Tucson Gem and Mineral show

We decided to sit at the community table rather than wait the 30 or more minutes for a private table for a Sunday morning breakfast. You never know what you are going to get when you sit there. the first couple ignored us. That was fine. The next lady seemed a bit grumpy but turned out to be delightful once she got her coffee and ordered here meal. She asked if we were snowbirds while starting up a conversation. They looked like they were in their 80s, from Indiana and full time RVers for 20 years.

The 1,200-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail connects from Nogales, Arizona, to the San Francisco Bay Area. Much of the Santa Cruz bike path runs along this trail.

The local gem show has ended. We were amazed at the size of many of the geodes. The law enforcement watches for smuggled fossils and gems from all over the world. They caught quite a few people bringing in illegal items this year. 

After dinner we usually take a walk. Last night we ran into a group of people looking at the sky, waiting for the International Space Station to fly over. We joyed the wait and watched through a light cover of clouds and waved at the astronauts as we watched it pass in the sky. Then stopped to listen to mariachis that were playing in the auditorium for a while.

Amazing fossils

Zeolites

We had no idea that amethyst geodes could be so huge.

Had some great fish tacos. El Charro has been here since 1922 in the old Tucson area.

Great fish tacos here.

 

Tumacacori and Tubac Art Festival

It has been three weeks since I finished my last contract in Mesa, AZ.  We had planned to visit the art festival in Tubac and decided since Tumacacori was just a couple more miles down the road and 19 miles north of Nogales, why not stop in.

The docent was interesting as she shared the stories about the Hohokam and Apache Indians and Jesuit missionaries from Spain.

As we entered the sanctuary, a recording of monks singing was playing and softly echoing through the sanctuary.

The cemetery and house with an open roof where the dying were brought.

Wishing well in Tubac.

 Located in the Santa Cruz River Valley, Tubac, AZ has a 250-year-old Spanish history. In 1752, Juan Bautista de Anza was appointed as the commandant to the Presidio at Tubac after leading a group 1200 miles from Mexico to  San Francisco.

Mike liked the Dirty Redhead Beer from a local brewery.

I wish I had the artist's names to give them credit but they were amazing.

Cool road signs



We find ourselves shaking our heads that we have been fortunate enough to be able to see all of these wonderful places and taste so many different food. I don't know how we have managed it but things just seem to work out for us. I am so glad that we started our adventure 14 years ago instead of waiting for someday. We know many people who have not been lucky enough live this many years or have the health to live the life we have. I know it will end or at least change someday. For now I am enjoying every minute of it.

Another amazing artist.

Bear Canyon's Seven Falls

Temperatures have been unseasonably warm in the 80s. If we were going for a longer hike, we had to set the alarm clock for 6 am since Sabino Canyon is 45 minutes with morning traffic from where we are staying.

 

It was a perfect sunny day with a temp of 50 degrees when we started. Many people heading up Sabino Canyon dressed very warmly as we headed to Bear Canyon. We were in the shade most of the hike up and had to peel off a layer by the time we got to the top.

We crossed the creek seven times without falling in too many times. A couple of weeks ago, the creek was impassable unless you just waded through the water to get across.

Talk about a payoff for a hike. The air was cool and peaceful sounds of the falls. Of course, some crazy college students were swimming in a very cold pool and made us laugh.

The brittlebush likes the warm sunny side of the slopes and have started blooming with the warm days. I am looking forward to watching the desert bloom over the next two months.

 

Behind Mike is a shear drop and more waterfalls. What a nice place to rest and cool down before returning. As we set off back down the path, the sun was higher with less shade and many people coming up the path. It was pretty warm when we got back to the trailhead and we just sat in the shade for a bit before heading home.

 

As we travel, I find groups to practice my Spanish in conversational groups or classes. I spent time with a nice group of people this week and realize my Spanish will always be asi asi or so so.  I understand Español but the speaking gives my brain a strain. It can be intimidating but they will probably never see me again. If they remember me, it will be "that poor nurse that tried so hard".



Tucson bike trails

 Pima County is developing The Loop around metro Tucson with links to Marana, Oro Valley, and South Tucson. More than 100 miles of shared-use paths that have already been completed. If it doesn't have a motor, it's good to go on The Loop.

Work is ongoing to add more miles of paths. When completed, The Loop will total 131 miles and connect the Rillito River Park, Santa Cruz River Park, and Pantano River Park with Julian Wash and the Harrison Greenway.

 The RV park has a gate to access the trail. When we returned to Tucson, we decided to check out them out 

For two weeks near the start of every year, Tucson becomes playground number one for the world of international gem and mineral trading, buying, bargains and bragging rights.  We stopped along our ride at one of the tents.

These amethyst are from Bolivia

I believe this is tourmaline from Arkansas. The people exhibiting the gems and minerals were good to explain about the mining process and where they were found.

Good thing I bring my own bike mechanic along. Mike had the flat changed in no time.

We saw Bob and Ann riding along the path and joined them and some of their friends that had also moved to Tucson from Colorado. They were like Pied Pipers gathering Colorado friends along the way.  They were on a burrito ride to El Pueblita Taqueria which served wonderful Jalisco style food.

The next day they took us south on the Julian Wash Trail and ended up in another great place with a total of 82 miles of riding. We are here for another 2 months and are looking forward to the places these paths will take us. In all of our travels, this has to be the best trail system we have experienced in the US other than Anchorage, Alaska. 

Old Town Artisans had a great feel and featured local musicians that were quite entertaining.