South of Tucson

After three delightful, restful nights at Tubac Golf Resort it’s time to head north to Tucson. The trip up the Interstate is only about 45 miles but we make a couple of interesting stops along the route.

 

 

 

One activity that came highly recommended was the ASARCO Mission Mine Tour. A museum, visitor center, gift shop is located a short distance from Exit 80. We had not made reservations and the next tour was already filled.

 

Tours last about one hour with a bus taking the group out to a viewpoint of the active open-pit copper mine. Then the tour stops at the mill where the ore is ground into a fine powder so that the copper minerals can be separated by flotation. Instead of waiting for the next available tour we spend time in the museum and watched a couple of videos explaining the mining/smelting process.

 

A cactus garden studded with retired mining equipment surrounds the Mineral Discovery Center. Bob stood in one of the large scoops and beside a giant economy sized dump truck to give some perspective of just how big the equipment is.

 

 

Our other destination was a return visit to the San Xavier del Bac Mission. Recognized as one of the finest examples of Mission architecture in the United State the church glistens in the desert setting. Ongoing preservation and renovation protects the artistry of the historic gem.

 

 

The interior  is breathtakingly ornate, a combination of baroque and art reflecting the colors and cultures of the Tohono O’odham people. Respectfully we sit silently in admiration and inspiration.

 

 

 

 

Outside we can’t leave without a plate of traditional fry bread dusted with cinnamon sugar and photos of the blooming cacti before saying farewell to The White Dove of the Desert.

 

Tubac, Arizona

 

Known as an artist colony Tubac, Arizona’s more than 125 galleries, shops and artist studios welcome visitors with warm Western hospitality; no snobbishness or pretensions. Located 45 miles south of Tucson on I-19 Tubac is a popular day-trip or weekend getaway. Visitors discover a broad range of merchandise – original art and sculpture, colorful Mexican pottery, collectibles and souvenirs.

 

     

 

I found an especially appealing group of shops at 19 Tubac Road, including Lily’s, Sweet Poppy, Artseeds and Geren Gallery.

The Tubac Center for the Arts is always worth a stop. The center’s new Master Artists Gallery showcases those who were important in creating Tubac’s reputation, “Where Art and History Meet.” Other galleries feature temporary exhibits  and new works by local artists. We found the gift shop worth checking out, leaving with a unique piece of jewelry.

 

 

When feeling almost overwhelmed by painted wall lizards and rusty metal javelinas or coyotes we find a quiet, shaded courtyard for a restful break. Even then we find appealing scenes to photograph.

 

Cochise County Wanderings

Arizona

 

Coronado National Memorial

Commemorating Franciso Vasquez de Coronado’s 1540-42 expedition, the National Memorial offers panoramic views of the US-Mexican border and the San Pedro River Valley thought to be Coronado’s probable route. The expedition was in search of the Seven Cities of Gold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A short nature trail near the Visitors Center features desert foliage including yuccas and ocotillos. Not a true cactus, the spiny ocotillo stems look like dead sticks until crimson clusters appear on the tips.

 

Bob tried to look tough and mean armed with saber and wearing a morion – the metal helmut associated with conquistadors. He reported the headgear was extremely uncomfortable and couldn’t image wearing it for any length of time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bisbee, Arizona

 

Bisbee attracts visitors with its rich mining history and present day art community. The first adjectives that come to my mine are quirky and funky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob spotted a likely looking lunch spot, Cafe Cornucopia. What a great find. The tiny eatery seats 24 for lunch or a sweet treat.Their homemade bread and an array of homemade desserts shouldn’t be missed. I loved the Pina Colada Cake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

 

Late afternoon found us at San Pedro House, a popular Cochise County birding location. Trails lead into the Riparian Forest, past pools and ponds. Throughout our visit a large, white breasted hawk never left his perch in the top of a large cottonwood. Armed with bird books and binoculars we spend a couple of hours. We are novices and don’t try to photograph the flighty feathered creatures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends of the San Pedro River, a non-profit organization operate a book and gift store in San Pedro House. Materials reflect nature and regional interests; the book selection is outstanding including children books for all ages and novels. I could spend a fortune here; a good way to support the organization’s efforts.

 

Anyone near Sierra Vista wanting to shop for books should head east on AZ Hwy 90 and browse the selection at San Pedro House. And, indulge in some bird watching while they’re there.

Name That Tree

This woman raised in the Midwest and living in Colorado for 50 years had no idea what kind of tree this is. At first glance I thought someone had climbed up and wired carnation blossoms to the limbs.

 

Buds of the tree in question.

 

Enlightenment came from a docent at Tumacacori National Historical Park in southern Arizona.

 

 

It’s a pomegranate tree, introduced into North America by Spanish settlers in 1769. No fooling!

 

 

Arizona Folklore Preserve

With Dolan Ellis

We spent the afternoon at the Arizona Folklore Preserve located south of Sierra Vista, Arizona. The center has evolved from dream to reality for singer/songwriter/entertainer Dolan Ellis. An original member of the New Christy Minstrels in the 1960s, Ellis has served as Arizona’s Official State Balladeer since 1966. He’s written more than 300 songs focusing on the history, culture and nature of his adopted state. Joining with the University of Arizona South, Ellis and a dedicated cast of volunteers have established the Preserve for performances of music and Arizona folklore – fact and fiction. Originally Ellis performed nearly every weekend, currently he is scheduled once a month with guest artists from around the country the remaining weekends.

Our trip was planned around attending a Sunday afternoon Ellis show, and, we were not disappointed. Today’s theme was Songs of Spring and included the debut of a new song, Casa Grande.  We’re amazed at his strong voice and energetic performance for a man who celebrated his 79th birthday this week. It was a privilege to once again see and hear this Arizona treasure who has been named the first Arizona Culture Keeper.

Situated in Ramsey Canyon the Arizona Folklore Preserve grounds are lush with spring greenery. After the show we relaxed on the deck which is built around a sprawling Arizona Sycamore estimated at more than 200 years old.