Top Ten
6. Tumacacori
It’s Monday we are staying in Tubac but leave early in the morning for Tumacacori Mission. We have an excellent guided tour by Ranger Rick. O’odham, Yacqui and Apache people met first with the European Jesuits led by Padre Kino in 1691 . Next Franciscan missionaries, settlers and soldiers arrived. Sometimes in conflict and sometimes in cooperation. The church lost it’s priest in 1828 with a new Mexican nation. Indians and settlers held on, but a series of Apache raids and a harsh winter drove them away in 1848.
Tumacacori is now a National Historical Park.
7. Santa Cruz Spices
Right down the street from the Church was the Santa Cruz Spice Shop. Bev told us to go there and we were not disappointed. All kinds of mixtures of spices were available. We had to look at every package and sample it. I also purchased the book I am reading now. I’really enjoying “These is My Words” by Nancy E. Turner. It’s the story of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1991. The author is a Tucson Woman. It’s interesting historical fiction from this area.
8. Mission San Xavier
The flags of four nations have hung over this Missions. Spain until Mexico won independence in 1821. The Gadsden Purchase brought the mission to the United States in 1854. Today the flag of Tohono O’odham Nation flies over the Mission.
- Mission San Xavier is known as “The White Dove of the Desert”
- The reclining figure of San Francisco Xavier where pilgrims come to petition. As the pure of heart lay there hands on his head it rises.
We were there on Sunday and waited for the Mass to finish to visit the elaborate sanctuary.
9. Ajo, Arizona
We found this small town near Organ Pipe National Monument to be charming. We stayed at the Sonoran Conference Center in a refurbished elementary school house. This was perfect for me. As a retired school teacher I felt I had the Princess Room. The town was very artist friendly and had apartments for artists to live in and work. Downtown was an alley way filled with murals. As I was leaving breakfast one morning a Javelina was strolling through the center. They also had gardens of vegetables and chickens.
10. The Restaurants and Food
The newer El Charro Cafe
El Charro Cafe- We loved this place! The Margaritas and the corn tamales are out of this world good. We found a newer branch of the Cafe in the Eastern part of Tucson and loved that also!
Wisdom Cafe- by the Mission in Tumacacori. ” Furit burros”need to be ordered when you first come in for your later dessert. A crispy tortilla rolled in cinnamon and sugar topped with ice-cream. We ordered the banana cream. The Sonoran Hotdog is on a huge roll with pinto beans, salsa, guacamole and cheese. Did I mention the tasty Margarita. I overate that day, but it was worth it.
Santiago’s- Lobster tostada’s and delicious Margaritas in Brisbee. We toured the museum in Brisbee and learned about the Copper Mine.
Waiting for our lobster tostada’s.
Puny John’s BBQ -One of the best parts of Tombstone. We saw the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and walked the streets. But the ribs were the best part and Colin talked to Puny John and got us a tour of the smoking house operation.
The top ten is done but I wanted to mention:
The WALL at the border.
The tall wall doesn’t allow for birds, animals or plants to migrate. The photo of me leaning into Mexico keeps cars out. We drove through many border checkpoints.
Why- This is an actual town. They have a big Border Control facility there.
Titian Missle Base- Very interesting tour of old missile now sealed up. Talk of the cold war and bombs.
Control Center underground
Cheers! Until next time!
Have Van Will Travel 