We stayed at the Far Horizons RV Resort in Tucson, and on Thursday we visited Judy Conway and enjoyed visiting with her. We went to dinner at a very nice Mexican restaurant and she gave us suggestions as to places to visit while we are here.
On Friday our first visit was Mission San Xavier del Bac, a national historical landmark and the only remaining intact mission in AZ. It is considered the finest example of Mexican Baroque architecture in the US. It remains a working parish for the Tohono O'odham people, many of whom live nearby. It was founded in 1692 by Jesuit missionary Fr. Eusebio Francisco Kino. The current structure was begun in 1783 by Franciscan Father Velderrain. In 1978 the Patrano San Xavier was formed by a group of Tucson citiens for the sole purpose of restoring and preserving the church. The mission remains a working church. The Franciscan pastor and the parochial vicr provide spiritual leadership to the parish, and services occur throughout the week.
Next to the Mission is the mission school run by the Franciscan Sisters of Charity and it operates grades K-8. As a historical note, Fr. Kino's statue is in the Capitol building, and is one of two representing Arizona.
After lunch we decided to visit the Arizona Desert Museum. What a shock to discover that it was an OUTDOOR museum, and the temperature was a toasty 96! Luckily the restrooms had suntan lotion dispensers, and water fountains throughout the park were numerous. We especially enjoyed the hummingbird area and the aviary. We also enjoyed seeing the mountain goats. The flowers and the cacti were numerous and the paths were well marked and for the most part paved. This museum is ranked in the top 10 of places to visit in Arizona. We didn't realize just how far from the campground we were, and the trip home seemed endless.
That evening we visited good friend, Charlotte Cox. Another wonderful visit!
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