Author Archives: Nancy Yackel

University of Arizona – Tucson, Arizona

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Travel Destination – Campus Bound

I’ve long been an advocate of university and college campuses as rich resources for travelers. Some of the best art, historic and earth science collections are held by higher education institutes. The University of Arizona in Tucson perfectly illustrates my hypothesis.

University of Arizona Campus Highlights

  • arizona-t-shirt-logoUA Visitor Center– Campus information center, weekly guided tours, ticket sales for UApresents, parking. Open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm.
  • Arizona State Museum – Oldest and largest anthropology museum in the Southwest, Smithsonian Institution affiliate, world’s largest collection of Southwest Indian pottery, permanent and temporary exhibits, gift shop. The Paths of Life permanent exhibition showcases the origins, history and culture of American Indians of the Southwest with artifacts, historic items, artwork, videos and dioramas. Open Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-5pm. Closed state and national holidays. Suggested donation $3.
  • Center for Creative Photography – Museum, research center and photo archives, rotating exhibits. Established by Ansel Adams and UA, holds more archives and individual works by 20-th century North American photographers than in any other museum in the US. Gallery Store offers a large selection of photography related titles. Open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 1-4pm, closed major holidays. Free admission, suggested donation.
  • Flandrau: The UA Science Center– Hands-on exhibits, planetarium and observatory for public viewing of night skies. Check website for hours and programs, admission fee, night telescope viewing free.
  • The Jim Click Hall of Champions – The heritage and traditions of athletics at the university showcasing student athletes and coaches. Hours vary, free admission.
  • The University of Arizona Museum of Art – Wide-ranging collections of European and American fine art from the Renaissance to contemporary. Changing exhibits and highlights from the permanent collections. Open Tuesday – Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 1-4pm, closed university holidays. Adult admission $5.

 UA Unique

  • SOML – Stewart Observatory Mirror Lab – Tours give a behind the scenes look at cutting-edge optical technology and spin-casting processes used in making giant telescope mirrors. Tours on Tuesday and Friday, reservations required, cost $15/person.

More on UA Campus

  • Campus Arboretum – Pick up a map and enjoy a campus walk among the unique collection of trees, shrubs and plants from arid and semi-arid climates. Free.
  • Performing Arts – Theatre, dance and music performances and film screenings staged throughout the year. Admission fees required.
  • Sonett Visitor Center– Self-guided tour at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory – HiRISE Mars camera, the Phoenix Mars Lander and the Cassini mission to Saturn. Free, 520-626-7432.
  • UA Bookstore– I once heard someone espouse if you want your child to go to a particular university, as a pre-teen take them to the campus and buy them a sweatshirt. All sorts of insignia apparel and gifts are available at the official bookstore in the Student Union Memorial Center. 
  • UA Library Special Collections – Collections of rare books and archival materials in many subject areas including Arizona and the Southwest, changing exhibits.
  • UA Mineral Museum– Fabulous collection of minerals, gemstones and meteorites from around the world – over 2,000 on display. Located on the lower level of Flandrau: The UA Science Center. Check website for fees and hours.

  • UApresents – Professional performing arts – classical, jazz, blues and world music events plus dance performances. Admission fees.

UA off Campus

  • Biosphere 2– Management of the living laboratory of global scientific issues is now under management of the University of Arizona. Tours at the complex 20 minutes north of Tucson. Fee.

  • Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Plants from the earth’s varied deserts alongside unspoiled examples of Sonoran Desert vegetation. The Southwest’s oldest arboretum and botanical garden is located near Superior, 90 minutes from Tucson. Fee.

  • UA SkyCenter– Observatories atop Mt. Lemmon, SkyNights, DiscoveryDays and SkyCamps open to the public by reservation. Located 90 minutes north of Tucson. Fee.

Adjacent to Campus

  •  Arizona History Museum– Focus on southern Arizona history – Spanish colonial through territorial eras. Mining and transportation featured exhibits. Not part of the University but worth visiting while in the campus neighborhood. Check website for current hours and fees.

This list doesn’t begin to include all the possibilities, pick up a University of Arizona Visitor Guide and follow your interest from cutting-edge science to sport competitions. Be campus bound in Tucson.

