It’s our last day in Tucson before the drive back up to Scottsdale and our visit with Jane and Michael (good friends of Steve & Arlene — and ours, and our gracious hosts last time we were in the area).
Recommended by several sources is the Mission San Xavier del Bac in the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation.
- The White Dove of the Desert
A 1783 Franciscan mission. Missionaries were forced to leave in 1828, and returned in 1911 to continue as church and school of the Tohono O’odham. The ultimate in Spanish Mission Architecture.
- Interior Restoration
The story of the interior and exterior restoration is a bit of a miracle in itself. An eclectic, international gathering of historians, architects, art restorers, fund-raisers, local tribes-people and contractors, saved and created what you see.
- Man in the Maze
The beautiful local symbol of the passage of life; birth through the maze of discovery, self-discovery, gathering, contemplating, and readying for the world beyond.
- Fry-Bread!
I guess a Tohono way to get more quickly into the next world, but sure good slathered in honey on a cool morning.
- Historic Barrio of Tucson
Back into town for a walk of the old Barrio and Presidio sections. At the edge of what’s left of the Barrio after razing most of it for the new Convention Center is a shrine to someone’s lover in an unconsecrated grave. The Barrio still has rows of brightly colored adobe “row homes” and small businesses.
- Towards the Presidio
The imposing Spanish-Style of the St. Augustine Cathedral reflecting desert themes in its decoration.
- Surprisingly Sparse Interior
The walls are decorated with faux paintings that do look three-dimensional from distance.
- Frank Gehry in Tucson?
Down the street a pretty wild bank building that is not Frank Gehry, but pretty cool in its setting.
- Modern Sculpture entering Presidio Area
One of many interesting modern installations as you enter the pristine Presidio area.
- The Pima County Courthouse
One of Tucson’s most beautiful historic structures. Spanish-Colonial style with a mosaic tile dome.
- Tucson Museum of Art
Around the beautiful setting of the Museum sits a cluster of charming historic homes in their original condition.
- Sosa-Carillo-Fremont House
- Wonderful sculptural benches in the museum square
- A Last Look at the Western Park
We drive back to the park for a long loop drive and mile hike to commune with the beautiful saguaro and quiet before the drive back in congested Phoenix area traffic.
- A Goodbye Handshake
These photos really capture the feeling of the Southwest. Makes me want to visit!
so…did you go to Little Poca Cosa? If so, we are jealous. Have a great time and keep the photos coming.
alan and dale
The one and only time I’ve been in Tucson, I visited the San Xavier del Bac mission; it was definitely worth it.