb the rocks and hills to visit the pools above. Before we crossed the wash it was interesting to watch friends and lovers navigate the crossing, everyone seemed to have a better idea than their companions on how to cross to the other side.
One man crossed with garbage sacks on his feet, one man ignored a stick that was offered from his companion and  promptly fell into the water.  Though I very much doubt that man enjoyed the water I sure did. The icy water on my feet was refreshing and Krissy exclaimed her feet felt "alive".  That was a good way to describe the impact of the icy water at this crossing and later at the pools. 

Catalina State Part is a place I love. For me, it is the presence of the Catalina Mountains. They are so present. Different than other mountains I have known. They are tall, rocky, sparsely covered in plants, dispersed like decorations, an ocotillo here, a yucca there, saguaros regal witnesses waving down from above. 

The trail begins sandy then becomes rocks, rocks that sparkle with quarts. As you climb in elevation the plants change. Not always a different plant but the seasonal state they are in changes. The ocotillo at the beginning were ready for winter free of leaves. Where high up the Ocotillos were green with bright leaves like spring. New plants also arrive, bursage with its bright aroma and at the pools themselves an oak stand close by. The water also changes and Krissy points out the rusty color of iron in the hue. 

Oak and friends 

Bursage 

At the Romero pools I took time to sit on a large grey rock that was smooth from a history of fluidity and as I sat in that spot water occasionally sprinkling kisses on my feet, I closed my eyes and listened to the water flow, and found my own fluidity, feeling softer, more still inside, I moved closer to my friend and everything else around me as well.  

Krissy on a rock 

After our rest at the pools we trecked back down the mountain. As we hiked, we talked about cooking and podcasts we love and we also walked in silence. We would at times say hello to other hikers. Occasionally I would just nod. I enjoy being in the communion with the natural world. One of the things I have always loved about hiking is that I become embodied. No longer a head full of ideas, thoughts and worries but a whole being, decorated with breath and sore muscles and flushed cheeks, a whole being  whose body is - Home.