Casa Grande National Monument – Casa Grande, Arizona

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America’s First Archaeological Reserve

Arizona’s casa-grande-with-sign3Casa Grande National Monument preserves the remains of structures built by the Hohokam people in the 1300s. In the Gila River Valley these ancient people built over 1,000 miles of  irrigation canals, successfully growing corn, beans, squash, cotton and tobacco. Today several Native American tribes believe they have ancestral links to the Hohokam. The O’odham people of Southern Arizona still use the ruins for ceremonials and special events.

Spanish missionary, Father Kino, rode through the valley in 1694 and refered to the deserted structure as Casa Grande, or Great House, in his records. The site became the nation’s first archeological reserve in 1892 – the fifth oldest unit in the National Park system. Casa Grande was designated a National Monument in 1918.

We watch a 15-minute film and browse the compact but informative museum relating background on the Hohokam people and Casa Grande before taking the short walk out to the ruins. The largest structure – four stories and 11 rooms – has a metal roof protecting the ancient walls from weather damage. Signs along the self-guided path relate informative details.

casa-grande-doorway1Unlike most of the ruins we see in the Southwest Casa Grande was not built with stone or adobe bricks. Caliche is a concrete-like hardpan found several feet below the surface in this region. The Hohokam mixed ground-up calice wth water to procude a sticky mud for building walls, sealing roofs and plastering walls.

No one knows why the unusual structure was built or how it was used – center of government, education, religion or trade are speculations. I’m fascinated with how architectual details signify astronomical occurances. A small circular window in the west wall aligns with the setting sun on the summer solstice. A square hole in an upper wall aligns once every 18.5 years with the setting moon at an extreme point in its cycle. Additional windows and doorways align with the sun or moon at significant times of the year. Was this an observatory? We believe the Hohokam devised a calendar based on the motions of the sun and moon and incorportated that calendar into their architecture. Did it relate to their crops and farming?casa-grande-big-house2

Casa Grande was part of a much larger community. Excavated walls and unearthed mounds indicate several compounds comprised of houses, work areas, courtyards and storage rooms. In the center of the compound an oval ballcourt was used for community activities.

We don’t know the reasons Casa Grande was abandoned – disease, drought, flood, social or political issues. By 1450 the Hohokam culture, that had lasted 1,000 years, had come to an end. Today agriculture is still key to the region; irrigated casa-grande-cotton1fields support Arizona’s cotton industry. Standing in the shadow of the ancient walls and gazing across wind-blown fields one is almost transported into a world as the Hohokam knew it.

When You Go: Casa Grande National Monument is open 8am-5pm every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The monument is located in Coolidge, Arizona about an hour’s drive from both Phoenix and Tucson.

Wisdom’s Cafe – Tumacacori, Arizona

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Wiser About Wisdom’s

We now know what all the regulars are wise to about dinner at Wisdom’s in Tumacacori, Arizona. The doors open at 5pm. On a March Tuesday night there will be a full house by 5:05. They haven’t even had time to remove the “Closed” sign.wisdoms-outside

The day before, on our way to Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company we noted the number of cars at an adobe roadside restaurant. The sign above the door read, “Wisdom’s.” That’s all it took for me to be intrigued, I did a bit of Internet searching and decided we couldn’t leave the area without partaking of a little Wisdom’s for ourselves.

In search of birds at Madera Canyon we made lunch a Drumstick ice cream. We were saving ourselves for an early dinner at Wisdom’s and ordering dessert – the fruit burrito they’re credited with “inventing”. We literally pull into the parking lot at 5pm – WWV time according to Bob’s watch. By the time we make it to the front door every table is taken – inside and out.

wisdoms-herbWe’re lucky to grab a couple of seats at the bar where owner/family patriarch, Herb, sets up a steady stream of drinks. I start on a margarita served in a pint glass fruit jar. Before long I’m in conversation with two ladies from Green Valley (20+ miles north), they’re absolutely rapturous discussing Wisdom’s menu. They tell me Tuesdays are 2-for-1 margarita night and you need to get in line 20-30 minutes before opening.

