A Scenic Drive . . . . . .

Once in a while I just like to get out and "see" Tucson through the lens.  I am always amazed at the details I miss when I look with my own eyes.  The saguaro are in bloom and are beautiful.  But it wasn't until I saw the photos that I could see the bees!

Beautiful saguaro starting to bloom 

A One Armed Bandit!  (A cactus with one arm)

Ron and Gracie in the look-out post

This area is on the property at Old Tucson

Who says the desert isn't beautiful?  I love this. . . . . . .  :)

So close!  My favorite place in Tucson!  But we had Gracie today so it was off limits.  Maybe next time. . . . .

There she is!  NOT really wanting to get back in the truck.  

Looking toward the back lot at Old Tucson

Saguaro National Park on the drive home

Lots of saguaros!

Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy YOUR weekend!
Diane

Touring Tucson. . . . . . Part Two

Prickly Pear Cactus

 Gracie didn't care much for the mission visit so we took her to a park for some "Gracie time".   I had never been to this park before and got a good laugh from the sign.  All of Tucson is "desert area"!  OK. . . . . so we had Gracie with us and her snoopy nose could get in trouble if she found a moving object so we did keep a closer eye on her.  There is a beauty in the desert . . . . it isn't all tumbleweeds and dirt! 

Jumping Cholla

Ron and Gracie

Venomous Creature!  (just a little ground dog!) 
Can you spot him in the center of the picture?

That's the end of the mini-Tucson tour.  Ron and I are planning more short trips to re-visit some places we haven't seen in a while but the temperatures are heating up so we'll see how well we do! 
Thanks for stopping by and touring some spots in my home town.

Touring Tucson. . . . . Part One

Every now and then it's nice to re-visit your own town or city.  That's what Ron and Gracie and I did today.  We left the house early and headed for the San Xavier Mission which is south of Tucson.  The mission sits well off of the highway and is affectionately titled "The White Dove of the Desert".  For years now the mission has been under a much needed renovation that you can see when you view the close-up. 

There is a steep hill to the right of the main property and a cross that sits atop that hill.  I didn't wear the best shoes but we climbed the hill and stopped to take this photo looking back on downtown Tucson.   We live much further to the north than the actual city.

The close-up photo shows the before and after renovations so much better.  The repairs and paint on the left and the yet unrepaired side is on the right.  The mission was founded in 1683 but construction on the building did not begin until 1783.

 It was partially destroyed in the 1887 earthquake in Arizona.  See, I told you we have earthquakes here!  Remember I felt one not that long ago!  Gracie wasn't thrilled about this part of the trip at all.  She couldn't wait to leave and find some shade (us too!)  She was quick to get back into the truck and rest.  I'll post part two tomorrow!