Palm Trees and Hiking Trails

 

On my many visits to the Wickenburg area, I have passed this spot just south of town where there are an abundance of palm trees.  It's an unusual site out in the desert.  So on one trip, I stopped to learn more about he place.

The property is called the Hassayampa River Preserve and it is owned by the Nature Conservancy and managed by Maricopa County.  

The building on the property has had many uses from a home to a winter retreat to a dude ranch.  When I was there, the inside was mostly empty but I loved this huge fireplace.  

I decided to hike the trail and found it to be shady and cool in spite of the desert heat.  

When I reached the river, I enjoyed watching the birds flying from tree to tree and singing loudly.  

I later learned that this place is somewhat of a bird sanctuary with many species found in among all that brush.

One thing I know for sure is that the area was full of hummingbirds.  I could hear their tiny chirps and when I returned to the building, I saw this feeder that was one of the busiest hummingbird feeders I've ever seen.  

I think I'll count this place as another hidden gem in the state of Arizona.  It certainly lives up to its reputation as an oasis in the desert.

A Spanish Mission in Arizona

 

Many years before the chain of Spanish Missions were established in California, Father Kino was building missions in a part of Arizona still occupied by Spain.  The Mission San Jose Tumacacori was one of those missions.  Today it is a National Historic Park preserving the ruins of this once grand mission.  

The historic park is a great place to explore remains that date back to 1687.  The park is located 53 miles south of Tucson Arizona.

Even though the buildings on the site are in ruins, one can still get a sense of size and beauty of this mission.  

Graves of long gone residents can be found in an area of the grounds that is surrounded by ancient adobe walls.  

It is a peaceful place to explore and learn a little history from long before Arizona was part of the United States.  The park is much quieter than most National Parks.  Visiting here is relaxing as well as educational.  

If you would like to see more photos from this beautiful mission, click here.

The Beauty of Colorado

 

Some photos from the long ago archives.  These were taken many years ago on a road trip to Colorado.  We were in search of Telluride but we found lots to admire in the scenery before we got there. 

It seemed like every turn in the road brought more spectacular views.

We stopped to admire a perfect mountain lake.

After the lake we stopped for lovely mountain stream.

The mountains were putting on their best show when we took this road trip.  

Southern Arizona Golf Resort

 

Let me just start this post by saying I don't play golf.  However, several years ago I took the opportunity to stay at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa.  It was during the month of July which you might guess was not the normal golfing and tourist season for southern Arizona.  But the summer rates were good and I wanted a short vacation away.  Tubac is a small arts community about 50 miles south of Tucson Arizona.

The rooms are all hacienda style with private patios and sitting on the 500 acre site of the historic Otero Ranch.  

The Otero Ranch was established in 1789, long before Arizona was part of the United States.  

The beautifully landscaped grounds are full of reminders of ranching life dating back 200 years.

The rooms have a rustic, southwestern feel to them but they contain all the modern conveniences that make staying at a resort a relaxing event.

Those amenities include a fireplace and a seating area along with a huge bathroom complete with shower and spa tub.  

I enjoyed the patio very much.  I could sit there reading a book and sipping something refreshing and watch the occasional golf cart roll by.  The whole experience was outstanding.