While I’m getting the low down on what to order one of Herb’s sons comes over and asks if we’re willing to share a table. A couple at a four-top feel guilty since so many are waiting and they have two empty chairs. We join a charming retired couple from East Lansing, Michigan who winter in Arizona. They too are Wisdom’s regulars and highly recommend the tortilla soup. It looks delicious – I so badly want to put my spoon in their bowl and try a taste, but I resist. We’re also told to order the dessert fruit burrito as we order the meal and mini-margaritas are available.

wisdoms-diners1We decide on one cherry burrito – split in half with a scoop of ice cream for each of us. Bob selects the bacon wrapped shrimp served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, tortillas, rice and beans. I want to try a half-dozen items but settle on a chile relleno, turkey enchilada, rice and beans. Food arrives hot, tempting and oh so good. No wonder people drive for miles to eat at Wisdom’s. Our dinner partners introduce us to Herb’s granddaughter, Sasha. I’m guessing she’s about 10 years old and already a charmer.

Not that we’re at all hungry for dessert but we both dive into the cherry burrito – yummy! Local legend has it that one afternoon a tortilla spread with jam fell into some hot cooking oil. Quite by accident the fruit burrito had its start to becoming famous. Apple, peach, cherry and blueberry always appear on the menu plus a daily special – banana cream the night we were there. I was curious but stayed with the cherry choice. The hot, crisp fruit-filled burrito is rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Wisdom’s has been owned and operated by the same family since 1944. It ‘s the kind of place that feels like everyone is a regular yet you’re not out of place as an outsider. Before the Green Valley ladies left they came to our table to see what we ordered and how we liked it. The food is worth waiting for and the margaritas strong – there’s no way I could have two and not peacefully fall sleep for the night.

When we’re anywhere in the Tubac area we’ll become regulars and now we know – get there early!

wisdoms-patio4wisdoms-chicken1 wisdoms-dinner-companion3

When You Go: Wisdom’s Cafe is located at 1931 E. Frontage Road (off I-19), Tumacacori, Arizona – 4.5 miles south of Tubac, 15 miles north of Nogalas, AZ. It is a short distance north of Tumacacori National Historical Park. Open year-round, Monday – Saturday lunch is served 11am-3pm, dinner 5-8pm, closed Sundays, daily specials, excellent childrens menu.

 

Colossal Cave Mountain Park – Tucson, Arizona

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Down Under and More

Curiosity about Colossal Cave Mountain Park propelled us to the longtime Tucson area attraction that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. We joined a cave tour with several family groups. As we waited kids stayed busy finding the Discovery Tour stations and collecting the different paper punches on their maps. Aftccmp-ramadaer completing all 18 they receive a “Treasure” from one of the two gift shops.

 Because Colossal is a dry cave the formations don’t have that moist sheen frequently seen on “cave bacon” or “draperies.” No beads of water gather on the stalactite  tips waiting to be the next drip.

ccmp-caveOur guide was pleasant if not exactly animated. She shared human history at the cave as well as natural history. In the late 1800s the cave was a reputed bandit hangout. Imagine the wide-eyed expressions on the youngest tour members’ faces. Early in the 20th century a local dude rancher encouraged visitors to explore the cave and bring back a formation piece to prove they had been inside.

For a dramatic ecology lesson visit Colossal followed by a tour at Kartchner Caverns State Park. It’s a graphic demonstration of abusing an environment verses protection and preservation. There are two other caves in Colossal Cave Mountain Park that are carefuccmp-windmilllly protected and used for research.

I don’t regret visiting, however, it goes on the list of “Been There, Move On, Don’t Need to Go Again.” That list is much shorter for me than the “Want to Repeat” one. For those who had never before been in a cave seeing the underground world was a treat.

After our cave tour we drive to the La Posta Quemada Ranch section of the park – a working ranch for more than a century. We didn’t have time for a horseback ride but a ride in the Rincon Mountains along the National Mail Stagecoach Route would be very scenic.

ccmp-cccThe Civilian Conservation Corps were largely responsible for development of Colossal Cave Mountain Park in the 1930s. The adobe CCC office building has been renovated, housing a museum recalling their efforts and the men who served. From developing the tour route through the cave to the limestone buildings and ramadas the CCC deserves great credit.

The ranch house serves as a museum with exhibits covering topics from ancieccmp-human-sundial2nt Hohokam Indian culture to modern cave research. I was most intrigued with the Analemmatic Sundial which I renamed the human sundial. The horizontal calendar grip is unlike any sundial I’ve ever seen. I tried to get Bob to stand still long enough to serve as the gnomon (vertical rod).

