Tohono Chul

We missed going to Tohono Chul with friends from the Park because I had come down with a Stomach virus again, but today is glorious so we headed out.

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!

Drive up to Mt. Lemmon

The forecast is for a high of 88 degrees.  That's sit inside in the A/C or the better alternative, drive up Mt. Lemmon for some natural A/C

The guys checking out the view

Looks like a good spot for a picnic lunch

The views are pretty spectacular

Seems to be a popular spot for bikers. 

There are lots of places to enjoy the views

Rock climbing possibilities abound

Some interesting rock formations

It is a long and winding road . . .  it begins in the Lower Sonoran region and climbs up to the forests of the Canadian zone, providing a chance to experience four seasons in one trip.

A view of the road below

Tucson dragged me to this snowbank.  He is going to be one happy puppy when we get to Colorado!

This is what is left of an old Japanese Internment camp. 

It was called an Honor Camp - but who was the one with Honor?

 

 Later, a federal commission determined that the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was motivated by racial prejudice, wartime hysteria and failed political leadership.  I can't help but have concern that if Trump actually succeeds in his quest for presidency that he would reinstate these camps for Muslims as well as any groups or people that may disagree with him.