Friday, March 18, 2016

Tohono Chul




A couple back in the sixties purchased 37 acres including a Hacienda (now the Bistro) and lived there for 8 years. In the 70's developers tried to get them to sell the land for development. They refused as they didn't want to see the land cemented over and wanted to preserve it.  They planned the Park and it was dedicated in 1985 it now encompasses 49 acres.

This cool crested Saguaro is in the Desert Loop

Beautiful views of the Santa Catalina Mountains



This is a Saguaro Cactus "Boot"  What is left of a cavity nest built by Cactus Owls or Wrens after the cactus has died.


Here Lizard Lizard

Looks real but is really just a great sculpture

A lovely Garden Courtyard




The Demonstration Gardens inspire







The Geology Wall is really cool.  The 55 foot long semi-circular wall contains several hundred rock specimens representing more than 2 dozen geologic formations that compromise the Santa Catalina Mountains









Such a calming place to wander about



At first I though what an interesting branch formation or was it a nest? No it's actually a Bronze and Steel sculpture called Empty Nest

Things are starting to bloom


Even the Saquaros are forming buds.  I hope we can see one in bloom before we leave!  They usually don't bloom until May

Prickly Pear





There are quite a few interesting sculptures scattered about



There are a couple of Art Galleries as well


Petroglyphs




There are a couple of art galleries as well








Creative Benches

A huge Sycamore


We've worked up an appetite walking around so we head to the Bistro for Lunch

Gary had the Veggie Panini with Fries

I had the Salmon Salad

What a Spectacular day!

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