Cave, museums, natural areas, horseback rides, picnic area, and mining sluice –  a family can easily fill an entire day at Colossal Cave Mountain Park.

ccmp-whoaWhen You Go: Colossal Cave Mountain Park is open every day of the year. The park is located about 17 miles southeast of Tucson. Saguaro National Park – Rincon Mountain District lies north of Colossal Cave.  The basic cave tour lasts about 50 minutes covering a half-mile route with numerous stairs, temperature inside the cave is a consistent 70° – a pleasant relief in mid-summer. Reservations are not required, tours are not pre-scheduled; they promise you’ll never wait longer than 30 minutes after purchasing your ticket. There are also Ladder, Wild Cave and Candlelight Tours – these do require reservations. They also suggest reservations for the trail rides.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park participates in the Tucson Attractions Passport program (see blog). The Passport covers the park use entrance fee. Regular fees for cave tours and trail rides apply.

Maps – Tucson, Arizona

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All Maps Aren’t Created Equal

Bob and I are both map people. I don’t want a Garmin, I want a map. Eons ago when we were dating we’d spread National Geographic maps on my parents living room floor and travel the world.

Driving around Tucson we had a handful of different maps – AAA city map, State of Arizona, Benchmark map of Southeast Arizona, and an assortment of local tourist maps with advertisements. I don’t remember which map we were following the morning we wanted to get from Pima Air & Space Museum to Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Whichever one it was showed an almost direct route that would deposit us just north of the park entrance. We headed east, the road went from a busy four lane to two with less traffic, soon it was gravel. Before long it was a narrow rutted dirt road climbing a hill. We were deposited into a sub-division. Following streets to the southeast – the direction the park would be in – didn’t work.

It didn’t take long to realize we’d been at this corner before, we were driving in circles. Reading street signs we became aware all the streets were slightly different versions of the same name. Consulting the more detailed maps didn’t work, we were out of their coverage. Homes were spread out with some acreage between each one with not a lot of activity at 9:30 on a weekday morning. I’m driving with a determination to find my way out of the maze to the Old Spanish Trail. Bob’s saying, “Stop, and ask directions.”

We try following a UPS truck thinking he might lead us out – we were confident he wasn’t going to exit on the road we came up. He was making a number of deliveries. I’m still  not wanting to ask directions. We spot a black SUV that seems to know where he’s going and decide to trail him. Through turns and twists I almost can’t keep him in sight. Fortunately we did stay behind him and end up at the Old Spanish Trail intersection not far from the park.

Bob absolutely declined returning by the same route. That map was relegated to the backseat the rest of the trip.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West – Scottsdale, Arizona

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Night Lights on the Desert

flw-sun-on-logoFrank Lloyd Wright created Taliesin West as the winter home for his school of architecture. The campus sits on the flank of the McDowell Mountains overlooking Scottsdale, Arizona. Protected acres of pristine Sonoran desert surrounds the Wright designed buildings as suburbia creeps ever closer. Visitors from around the world come to tour Taliesin West and learn more about Wright’s design philosophy.

On past visits we’ve taken the 90-minute Insights and the 3-hour Behind the Scenes Tours, each time learning about, perhaps, the best known of 20th-century American architects. This time we made reservations for the Night Lights on the Desert Tour.flw-sculpture-in-sun1

Beginning just before sunset, the two-hour tour includes everything on the daytime Insights Tour plus a stop for refreshments. On most evenings participants are also treated to colorful sunsets followed by star-studded skies and the lights of Scottsdale/Phoenix in the valley below.

Before the tour begins Bob scurries to catch photos as the late afternoon sun warm buildings, sculpture and landscape. As our guide gives background on Wright and Taliesin West we keep eyes focused westward, not to be rude but to watch the kaleidoscope of changing colors – from pinks, violets and lemon yellow to bronze, burnt orange and deep purple.

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When the color show fades we visit Wright’s private office and the living room. Labeled the Garden Room by Wright, this was the social center for family, guests, associates and students. We sit in Wright-designed furniture while the guide tells us about construction methods and materials. This evening we are guests in the Wright home, perhaps his dynamic spirit hovers there with us.

flw-sun-on-studio1After stopping in the bedroom wing the group partakes of tea, lemonade and cookies in an alcove outside of the dining room. Wind prohibits the fire-breathing dragon from staying lit but an outdoor corner fireplace nips the slight chill in the air. The tour concludes with visits to the Kiva, Cabaret Theater and Music Pavilion.

