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Friday, March 11, 2016

Exploring a Wee Bit of Arizona

It's been almost two weeks since we returned from our  trip to Arizona, so don't you think it's about time to post some photos of our time there? For the first couple of days we stayed in Tempe and had fun exploring that area and visiting our long time friends from San Diego who now live in Paradise Valley . Then we headed to Tucson which isn't far from where my sister and another friend from college are spending part of the winter.



First we went to Tubac, a place with lots of interesting history.  We had great fun learning all about chocolate and watching how it used to be made. That gray stone was heated and it's brown from all the chocolate that was removed from the seed by grinding with an instrument that looked like a stone rolling pin.  Lots of samples were enjoyed as well as some drinks made from ancient recipes.  We also had a fun discussion with a docent about spinning wheels.


Another interesting spot Was the San Xavier del Bac Mission which is south of Tucson. It's one of 23 founded by Father Kino many, many years ago and still going strong today. It's beautiful! Isn't it amazing when you think it was built 300 years ago without our modern machines?



The altar was very ornate as was the domed ceiling.



We also enjoyed a fun evening with my sorority sister and her husband.


Probably my favorite spot we visited was the Desert Museum, also near Tucson. First we watched the raptors free flying. 


 And then we strolled around the grounds, enjoying all the interesting exhibits.


We saw javelinas and later heard that Jane and Ted had eight or more just like this one run past their patio one evening!  (This guy below also strolled by their patio on another evening.)


We loved the humming bird exhibit at the museum, too, and were excited to see this fellow in another area. Do you recognize him?



On our last day , we went to the Phoenix Botanical Garden which was also very interesting. The part I liked best was a trail through a typical village of long ago.


I was intrigued to learn that Pima cotton originated in Arizona and was grown first by the native people that lived in the area. If you look closely, you can see the white puffs of cotton waiting to be picked.


It was a whole lot cooler in this dwelling!


We'd probably find cooking in this kitchen quite a challenge, not to mention finding the food to cook!


Here's DH reveling in the sunshine and his temporary wheels.  It was a fun reminder of his first long ago Mustang that wasn't a convertible.  We had a great ten days, but it's good to be home, too.


10 comments:

Merry said...

Love these photos, so many interesting creatures and amazing architecture. The last photo made me smile and brought back a memory of my husband and I visiting San Diego lots and lots of years ago a an we hired a blue convertible mustang. Thanks for sharing.

Tired Teacher said...

It's great fun to explore new areas. Love the photos of the church - amazing architecture.

Araignee said...

That mission is incredible!

kathy b said...

Judy SO FUN to see your trip adventures. I didn't know about the Pima cotton either. You look wonderful in the photos. Glad you are always happy to land at home too

Juliann in WA said...

That sunshine is lovely! I grew up in Scottsdale and our church was in Paradise Vally. Good memories.

Anonymous said...

Way to make me homesick, Judy! I grew up in Tucson, you know, and spent many great times at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. I lived in Phoenix, and took my students to the Botanical Gardens, as well as the zoo. Both the zoos. You have some great pictures! And wonderful memories.

Anonymous said...

Dick looks pretty spiffy in that car!!! I think maybe he should get one of his own!

While you were in Tempe, did you go to Tempe Yarns? Great shop!

karen said...

that mission looks awesome! when I go to see my daughter in Santa Barbara, she is taking me to a mission! I cannot wait!

elns said...

What a great fun visit! The Mission is absolutely beautiful. My last trip this winter to Arizona I saw a coyote, but wow, how cool are the javelinas?

Cat said...

Looks and sound like fun! You are such a good photographer too. :) Happy Spring to you too!