Welcome to issue #2 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter with a desert focus on family-friendly events, our sweet and salty outdoors, and living your best life in Southern Arizona. Was this email forwarded to you? You can sign up here: [RH_REFLINK GOES HERE].
Hi Sunshine!
Since emailing last week, I have had a few people reach out and say they were bummed they didn't win prizes in our BIG launch giveaway. Totally fair! I L-O-V-E winning too, which is why I'm making it easy for you to get FREE Trail Mix swag just by sharing Trail Mix with friends! π Scroll to the bottom of any email to snag your referral link. If your friends sign up, you'll unlock cool merch like a hat or tumbler just for spreading the good word about Trail Mix! Pop your link on a social media post and bam! Merch. On your doorstep.
Now onto this week's message. I don't know if it was the heated debate that started with my kids in the car the other day about whether javelina are cute or not...
Or the constant complaints from friends on Facebook that say their plants were eaten again by a neighborhood gang herd...
Or the fact that I'm determined to can some prickly pear jelly, but I'm not sure I'll make it to actually fulfilling those plans before the javelina come and eat all my fruit.
Regardless, this week ended up with javelina top of mind in our lifestyle, so I figured we should talk about them. But first, what say ye?
Has your family ever thought about homeschooling? There's a resource in Southern Arizona that can help you get started.
Whether you're new to homeschooling and want a mentor to help you get off the ground, or you're a homeschooling family looking for a collaborative co-op, you'll want to check out Homeschool Underground (affectionately known as HUG).
Homeschool Underground embraces the traditional definition of a βco-opβ: Cooperation. They believe families can successfully collaborate and support each other while respecting each familyβs available time, funds, skills, and knowledge.
I see a javelina herd crossing my driveway often enough that I spent some time going down a rabbit hole of research to learn about these crazy creatures in our yards.
Here's what I found that I thought you'd find interesting too:
- Javelina aren't pigs. They're actually more akin to pig-like dinosaurs and belong to the Tayassuidae family, which has been evolving for approximately 40 million years. Whoa. Sourceβ
β
- They have self-sharpening tusks that get sharper each time they open or close their mouth by rubbing against each other. Sourceβ
β
- Their babies are born red, then as they age, they get the salt-and-pepper look to their fur...kind of like us. Sourceβ
β
- They have a family scent that they rub on each other using their musk glands on their backs, allowing them to identify one another despite their poor eyesight. Sourceβ
β
- They're territorial and claim their 75-100 acres by using the same musk scent, which they rub on trees and rocks in their 'hood. Sourceβ
β
- If you see their teeth clacking, they're displaying their ability to defend their herd. But if they're grunting, they're warning of danger, and if they're squealing, they're scared (poor things). Sourceβ
β
- They're crepsucular, a word I learned from a Meat Eater Kid's podcast a while back. It means they like to come out during dawn and dusk when it's cooling down. Otherwise, they're usually in shaded areas, keeping cool since they don't sweat or pant. In the winter, you're more likely to see them out in the sun during the daylight hours. Sourceβ
Looking for an extracurricular that teaches your kids practical life skills and foundational biblical truths all in one? Registration is open for Foundations, a once-a-week class for kids K-5 run by Vail Christian Church. Register here before classes begin on 8/6!β
- Obvious question, but do you love candles? Raising Four Arrows, a local, family-owned, and ultra cozy company, is holding a giveaway in honor of their relaunch happening soon!
β
- Fall break is coming, and that means Halloween in Disney! Get all the best tips from a local who knows her Disney stuff -- especially around the holidays. Email Gigi Annunziato from Gigi's Mad Hatter Adventures or join her free Facebook group for simpler travel planning.
β
- βBook Block Party! Put this event on your radar for the Fall. It's a free literacy event for the whole family, PLUS there will be a large book exchange for kids and parents. Car show. Storytime. Food trucks. Giveaways. Kids activities. And more memories made than you can imagine.
β
- We're in peach-picking season at Apple Annie's Orchard! Head to Willcox 7 days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM for veggies, peaches, and even frozen donuts!