Although there is some duplication, each tour we’ve taken has offered new information and insights. Every guide has been extremely well versed with an obvious dedication to accuracy, however, you do get a slightly different view as the guide’s own interest, knowledge and background come through. We plan to take the Desert Shelter Tour the next time we’re in Scottsdale. 

flw-water1flw-refreshments1flw-dining-room-at-night 

When You Go: Taliesin West offers the Insights and Panorama Tours Daily except Easter, Thanksgiving Christmas and New Years. Other tours are available either seasonally or on particular days of the week. The website gives tour details and rates. Reservations taken by phone at 480-860-2700 Ext. 494. Tours often fill to capacity, especially those not given daily, reservations are strongly advised.

Gracie’s Station Restaurant – Benson, Arizona

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New in Benson – Gracie’s Station

I was thrilled when I heard a new restaurant had opened in Benson, Arizona. With much to explore in the area we’ve frequently stopped for meals, never finding one that especially excited us for a return visit. There was no question we would have dinner at Gracie’s Station.

It got even better when we discovered Gracie’s was next door to our hotel. We didn’t have to get back in car, we could stretch our legs and walk to dinner – yea! A red stagecoach sits out front, the building facade reminds us of an Old Western town movie set. The interior is fashioned after a late 1800s railroad station and decorated with railroad memorabilia and historic photographs. Each of three dining rooms reflect unique atmosphere – Jenny’s Hotel, TJ’s Round House and The Brothel. Of course, there’s The Saloon for before and after dinner beverages and Makena Kate Goods & Needs Store for a bit of shopping.benson-gracies-2

The menu presents a potpourri of choices. There are sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads, steaks and pastas. Station Stop Favorites include good old fashioned comfort food such as meatloaf, turkey dinner, chicken pot pie, catfish and chicken fried steak. Each entree accompanied with soup or salad, homemade bread and two side dishes. Skillet corn bread, pueblo pinion-pumpkin bread and forge fry bread fills the enticing bread basket. Gracie’s offers an all you can eat fish fry on Fridays and prime rib on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

We’re impressed to find gluten free items on the menu and a note that gluten free pasta can be substituted in any of the pasta entrees. What a nice option for those who need such consideration.

After dinner at Gracie’s we knew that new can be better. Welcome to Benson.

When You Go: Gracie’s Station is located just west of Hwy 90 south of I-10, exit 302, on the west side of Benson, Arizona. Open seven days a week 4-10pm.

One Negative: When we approached the Gracie’s hostess stand a half-dozen employees were grouped around a waitress who was having a hissie fit about something. My impression was that it was a conflict with the kitchen. Whatever the cause it was the wrong place to deal with the issue; not a good first impression for the customers. Hopefully this was an isolated instance and management is wise enough to remove such tantrums from the public view in the future. Our waitress was very pleasant and service oriented.

Holiday Inn Express – Benson, Arizona

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Guest Satisfaction

What do you do when you’re dissatisfied with a lodging? Do you complain, fill out the comment card or go away vowing never to return?

The Holiday Inn Express in Benson, Arizona has been rated the #1 HIE hotel in Arizona for 10 years in a row. They hold recognition from the parent company with the Quality of Excellence and Torchbearer Awards and are ranked in the top 17 HIEs in the country. This is not a cookie cutter of every other HIE, we see evidence in many areas of this being a cut above.

We’ve stayed at this hotel on other trips and included them on this year’s itinerary because of past satisfaction. During our visit in late February I became extremely frustrated, especially with the Internet service. It was slower than molasses during an Alaskan January. I was trying to post nightly travel blogs which was impossible from the Benson facility.benson-hie-exterior-h

I, of course, filled out the comment card and turned it in upon check-out. It’s a month later and the phone rings today, it’s the general manager of the Benson HIE calling.  From my comment they had some testing done and did find a problem in the area of the hotel where our room was located. Their Internet provider had failed to notify them of the problem but I was assured corrections have been made. I was amazed he took the time to make a personal phone call, to him I was only a name on a card. Although we’re repeat guests our stays are far enough apart that we’re not remembered from one trip to another. And, he has no idea I write a travel blog and may put my opinions out to the world via cyberspace.

