DeGrazia - Gallery in the Sun

I can't say that Lou enjoyed the gallery, but I did.

There is so much history of the area, and the gallery is arranged by topics. 

I won't attempt to recreate the story line, just enjoy his pictures.

Looking for the 7 cities of gold.

Hoop dancer

 

Delightful Sights

                        Mt. Lemmon Scenic Drive

"Oops"

hard landing!

We might even be able to ski this slope😉

temperature about 55 - 

not too bad!  (no wind) 

The scenic drive is just that.

such interesting rock formations

Mission San Xavier

                                        A National Historic Landmark

The Mission was founded in 1692 bringing Catholicism to the indigenous peoples of the area.  The current structure was started in 1783 and work continued for 14 years until the money ran out.  Numerous additions started in the early 19th century, and repairs and restorations continue.

Renovations in process.

It was kind of a surprise to not see the traditional view when we drove up.

Much of this facade was repaired in the 1950's, more being redone today.

We were here a few years ago, but the inside was far more 'weathered' than I had remembered.

The artists rendition of the Mission

We visited several lovely art galleries in Tubac

I had to take this picture for Nancy Cicutto and her artistic gourds!

Lou's school buddy Joe Hindman is a collector of Hal Empie's paintings, so we were treated to a tour of the house and studio of his work.

Hal was born in the Arizona Territory in 1909, became a pharmacist who painted between filling prescriptions.

He is a cartoonist that sold Kartoon Kards (postcards) in all the western states. 

His daughter Ann has the gallery.

This was a wonderful day in Tubac, Arizona

Saguaro National Park - Raptors + Desert life + Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

                    Saguaro National Park - West 

Saguaro National Park-West

is actually a zoo of the animals in the area in their natural habitat.

There are many wonderful exhibits, but the most fun is the Raptors Free Flight.

Sometimes the birds fly so low that they ruffle your hair!

The Great Horned Owls

We were told that the birds would fly if they did not feel threatened.

So, we were told to act like a bush.

The birds did fly often to each side of the observation crowd.

( to get treats from the handlers)

I felt lucky to get these photos!

Yes, it's pretty exciting to see these guys in action. 

( I think they enjoy putting on a show)

These are Harris hawks

A wonderful show!

They got their ducks in a row.

The Bobcat - just takin a little snooze

Coyote surveying his territory

Grey Wolf

"just lookin at ya"

A familiar sight!

BIG CAT

Big Nap

We say this unusual cactus on the Mexico Baja trip

it is called Boojum

(Weird cactus, weird name)

 

This is a Crescent Saguaro,

can eventually grow to 6 feet wide at the crest.

They are not sure why they do this occasionally.

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

There are so many booths, products and unusual items.

I had to ask about this vendor.

It apparently started out by the parents and boy digging around dumps and outhouses, looking for any relics, fossils and oddities.

They have many 'reconnected' fossilized dinosaur bones.

Just in case you are looking for a Russian doll

( the ones that have several nested inside the large one)

Perhaps you'd like a dinosaur skeleton.

or a whole tray of Trilobites.

It has been a pretty exhausting day at the museum and Gem Show.

(but pretty fabulous!)