Warmer Climates

We ended 2013 in Colorado with friends and family but once the holidays were over we were anxious to get on the road again.  In January drove to Tucson to visit Bruce's sister and Dad.  We stopped in Santa Fe for the first night which gave us the chance to shop at Trader Joe's and have margaritas and dinner at Maria's.  Perfect way to end a day on the road!

Next morning we drove south to Albuquerque and stopped at Petroglyph National Monument. The monument sits in the middle of houses, stores and restaurants but once you get on the trail  all that seems to fade away.

The images cover the rocks on the hillsides.

These people traded extensively.  A Macaw image

After one more night on the road we arrived in Tucson.  Beautiful 70 degree days and cold nights were a nice change from Colorado's colder weather.  We were able to visit, hike and enjoy just being together.

 San Xavier del Bac Mission

The San Xavier del Bac Mission was built in the late 1700's when this area was part of New Spain.

 Not much is known about the artisans who completed the baroque interior, but they were probably from Mexico. The church has often undergone restoration and repairs that continue today.  They are still an active church that serves the Tohono O'odham reservation. 

Catalina Stare Park

Catalina SP Romero Pools Trail

Romero Pools

Bruce's family lives very close to Catalina State Park, a beautiful oasis with huge Saguaro cactus. We enjoyed daily hikes there along Sutherland Wash, which had quite a bit of water while we were there.  The Romero Pools Trail takes you up high above the valley floor to a series of deep pools.  

Saguaro Cactus