Just saying, we totally underestimated Tucson and the whole SE area of Arizona. I would venture to say that we’ve underestimated Arizona in general thinking that is a big sand box with cactus and rugged mountains. The history is amazing with Native Americans present as early as 2000 years ago, Coronado and the Spaniards touring the area in the mid 1500’s in search of gold up through various conflicts and resettlement over the more recent years with Native Americans and the United States Government.
This blog includes visits to both the East and West Saguaro National Park sites, a visit with cousins on my dad’s side of the family and a trip to San Xavier Mission.
I believe it is difficult to take photos that effectively capture the grandeur, beauty and life in this state, but I’ve tried.
Saguaro National Park (February 21 & 23):
Visiting Cousins whom we haven’t seen for almost 20 years (February 21):
Mike & Gretchen Lewis (top) and Bill & Candy Shelley (bottom) from Columbia, Oregon
San Xavier Mission (February 21):
Mission San Xavier del Bac is a historic Spanish Catholic mission located about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson, Arizona, on the Tohono O’odham San Xavier Indian Reservation. It was founded in 1692 by Padre Eusebio Kino in the center of a centuries-old Indian settlement of the Tohono O’odham, located along the banks of the Santa Cruz River. (Wikipedia)
I love all the iconography of the times as well as from the Catholic Church. I find the prayer candles fascinating.
The Traveling Lounsburys 