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Sunday, March 31, 2013

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







26 comments:

Gemma Wiseman said...

Enjoyed all these photos but especially enjoyed all those rock formations! I saw the Hoodoos in Drumheller, Canada when I was there! Totally fascinating!

betty-NZ said...

What a great tour! All the scenery is lovely, I can't pick a favorite. So glad to hear that your back was healed. God is still in the miracle business :)

Jama said...

What a great tour, and I enjoyed looking at the view there. So beautiful and so opposite from my urban town.

Luna Miranda said...

it's my first visit here--i'm glad i found your blog. these are beautiful photos! the rock formations are amazing; the mission is beautiful. i enjoyed my visit. have a great week!

Liz said...

Wonderful ahots. thats for the tour. Would love to visit someday. Have a fabulous week!

Liz (mlc)
Liz (yacb)

Ann said...

Looks like Arizona is a beautiful spot to retire, we know lots who have. I really love those trees against the water-- gorgeous. The nature there is so unique.
Ann

SmilingSally said...

You are an excellent photographer, and I appreciate taking the trip in Arizona with you.

I love your blues.

Happy Blue Monday, Debbie.

BLOGitse said...

Great shots!
I'm sure you had a super good trip!

Chubskulit Rose said...

What beautiful sights to behold!

Late hopping from Shadow Shots.

Your comment to my SHADOW will be greatly appreciated.

Lola said...

Wonderful photography, beautiful scenery and lovely blog!

Many thanks for stopping by, too!

xinex said...

How fun to just be traveling everywhere. Beautiful sights you share. Thanks. Also thank you the tip for the $10 entry fee on state parks. Continue having fun!....Christine

LV said...

Several years ago I had the pleasure of visiting this state. However, never got to see all these wonders. Enjoy every day, but just be careful,

Debra Mauldin said...

Great Pictures!

lina@home sweet home said...

Enjoying your shots!
Wonderful trip :) Thanks for dropping by.

Karen said...

Fabulous shots!! Visiting Arizona is on my bucket list!

Gattina said...

It brings back memories to me ! We have been in Arizona twice it's such a beautiful State ! So many things to see and the landscapes are stunning !

Jaime Clark said...

Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey with us.

Rajesh said...

Wonderful shots from your trip.

Jo said...

Hi Deborah, thanks for visiting my blog. I popped back here and am now a follower of this interesting blog. Thanks for taking me along on this tour. I simply LOVED the white buildings in the desert (Having lived in North Africa, deserts are my favorite after mountains!) and also love the hoodoos. We are also married 41 years and you and I are the same age! I also loved seeing your love of the Lord shine through your blog. Bless you friend. Jo

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photos of Arizona ~ glad you are enjoying your trip ~ Love Arizona! and New Mexico ^_^

Karen Lakis said...

This sounds like a wonderful trip - and great photos! It would really be great to get all 50 states Welcome signs!

Sarah Huizenga said...

Great trip. Brings back memories of when our family use to go to Phoenix to visit my great aunt and uncle and later when my grandma moved out there. Visiting from Walk and Click

The French Hutch said...

What a wonderful time I see you and your husband are having on such a wonderful adventure. I will follow along, I know I’ll never see every state so maybe you will take me to the ones I miss. Your photos are fabulous. I love the shadow of the cross and the sunset, my favorites. We traveled to Phoenix and while there rented a car and drove all over the state. We saw those amazing rock formations. Such a different landscape for me! Thanks for sharing, so interesting. I’ll be your latest follower.........

~Emily
The French Hutch

Laura said...

fabulous photos... what an adventure!

ExploreColorado said...

Such beautiful pictures! Wow!

Lissa Forbes said...

Your trip to the San Xavier Mission was like a time warp for me ... the first time I saw it I was 15 and I lived in Arizona for 29 years. Thanks for taking me back for a visit and sharing in Walk and Click Wednesday!