Tucson for a day

Today was an absolute Arizona Treasure! We started out this morning north of Tucson, stopping at the Pinal Air Park. We have seen the many jets parked out there as we traveled up and down I10, and after arriving there, we were told that it is a restricted area, and not open to the public. Oh well. On to Tucson, and then back north about 20 miles on Hwy 79 to the Biosphere II. Created and maintained by the University of Arizona. We took some pictures, but the tour didn't start for an hour and we had a late start without lunch so we took some pics from afar and moved on.
Theres snow at the top of some of the peaks down there. That's close enough for me!Back into town we stopped at the Tohono Chul Park and had lunch in the Park's Tea Room.
Browsed through a couple of the gift shops and the greenhouse on their grounds.
Strolled through the different Desert Habitats and Gardens, learning that in this area of the Sanoran desert there are actually two summers, making it have five seasons instead of four. The facilities and Art Exhibit areas are constructed of real Adobe Bricks, and have a Spanish Atrium Motif and the dining area is veranda like, complemeted by a Clay tile fountain in the center and a Hummingbird Garden on the rear patio The art Exhibit area changes with traveling artistry, but the focus remains the reflections of the legacy of the Southwest and promotes an appreciation of the region's arts and cultures.
The displays today were Traditional Paper Art: Contemporary Interpretations.....the works of a local Polish Artist who preserves the papercutting traditions of her home country. Also, a Croatioan Artist displays of his Croatian art of Origami Paper Folding. The other display area was named Meanwhile Back at the Ranch, and all 13 artists represent the views and approaches to the theme of ranching at it's hub. Splendid pencil drawings, bronze sculptures and hand tooled leather saddles.
I enjoyed our afternoon a whole lot. It was relaxed and yet we got to learn some more about this area and it's culture.
There's lots that I won't remember there, we took in alot there. With the sun setting and Picacho peak sharing the late afternon shadows in the distance, we made it back home amongst the crazies on the highway. N
ow it's off to bed and early to rise before sun up....hit the highway going in the other direction, heading up to Phoenix to Firebird Raceway in the morning. It will be our home away from home for the next few days.