Natural and Spiritual Beauty

February 10-12, 2017

Tucson, Arizona

We are loving the sunny skies and warm weather, but Friday's expected 90 degrees is too much of a good thing, so I figure a trip to 10K feet is the perfect option.

I thought that my mother and I made the drive up Mt Lemmon during the 12 years she lived in Tucson. However I'm sure I would have remembered - and then I would have planned more time for this adventure. Leaving the valley at noon, and needing to be back for happy hour at 4:30, we definitely didn't give ourselves enough time. 

On both the trip up the mountain, and the trip back down, we comment on the extreme change in eco-systems. From the low-growth desert of the valley we pass first through a Saquaro forest with the tall beauties covering hillsides for miles. Then they completely disappear, replaced by Chapparreal with Yuccas and Ocotillo. Next comes our favorite area where the amazing rock formations out-shine the Manzanita, oaks and huge green shrubbery. We are steadily climbing from 2500 feet to about 8500 feet. There are dozens of view points and parking spots to stop and see the huge vistas below. Finally, we start seeing snow amid a thick pine forest just before getting to the tiny ski-town of Summerhaven. I imagine in the heat of summer the name is true for lots of Tucsonians! The gate is closed above the ski lifts where a few folks are skiing on fully covered slopes. We must have said Wow! a million times :-))

Magical forest

The wonder of water in the desert.

We spend a lot of time playing among the boulders at Morino Basin - here watching bugs swim under the water.

After getting her feet wet in the creek, Tessa dries off on a warm rock.

There's no need to get so close to the edge. No. Need.

The formations are spectacular.

Wonderful views. I can see fine from here.

My favorite. A thin slab with small arch.

So much Wow.

Big views from the snowy top.

The tall run is closed, but the smaller run to the right is open. 

One of many view points.

While at the top, it's 59 degrees and a bit breezy. Back in the valley it's still 91 degrees. Definitely a good day for Mt Lemmon! 

We're back in time for happy hour at John and Pam's with Sue and Dave as well. We first met these four in the Fall of 2015 after following each other's blogs for almost two years. Now we count them among our favorite friends. We look forward to meeting Gay and Joe who are also here but unable to join us this evening.

Saturday morning we're up and out the door to meet our high school friend, Reggie. Yes, another one! Reggie makes 50 friends from our high school we've visited on the road - not including those we've seen at our Laughlin, Nevada, reunions. So much fun!!

Reggie has been in Tucson for over 40 years.

Saturday evening we're so happy to meet Gay and Joe at Sue and Dave's! Another delightful couple who we already feel like we've known forever :-) John and Pam are here too. It's getting dark when one of us remembers we haven't taken a photo - we'll just have to get together again!

The expected clouds are here Sunday morning, and it's noon before we wander outside. Neither of us are feeling particularly adventurous so we make the short drive to see Mission San Xavier del Bac. Bill mentions it's Sunday as we pull into the driveway.....so we're not alone. 

This oldest existing European structure in Arizona was completed in 1797. Numerous restorations have maintained the ancient beauty of the multi-domed church.

Large grounds.

There is a deep history here and you can feel it as soon as you step inside what is a surprisingly small congregation space. The hand painted ceilings and arches are muted and soft with age. Even with the crowd it is a peaceful house of spirit. Unfortunately the camera is back home and my phone struggles to capture the beauty.

Imagine all the stories that have entered here.

I love this muted but intricate detail.

Popular on Sunday. The last Mass is held at 12:30 pm.

Windows, doors and ceilings are adorned in delicate design.

Very narrow seating for services.

Three large alcoves with domed ceilings have incredible artistry.

In addition to many Catholic saints are Native American statues and paintings. 

So much to take in. The bronze lions are kind of weird :-)

The Teacher is a lovely piece in the little museum.

Cloudy skies add to the quiet.

A very happy cholla in the large garden.

At the church entrance is a sign reminding people to be quiet. Who has to be reminded?? As I'm walking in the front I hear loud laughter just outside the door. Who would be so irreverent?  I turn around to see who.....it's three nuns :-)) I have to try very hard not to join in.

We return home and succumb to the call of the nap. And wake up to loud thunder with just enough rain to spot our nice wax job. Oh well......