Crazy contrast!

Here in Tucson's Saguaro East National Park we have white clouds in the blue sky and white snow on the cacti!

Photo courtesy of Ken Wilcox.

Greetings from Tucson!

This wonderful "Tucson Postcard" mural is in Swan Way Park (4800 E 1st Street). This project had local artists Allison Miller leading a community paint day in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters. The mural was completed in August, 2012.
Photo courtesy of Dave Aber.

 

Lifesize Last Supper ~

Over the many years that I have been posting Tucson photos I have come back to this "Garden of Gethsemane" many times. Sometimes the scultpures of Jesus and the apostles are smashed and in disrepair; sometimes they look fantastic. This image is about as good as it gets! Whomever did the recent restoration did an awesome job. Want to know more about this oddity? Click here.

Tucson Treasure ~

Ahhhhh, Agua Caliente Park! This beautiful public park is on Tucson's far east side and serves as a wonderful, cool, green refuge. Haven't been there? Learn more here.
Photo courtesy of Ken Wilcox.

Throwback Thursday ~ Still a Treasure!

16 AUGUST 2011

One of Tucson's Treasures ~

THEN AND NOW: Happily, as beautiful as ever! 

Definitely one of the most beautiful parks in the area, Sabino Canyon offers hiking trails (and you can bring your dog - on leash), spectacular waterfalls, and even a tram if you don't want to walk up to the top.
http://www.sabinocanyon.com/ 

Throwback Thursday ~ Still Green, Still Cool!

21 JUNE 2009

Emerald green ~ cool & inviting: Tucson's Agua Caliente Park

THEN:
Here is a third photo of beautiful Agua Caliente Park on Tucson's eastside. I can't help but describe this as a desert oasis ~ refreshing, isn't it?
(Photo courtesy of Mark Wight.)

NOW: Unfortunately, the water levels at the park have sunk so the "lake" is now more of a "pond" but it is still beautiful and a wonderful day trip!

To learn more: http://www.naturalwonders.net/agua/about.htm
For a map: http://www.naturalwonders.net/agua/aguamap1.pdf

Enjoy what others have to say! For recent reviews of visitors to the park, click here. 

Tuesday Tucson Trivia ~ Saguaro Park/Saguaro Park

Tucson has TWO Saguaro National Parks - one is east of the city and one is west! Each has a different set of attractions. Naturally, the parks are spectacular showcases for the magnificent saguaro, a cacti that lives only in the Sonoran Desert. These mighty icons of the desert can live up to 200 years. It is illegal to harm them.

Both parks offer hiking and horseback riding.  You can also traverse the parks from the comfort of your vehicle. The western park extends into the Tucson Mountains and you can count on beautiful sunsets. The eastern park has trails that lead up into pine forests - an 8,000 foot elevation.

Shrine Dedicated to a Sinner ~

Tucson's El Tiradito Shrine (The Wishing Shrine) is part of the Turquoise Trail walking tour. This little shrine is dedicated to a young man who was killed by an enraged husband when he found him in bed with his wife. The young man was having an affair with his mother in law. As a result of his murder, the mother in law (his lover) and her daughter (his wife) both committed suicide. Interesting piece of Tucson trivia, yes?

One of Tucson's Tuffets ~

A talented photographer and a site follower, David Aber, sent me this photo of one of a set of "tuffets" seen around town. I had never seen them and, in fact, have not (yet!) visited the park they adorn. Do you know where this series of concrete and tile work beauties can be found?
Photo courtesy of David Aber. 

Tucson's Spiritual Lore ~

The story is that as Felix Lucero lay critically injured on a battlefield he made a deal with God that if he was permitted to live he would dedicate himself to creating Christian art. Tucson's Garden of Gethsemane is the result of his pact with the Almighty. Here's more info about this small public park if you would like to read more about this unusual sculpture garden.
Photos courtesy of Susan Dodson. 

Ancient Gateway to a New Week!

