Toni's Tribute to All Countries, But Mostly America

 We spend quite a few days in Tucson for several reasons including that Saguaro National Park is split into two units located on opposite sides of the city thus requiring two days to explore.  As well, we enjoyed church in Tucson on Sunday and spent a busy Monday as P-Day (Preparation Day) complete with those pesky though needful chores and errands.  I’m                                                           Workin’ hard at the laundromat. While in Tucson, we paid a short visit to the very old and completely stunning Mission San Xavier del Bac.  This historic Spanish Catholic mission was built in 1783 on what would later become Tohono O'Odham Native American Reservation land. Massively old yet historically significant to the area, the tiny chapel, grounds, and nearby grotto were well worth the hour-long visit we paid...

 Saguaro National Park with its millions of saguaro in an endless array of comical shapes is a unique park in many ways.  First, the west unit is separated from the east unit by the entire city of Tucson and are an hour drive apart.  Secondly, there is little to do at either unit if one cannot hike.  Most of these units are comprised of endless desert hikes with very little other offerings for the knee-scooting visitor.  There are two very small visitors centers, one in each unit, and short 6- and 8-mile loop roads through the front country.  With Aaron still unable to walk, we blew quickly through both units today.  We also did not find this park nearly as beautiful as Organ Pipe Cactus Nat'l Monument only 3 hours from here and which we left only yesterday.  Still, we're glad we came and paid a sweet short visit to this arid Sonoran desert if for nothing more than the entertainment value of the amusing giant saguaros. Three amazing things... Thin...