40. Arizona and California

40. From Texas to Arizona to Meet Wilson, then California

The 13-hour drive to Arizona felt endless as we anticipated meeting Wilson, our adventurous friend from Hong Kong. He'd ambitiously set out to climb every 4,000-meter peak in Europe (missing only a few) and had made a point to connect with us during our U.S. road trip. Wilson, a glaciology PhD candidate, was fresh off a stint as a guide in Antarctica, showcasing the ice and penguins to tourists. He was flying in from South America, a testament to his dedication to this rendezvous.

Our journey was unfortunately punctuated by another flat tire, thankfully at a gas station instead of the desolate highway. This unexpected detour cost us half a day, but Theo, a skilled driver, navigated the challenging roads with aplomb.

We arrived in Arizona at 6 am, and I immediately woke up to prepare for a crucial job interview. Landing the position meant an early return to Switzerland and an immediate work start, adding a layer of urgency to our trip. Entering the Marriott, a stark contrast emerged: the luxurious hotel with its pool and Christmas tree juxtaposed against the surreal desert landscape, a breathtaking expanse of Saguaro cacti.

Just when we thought things were running smoothly, trouble struck. The van's heating system malfunctioned, the thermostat broken. Attempting a fix, we disconnected the second battery, only to be met with a shower of sparks. I believe Theo may have blown a fuse, plunging the van into darkness. We nearly replaced the deep-cycle battery, but a helpful Pleasure-Way technician guided us over the phone, resolving the issue.

Saguaro National Park, a marvel of diverse ecosystems, spans elevations from 2,180 feet to 8,667 feet. The interplay of sun, wind, and water availability gives rise to a remarkable array of habitats. Cactus species, with names like hedgehog, barrel, staghorn, and fishhook, offer a glimpse into this unique environment. The "Teddy bear" cholla, however, is best admired from afar. The low desert boasts creosote, catclaw, ocotillo, and trees like mesquite, ironwood, and Palo Verde. I even spotted a jojoba tree, a valuable source of oil that may one day replace whale oil. The Sonoran Desert is also home to the Gila monster, the white-nosed coati, and owls, creatures I yearned to observe. Alas, the winter chill likely kept them hidden.

Climbing in Tucson offered a surreal experience, a blend of mountain vistas and the towering presence of Saguaro cacti, evoking images of Mexico and tequila, despite never having visited the country. At Zabba Dome, we tackled some challenging sport routes. Fueled by adrenaline, I successfully led every climb, a source of immense pride. The basalt rock was impressive, though lacking the Saguaro cacti views.

The next day, we embarked on a demanding multi-pitch climb (5.7, 5.9, and 5.8) called "Big Lebowski" in the morning. In the afternoon, we hiked up Rock Fellow, attempting the "inside passage," a challenging chimney. However, lacking rope and concerned about the precarious descent, we opted for a safer route. It was a long but rewarding day.

Chiricagua National Monument, with its numerous hoodoos, reminded me of Bryce Canyon, albeit less crowded and with distinct rock formations. At Sweet Rock, we continued our climbing endeavors, unfortunately culminating in a hard fall that injured my finger.

We were unable to explore Kartchner Caverns as all tours were fully booked and entry without a guided tour was prohibited.

In San Diego, we received a warm welcome from my cousin Van and her humorous husband Luong. Also met her kids Katelyn and Viviana with her boyfriend Josh. Our time together was a delightful blend of good food, lively conversation, and cherished memories. A sumptuous Chinese feast – winter melon soup, steamed garoupa, clams, snow pea veggies, string beans, suckling pig, Peking duck with baos, orange chicken, and a bean tapioca dessert – was the culinary highlight.Leggi altro