Happy Monday! Here is a handsome archway/gate that is part of the Julian Wash Greenway. The piece, "Joining Hands," is by local artist Chris Tanz. Click here to learn more about the inspiration for these Hohokam figures.
Photo courtesy of Ken Wilcox.

All is revealed!

Wow - not a single guess as to "Where is this?"   It is the Pantano River Walk at Lowe's (Speedway and Kolb). Beautiful beautiful landscape views from there. This is a wonderful biking and walking trail. 

Here are two more images from the mini park area. The space is decorated with self portrait tiles created by students. Fun! Check out "Connor's" portrait - is that a coyote sitting on him? Is he in a sleeping bag? Very mysterious!  (:

The Pantano River Park Trail follows Pantano Wash northwest from a junction with the Harrison Greenway to Tanque Verde Road, providing direct trail access to thousands of residents of Tucson. The smoothly paved trail features undercrossings at every road, allowing for safe and uninterrupted travel throughout.

A future extension will continue the trail northwest to the Rillito River Park Trail. Both trails, along with the Harrison Greenway, are integral components of a larger trail network called The Loop that will one day encompass 130 miles of trail throughout Tucson and Pima County.

Throwback Thursday ~ Public Art Still Rocks!

06 July 2009

Brilliant Colors ~ Powerful Message 

 

This vibrant mural is a community project that was painted at Mansfield Park. The plaque says, in part, "The main focus of our mural is the tree whose roots are made up of different cultures and many generations that help it grow to be what it is... When we are so moved by an experience that we want to share it with others we are where art begins!"

Ten artists signed this mural. I hope they are all still using their creative talents here in Tucson! The brilliant colors are a remarkable contrast to the fierce, dark storm clouds rolling in.

Mansfield Park
2000 N. 4th Ave

Tucson Trivia Time - An Ancient Hideaway

Did you know that Tucson's Colossal Cave is one of the world's largest dry caves? Water no longer runs through it so the formations do not grow. This is a fabulous place to visit during Tucson's hot hot summers as the cave temperature is a constant 70 degrees! Mmmm! 

Sad News for a Tucson Throwback Thursday ~

One of Tucson's beloved spaces was severely damaged by fire this week. DeGrazia's Gallery in the Sun Chapel was badly burned. Here is the news link to read more.
Archive photo courtesy of Susan Dodson.

A Wee Tucson Treasure ~

Tucson has many lesser known parks dotting the landscape. Here is a peek at little Miramonte Park which offers some outdoor seating and a chess board for visitors so inclined to have a game. You can enjoy this park if you are near Speedway & Alvernon - the southwest corner at 3rd.
Photo courtesy of David Sewell.

Florida Everglades? No ~ Tucson!

These fantastic images were taken at Tucson's beautiful Agua Caliente Park on the far east side. It is a known bird sanctuary and wonderful, cool respite from Tucson's intense heat. I love the reflections on the water - mysterious!
Photos courtesy of Ken Wilcox. 

Batty Biker!

YES, it is a bat pedaling a bicycle! Bikers and walkers enjoy this wacky sculpture on the Loop Trail near Broadway. The whimsical metal sculpture is the creation of Stephen Fairfield, a Tucson artist who drew his inspiration from the bats that roost under this bridge. Fun! Kind of reminds me of ET!

Some sort of new sport?

This is a photo that really needs a caption! So here we have a dachshund created out of spare metal parts (that might be related to an old car or musical instrument!) and it looks like the dog is charging through a pair of saguaro goal posts. Ideas? Anybody?
Photo courtesy of David Sewell.

Tucson in 1775 ~

Here we are in the heart of downtown Tucson ~ with modern skyscrapers looming over this adobe structure. El Presidio marks the beginning of the modern settlement of Tucson. It was built as necessary protection from Apache attacks. Walking around inside the Presidio is a great way to get a glimpse into Tucson's Spanish past. The lifesize mural depicting daily activities really brought the adobe structure to life for me. The building's interiors also have historical displays.

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/history/dig
Next stop: Walk west on Washington Street to Court and we're going to visit the famous Old Town Artisans compound.