Tucson

How amazing it has been to share these past few weeks about our

Great Retirement Adventure.  

One of my favorite...just happened photos.

The shadow of the Cross.

Today I want to share our pictures from 

If it's your first visit feel free to browse back and start at
the beginning of the trip.

One of the "weird" things I have decided to do is to photograph the welcome sign to each state we visit.  Sometimes my honey has to  exit the highway, and go back so I can get the picture.  Just one more way he shows how much he loves me.
Who knows maybe I will be able to get all 50 states!

We have some friends from church who winter in  Tucson.  They opened their home and hearts for us to spend several days with them.  The retirement community they live in, is an upscale trailer park.  They have something going every day from line dance class to hiking clubs and ice cream parties, swimming pool, hot tub, laundry mat... Temptation really was strong to buy the second trailer they owned, but alas, it was not in the part of the park that I could take our big girl Jasmine.  Maybe someday...





The picture above was taken when we arrived.

While in Tucson we visited the Saguaro National Park.
 I was totally taken with the size of this cactus.  Later I learned it takes 75 years before it puts on it's first little nub.  

The Saguaro Cactus is the symbol for the state.   If you transplant one you have all kinds of rules including which direction is facing the sun!     Oh and if you were thinking of transplanting one, there is a $10,000 fine for taking them.

There were several types of cactus and the one to your left was so interesting. 

 Especially when our friend told us it's name: 
Teddy Bear Cactus 

Doesn't look too cuddly to me!



In case you didn't know, when you turn 62 in the USA you can purchase a lifetime pass for all the National parks for $10!


We hiked on the Babad Doag Trail.  For the last 6 years I have had to have spinal injections for degenerative disks every 6 months just to get through the pain.   After a prayer service, and healing, I have been completely released from the pain clinic and am having a wonderful time being able to be out and about again.  I plan on sharing the story on my sisters and my blog called Not Accidentally.

We hiked back down to our car 

then enjoyed the sunset.

After a wonderful meal with S+D and K+J, another couple from our home church who also winter there,  we headed to the hot tub then to their second trailer and had a great nights sleep to be ready for another sightseeing day.


Our second day took us to area called Tubac.  There was some amazing art and fun shopping. I actually wish I had known the history of the area, I think I would have enjoyed it more.   We didn't take many pictures there but I linked the town if you are interested.

We also visited a BEAUTIFUL Spanish Mission  called the White Dove of the Desert  or Mission San Xavier del Bac.

This mission was founded in 1692 and construction on the building was started in1783.

  It is filled with original murals and architecture.

What was it like 300 years ago to find this  haven of peace in the middle of the desert?

It seems impossible to add more to the day but we did.  A true oasis in the desert.

Have you ever heard of a Hoodoo?

We drove up to see these strange rock formations, a must if you are in the Tucson area.

On down the road or I should say up the road to another vista point.

My imagination runs wild when I see something like this gnarled tree trunk.  What strong force could cause such a twisted remains?

 

It was such a beautiful view of range upon range of mountains.

I am typing this on Easter Sunday evening. I pray you find the peace of the Risen Christ.

Blessings, Debbie

Linking today with..make sure you go by and visit others

Blue Monday

Monday Mellow Yellow

Our World Tuesday

Outdoor Wednesday

Walk and Click Wednesday

Heavenly

Sky Watch Friday

Shadow Shot Sunday