Benson is located on I-10 east of Tucson. The incredible Kartchner Caverns State Park is 10 miles south, an excellent reason to stop in Benson. Also nearby is the Singing Wind Book Shop (see blog), a must visit for book lovers of every genre. Benson can serve as a hub for touring many highlights found in Cochise County – Tombstone, Chiricahua National Monument, Cochise Stronghold, Armerind Foundation, Bisbee, San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca. Cochise County fills the southeast corner of Arizona and offers a long list of reasons to visit.

benson-hie-roomFrom the warm cookies at check-in to the specially selected carpet and materials in a tasteful Southwest theme there’s been attention paid to detail throughout the hotel. I love the cowboy boot fabric covering the valance. In the bathroom we find not only the obligatory bath mat but also a sparkling white throw rug – perfect for bare feet in front of the sink. New flat-screen televisions are wall mounted. A wood cabinet holds the microwave and mini-frig; they’re not just plopped in an available space as an afterthought.

Conveniently located at exit 302, the hotel is set back far enough to eliminate much of the road noise. Grounds, fountains and landscaping are kept well maintained as are the heated outdoor pool and hotel interior. There’s an obvious commitment to excellence.

I still have a couple of things I would like to see addressed. In place of a desk they’ve chosen small square tables in the guest rooms. I suspect that’s sufficient for most guests – which I assume to fall into the tourist category instead of business. I would much prefer a desk.

benson-hie-lobbyThe lobby is a large lovely space with stone fireplace and deep cushy chairs. The breakfast area is not large enough to accommodate the number of guests wishing to eat at one time. It wouldn’t be quite as eye pleasing but adding some tables would increase convenience and comfort. One of the problems is that a fair percentage of the guests are retirees (at least during winter months) who tend to have little morning agenda other than socializing and the crossword. They claim a table and sip coffee for the duration. I understand the hotel can’t ask them to move along but more space and tables are needed for a successful breakfast buffet experience.

There’s no doubt in my mind that management does care about guest satisfaction. We’ll have to return to check on that Internet connection.

When You Go: Holiday Inn Express, Benson, Arizona is located at I-10 exit 302 and Hwy 90. They’re often filled to capacity, make your reservations before heading to Benson.

 

Expedition Health – Denver Museum of Nature & Science – Denver, Colorado

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Sneak “Peak” – Expedition Health

The first new permanent exhibit in six years opens at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Saturday, April 4th. Expedition Health is all about discovering the amazing, incredible YOU. “Hands-on” and “interactive” are too often used to  describe any exhibit where one pushes a button. In Expedition Health these terms truly apply as visitors put their own body to work through the learning stations. The exhibit is based around the real Colorado experience of climbing 14,258′ Mount Evans.

eh-entryUpon entering the exhibit each person receives a Peak Pass, a plastic card activated with a few personal statistics. The computer may ask for age but it doesn’t get into the “w” word – weight. As one moves through the 20 activity stations you insert the card so that your information is added as it measures and compares. At “Your Heart’s Electricity” we grip a bar which generates an electrocardiogram and learn how the ups and downs on the EKG graph represent the activity and eh-blood-vessels1electricity of different chambers of the heart. “BioRide” takes us on a virtual bicycle ride through the Rocky Mountains with personal target heart rates and pulse measurements. “Blood Flow” illuminates the blood vessels in our hand and forearm and what happens when we press on a vessel and relieve the pressure.

Place a hand in the “cold box” to experience the effects of wind chill. As we move through the stations we learn about altitude adjustment, the “Fate of a Granola Bar” and how food is fuel for daily life and our “trek” up Mount Evans.

eh-movement-bones“Full Body Viewer” is sure to be constantly busy. As you approach the projection screen a skeleton appears, It mirrors your movements as you squat, wave, reach and turn. With touch controls other body systems replace the skeleton: the nervous and endocrine systems, the circulatory and respiratory system and the musculature.

