BABOQUIVARI PEAK

To the Tohono O’odham people in southern Arizona, Baboquivari Peak holds the key to the beginning of life on earth. This mysterious and sacred mountain is believed to be the home of I’itoi the creator who, to this day, still watches over his people.
Legends surround this beautiful mountain wilderness and contain stories of hidden treasure and Spanish conquistadors greedy for gold. One legend tells of the ruthless Spaniards being swallowed by the earth as they dug their way into the mountainside looking for gold.
Located 50 miles west of Tucson on Route 86, the peak stands at 7,730 feet and can be seen jutting into the sky for miles around with the east face of the peak being the most conspicuous feature in the mountain range. The peak is very popular with hikers and rock climbers and is considered by some to be the best backpacking in Arizona.
Permission is needed to camp on the mountain and permits can be obtained from the Baboquivari Mountain Park. The number to call is 520-383-2366.

THE MIGHTY SAGUARO CACTUS

Nothing represents the desert like the magnificent Saguaro cactus. The Saguaro cactus is by far the most recognized symbol of the Sonoran Desert and its white blossom is the state flower of Arizona.
In the desert west of Tucson, as you drive through the Saguaro National Park, you will find an abundance of these mighty giants. Set against the backdrop of rugged red hills these sentinels stand guard over a harsh terrain that provides little in the way of comfort or shade. These towering cacti can grow up to 60 feet with the tallest measuring around 78 feet with a life span of up to 200 years. Its region limited, the Saguaro cactus can only be found in Southern Arizona and Northwestern Mexico with a few growing in Southeastern California.
The shallow root system can extend up to 100 feet from the cactus serving a duel purpose of balancing the massive trunk and collecting moisture from the desert floor. The arms take years to grow and can twist into many interesting shapes and sizes and the trunk serves as burrows to several species of birds. The Cactus Wren, Gila Woodpecker and Elf Owl are among those who call the Saguaro home. While the summer temperatures can reach over 115 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of the cactus will stay around 90 degrees providing protection from the scorching sun and safety for the nest.
One of the most fascinating things about the Saguaro is the Tohono O’odham harvesting the fruit of the cactus. The Tohono O’odham are a desert people who make their home in southern Arizona. These Native Americans begin their harvest when the cactus blooms, usually in late June, making jellies, syrups and wine and preparing for the Rain Ceremony known as Nawait I’I which serves to celebrate and welcome the upcoming monsoon. The art of harvesting has been passed down from generation to generation and is still conducted very much as it was 200 years ago. To ensure that the harvesting ritual continues, The Saguaro National Monument Harvesting Program was implemented to keep this part of the Tohono O’odham culture alive. This program teaches the technique of Saguaro harvesting with workshops available at the Tucson-Botanical Gardens and the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum.
The best time of day to see the Saguaro will be at sunset with the reddish-orange glow of the mountains in the background giving you terrific photo opportunities. Who knows, you might just see a Great Horned Owl perched upon this great symbol of the American west.
For directions to the Saguaro National Monument and more information about the Saguaro cactus please visit. http://www.saguaro.national-park.com

SAN XAVIER MISSION

SAN XAVIER MISSION
A visit to the breathtaking SAN XAVIER DEL BAC MISSION is a must if you are visiting Tucson and it is a quick trip from both downtown and the airport. San Xavier Mission was founded in 1692 by a Jesuit priest, Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, and is located in the Tohono O’odham Reservation about 14 miles south of Tucson. The mission was constructed with fired adobe bricks and its architecture blends together elements of Byzantine, Moorish and Mexican designs, creating a wonder not to be missed.
The White Dove of the Desert, as the mission is sometimes called, can be seen before you even arrive with the glaring white of the structure visible for miles. Driving in, you can’t miss the cemetery off to the left. These burial grounds are for the members of the Tohono O’odham only and please remember to be respectful, as funeral services may be ongoing during your visit. Also there is a school and fire department nearby so please use caution when nearing the parking lot.
As you prepare to enter the mission, take a moment and gaze up at the two towers. The east tower was never completed and there are several theories as to why. Some say that it was lack of funding or that the taxes would be less on an unfinished structure. Other stories abound of ghosts and hauntings that frightened the away the workers. The façade also includes exquisite engravings of the Franciscan coat-of-arms that greet those who enter the church. On of the most fascinating things that I’ve discovered was the door handles on the thick Mesquite doors. The handles are of a copper rattlesnake with a copper mouse on the far side. Legends say the when the rattlesnake catches the mouse the end of the world is near.
The interior of the church is spectacular. It is simply breathtaking with colorful murals and artwork covering the walls and statues of the saints spread throughout the chapel. If you look closely at the designs painted on the walls, you might just see that animals such as deer and rabbits are also included, possible representing what was important to the workers. The statue lying in the west chapel is that of St. Francis Xavier and many of the faithful make a pilgrimage to pin photos and keepsakes of loved ones on the statue’s garments. The candles that are burning in both the east and west chapels are special made for the mission and are available in the gift shop and museum.
After leaving the chapel, wander the grounds and see what else you can discover, such as the fountain and garden to the north of the church or perhaps the mortuary and burial grounds to the west of the building. The museum tour is both fascinating and informative, giving insights into many of the designs used in the construction of the mission. Across the parking lot is the Plaza and contains several gift shops and a small food court. But before you go for that hot dog or hamburger, try some Indian Fry Bread. This deep fried local delicacy is delicious with toppings such as honey or shredded beef and is available from the many booths that are set up throughout the grounds.
Please remember that the San Xavier Mission is first and foremost a place of worship. Services are held regularly and attended by the descendents of the workers who built the church so please be respectful.
As always, this is Tucson so use plenty of sunscreen, drink a lot of water and don’t forget the camera