β
- The Harvest Cork Guessing Contest is on from Charron Vineyards and Winery! Guess online or in person. Details here.
β
- Creation School has a few more spots available for Pre-K students! Learn more about what this school can offer your family.
Want to spread the good word about your business, a project, a job opening, or just want to shout out one of your neighbors? Trail Mix has you covered.
Meet MARTINI! (ID# A864057)
Age: 2 years
Snuggly Martini is a soulful pup who absolutely loves walks, other dogs, and people. He's gone on several day trips with members of the public, who say that he is super snuggly and well-behaved.
Fee: Martini is free to adopt. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines.
Contact: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., 520-724-5900. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12pm - 7pm. Wednesday 1:30pm - 7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm
Let's talk javelina-proof porch plants!
Because let's face it. Having plants on your porch instantly makes it feel more welcoming. But living in Southern Arizona, javelina see your porch as more of a buffet than a Pinterest-worthy picture. To help maintain your curb appeal while keeping wildlife at bay, I asked Four Arrows Garden Center for some tips on javelina-resistant plants. Their expert opinion?
"Try candelilla, lady slipper, salvia, blue plumbago, hibiscus, russian sage, rosemary, or lantana. These picks offer blooms, texture, and color without attracting unwanted hoof traffic. Theyβre tough enough for the desert, but too tough (or just unappetizing) for javelinas. While we cannot guarantee that theyβll never munch, these plants are typically not on their menu."
Stop by Four Arrows Garden in Vail for even more plant ideas that thrive in the Sonoran sunβnot in a javelinaβs belly.
π»: www.FourArrowsGarden.com
π: 13499 E. Success Drive, Vail, AZ
July 31
August 1
- Peach-picking | Apple Annie's Orchard | 8 AM to 5 PM
- β2025 Season Kickoff Celebration | Cienega High School by Vail Vikings Football and Cheer | 6 PM - 8 PM
August 2
- βBook Sale | Friends of the W. Anne Gibson Esmond Station Library | 7:30 AM - 12 PM
- Fresh peach or apple cider donuts and pancake breakfast | Apple Annie's Orchard | 8 AM to 5 PM
- βWine and Ice Cream Pairings | AZ Hops and Vines | 11 AM - 3 PM
August 3
- Fresh peach or apple cider donuts and pancake breakfast | Apple Annie's Orchard | 8 AM to 5 PM
Did I miss a fun event?
Each week, I'll share a picture taken around the area by someone else and posted to Instagram. Tag @arizonatrailmix for a chance to have yours featured!
Check out Colossal Cave Mountain Park's summer special happening through August 29 every Monday through Friday! Use promo code SUMMER2025I at checkout and you'll save $5 off each ticket for a Classic Tour.
- 4 cups popped popcorn
- 3 cups toasted corn cereal squares (such as Chex)
- 3 cups miniature pretzel twists
- 2 cups salted dry-roasted peanuts
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp salted butter
- 3 Tbsp light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Combine the popcorn, cereal, pretzels, and peanuts in a bowl.
Melt the remainder of the ingredients in a saucepan.
Toss together, then spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 300Β°F for 30 minutes. Let it cool completely, pack it up, then get out on the trail to enjoy!
Sunrise: 5:35 AM
Sunset: 7:23 PM
Air Quality: Good
Moon Phase: Waning Crescent
See you out there!
~ Kimberly
βPublisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman
β
 |
Share with friends, get cool stuff! |
Have friends in Southern Arizona who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome reward when they subscribe. |
[RH_REFLINK GOES HERE] |
|
PS: You have referred [RH_TOTREF GOES HERE] people so far |
|
| β‘οΈ by SparkLoop |
|
Ready to shout your business name from the Vail, Benson, and Sonoita rooftops? Have a fun event to share and want to attach your flyer to the Mix? Have a home you want to show off in the Home on the Range section? Selling something big like an RV or piece of land? Want to share your Airbnb? This is the spot to do it!