We “Measure Up” by standing tall and stretching our arms straight to the side, then compare our proportions to other people of the same age. While walking down a runway at “Size Up Your Stride” a silhouette of our stride is captured on video and displayed on a projection screen along with stride eh-crossing-the-riverlength, speed measurements and how much energy was used. Data is recorded on our Peak Pass and printed out on our Personal Profile before we exit. The learning continues at home, with the number on our printout we can enter a website and access our personal information and additional activities.

Thinking we’re taking a break we enter the “BodyTrek Theater,” however, this is participatory as well. The 12-minute program gives us an “inside” view of how the body reacts during a trek up Mount Evans. Pulse-oximeters are located in front of every seat and the audience gets a look at itself via an infrared camera. Special effects include wind, dropping temperatures and falling snow. We learn and are entertained.

At the “Summit Science Stage” we joined the captain through “Pirates of the Human Being: Meet Your Microbial Mates” – an interactive show mixing cartoon characters on monitors, live performance and audience participation. This expedition took us into the amazing microbes that live in and on the human body – good and bad. Yes, I did earn my skull and cross bones tattoo (sticker) and did not have to “walk the plank.”

“Tykes Peak” provides a mix of full body activity, dramatic play and multisensory experiences for the one- to five-year-old set. We acted like we were five with the giant pin-screen, kids are going to love it.

eh-in-the-labLab coats, gloves and safety goggles gets us prepared for “Biology Base Camp,” an authentic laboratory. Using research equipment visitors test different antibacterial products on live bacteria, extract DNA and determine the sugar content of various breakfast cereals. Staff tells us that youngsters as young as five succeed with their experiments with some parental guidance. Yet, we as adults found the experiments of interest. This promises to be a popular stop along the Expedition Health journey.

Since this was a sneak peak ten days before opening some of the stations were not yet complete or were being tweaked by technicians. By all appearances everything will be up and running on opening day, April 4th. We went expecting only a walk-through but thoroughly enjoyed our exeh-labpedition.

When You Go: General admission to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science includes entrance into Expedition Health. In order to assure a quality experience at Expedition Health advance reservations are required and are available online. The museum is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO. Check the website for hours and fees.

Expedition Health cost $8.7 million to develop, design and build. Kaiser Permanente is the presenting sponsor. Numerous foundations and donors made major contributions to the exhibit.

Stahmann’s Pecans – Las Cruces, New Mexico

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Going Nuts

Perfectly spaced rows of pruned pecan trees border the rural road on our way to Stahmann’s Country Store. I have one purpose in mind – PECANS. Located a few miles south of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Stahmann’s estate grown pecans is in its 77th year as a family stahmanns-orchardowned business. “Estate grown” means Stahmann’s grow all of their own pecans, never buying from other sources. Acres and acres of orchards receive irrigation from the Rio Grande. From tree to packaging each step is carefully controlled. For instance, Stahmann Farms stopped using chemical insecticides in the late 1980s. Instead, thousands of ladybugs, lacewing flies and natural predators control the harmful green and black aphids.

stahmanns-storeOn our last trip through Las Cruces I discovered the Stahmann store on the historic plaza of Old Mesilla. A couple of tins of cinnamon spice pecans went home with us. Bob swears he doesn’t remember any of this, he’s sure I devoured them all myself? This time we purchase a half-dozen tins, roasted & salted, cinnamon spice and mild chile dusted. We resist the temptation of pralines, pecan brittle, white chocolate pecans and a dozen more tantalizing treats. I do make sure we tuck a catalog into the bag, making a mental note of their gift packages and assortments the next time I need special presents.

stahmanns-pecansBefore leaving we treat ourselves to the richest, creamiest pecan praline ice cream cone I’ve ever enjoyed. And, I’ve tried quite a few in my years. There’s something totally decadent with indulging in such a treat at 10:15 in the morning.

I want to go back sometime from May through August when tours are conducted every Wednesday morning and green leaves shade the orchard floor.

When You Go: Stahmann’s Country Store, on Hwy 28 south of Las Cruces, and Stahmann’s on the Plaze in Mesilla are open seven days a week. Stahmann’s accepts phone and online orders.

Sad Note: When our car was broken into in Phoenix one of the things that came up missing was our sack of Stahmann’s pecans. Bob moaned, “We hadn’t even gotten into them yet.” I tried to explain to everyone that these weren’t ordinary pecans, these were gourmet pecans. Next time we’ll eat our way out of the Stahmann’s parking lot.