Cruising down one leg of the Loop Trail bike paths, mountains rising in the distance, sunshine pouring down, I couldn’t help but think “Now this is vacation!”

It had been over a year since Rich and I took a trip together.  Between my cancer journey and his surgery and complications, we have been tied to the medical community since the beginning of January.  As our appointments finally began thinning out and we both felt good again, we decided we needed to take the plunge.  It was time to get away, to prove we could be comfortable without our medical teams within reach, and enjoy doing something normal again.

Independently, we both began researching AirBnBs in Tucson, specifically Oro Valley.  When we discovered the coincidence, it was an easy decision to finalize our destination.  We’ve been there four times before and knew that it met all our basic needs – sunshine and warmth, a familiar environment, beautiful mountain views, and plentiful parks.  More than that, it caters to our individual needs.  For Rich, there are ample opportunities for birding, with varying habitats in state parks, canyons, and local spots he has already discovered.  For me, there are the bike trails.  Tucson’s Loop Trail provides 131 miles of paved trails atop the walls of the washes (commonly known as “rivers” even though they are mostly dry) that carry floodwaters during heavy rains.  In addition, we already knew of a good bike rental service.

Rich booked an AirBnB less than a mile from the Loop that was a haven in the city. In addition to its full kitchen and amenities, the backyard was nicely landscaped and even included a private pool.  I was immediately drawn to the covered patio where we could eat outside or sit in the shade.  Better yet, it backed up to a lesser wash where we could meander through desert environs right outside our back door.

That first morning I felt the freedom that comes with leaving home.  I had no commitments, no schedule to keep, no accomplishments to complete.  I could follow my heart’s desire, and I was doing it.  Cycling in shorts and the thinnest of top layers, I felt the sun on my skin, the mild breeze in my face and the strength in my legs as I pushed the pedals.  The mountains rose up in all directions, ringing the circumference of my cycling domain.  And the ease of traveling down miles of protected bike paths lured me on.  This was far removed from my usual biking workouts.  This was pleasure cycling.

We were located just off La Cañada del Oro leg of the Loop. I traced that link down and back each day to reach the further extents of the Loop, embracing its growing familiarity. That day I had chosen my favorite leg of the Loop, following the Rillito River Park on both sides of the wash.  I passed familiar sights with each passing mile, and noted trail improvements, additions and closings for construction.  By its nature, most of the Loop is flat cycling and I felt no compunction to press the pace.  It was enough to be outside in the warm weather.

Each day I re-discovered a different leg of the Loop. The eastern section of the Santa Cruz River Park covers a good stretch of rural environs then re-enters the heart of the city. The trail continues for miles, eventually ringing the city (which I cycled one year), but I chose to turn around at the extensive park in south Tucson.

The western side of the Santa Cruz River Park delivers surprising water views, with flowing water in a portion of the wash and El Rio Preserve, a seasonal lake fed by floodwaters.

Cycling was the core of my five days there, and filled my soul. But it was about much more than the cycling. I was able to make peace with not accomplishing much, and just going with the flow, letting each day unfold.

Because the night-time lows were in the 30s and 40s, mornings were chilly. So rather than dashing out at first light as I would do at home, I found it easy to linger. A few mornings I rambled in the wash, as the sun quickly warmed the air. Other days I puttered and journaled. Either way, once it was warm enough I’d sit outside to enjoy my coffee and breakfast.

I had not yet visited the Tucson Botanical Gardens, so I spent an afternoon there. Naturally there were plenty of desert plants, but I found the special displays even more enjoyable. In the hot and humid butterfly building the butterflies flew free among the orchids and greenery. It was hard to see them at first, but the longer I stayed the more I spotted. The floral watercolor paintings and quilt displays were equally captivating. You just never know what you will find in a garden!

Rich and I went to Catalina State Park where Rich spent rare up close and personal time with a Great Horned Owl, and I hiked the Alamo Canyon Loop Trail. What started out as a flat sandy trail morphed into boulder scrambling when it reached the canyon. With great caution (my balance is not so great these days) I approached a viewing spot at the canyon’s edge then continued around the end of the gorge and back down the other side. The silence of the afternoon hike proved to be very restorative.

Sunsets were a highlight of each day. Although we could see the sun go down in the distance, it was the light show on the opposite side as the sun painted the mountains red and caught the occasional clouds – all viewable from our back yard.

At the end of the day spent each doing our own thing, Rich and I sought out a few of our favorite restaurants in the area, not necessarily fancy but places were we enjoyed spending time over a good meal. It was there that we could relax together, and reflect on the day.

We had chosen well, I felt. As hoped, both the location and the lodgings allowed us to pursue our own passions. It allowed us time and space to unwind in our own ways, to nurture our needs. The sunshine and warmth lifted our spirits, and mountain views inspired us.

Yes, Oro Valley was the perfect match for us. And it was a blessing to be well enough to enjoy it all. I’m certain we will return again.