the colors of the Southwest

there's not much to the "city" of Tucson - but some sections are wonderful, especially the Barrio, and the revitalized Placido.    Unfortunately, many of the offices/shops are empty.  But the colors are joyful and exciting and shout Southwest

a wonderful mural at the famous "wishing shrine" in the Barrio.  it tells the story of a love triangle gone bad.
  The murdered boyfriend is the "saint"  of this popular shrine,   (note his skeleton in to mural)  He is said to be responsible for fulfilling many wishes.

Tucson & Catalina State Park

We landed in Tucson - the campground is wonderful, and the weather is perfect.  We're enjoying temperatures around 80degrees every day, and the desert is starting to bloom.  We have a huge colony of prairie dogs that share the campground (the rangers correct us, saying they're marmots, or ground squirrels.... but I know a prairie dog when I see one!)

Fred has countless trails to explore- and I have countless projects to keep me entertained.

surrounded by the Santa Catalina mountains

this little critter IS NOT a chipmunk.... I know my chipmunks!

Each night a good-sized pack of coyotes ran through the campground - howling, yipping, barking.  during the day we had roadrunners, hummingbirds, cardinals and a Vermillion Flycatcher - the first I've ever seen.

City of Rocks New Mexico

Continuing west..... and rising in elevation.  The mountains get closer, and the flat desert landscape starts to change dramatically.  We headed into the City of Rocks State Park - rather aptly named..... since the cluster of boulders really look like a city from the distance.  Reminds me of  "Bedrock" and the Flintstones

heart-shaped rock the size of a house

Ivan & I enjoy the sun while Fred hikes

dried Agave "blooms" 

the campsite across from us

what does this mean ????

west texas & tumbleweeds

It was hard to leave San Antonio - but we packed up and headed west...... into a major wind & dust storm. We spent a couple nights in Balmorhea State Park (texas) while the dust blew, and the tumbleweeds tumbled everywhere  !!  When the sun came out we were able to enjoy the huge panorama of  the desert, with an oasis in the midst of all that sand.  The park is famous for a large spring-fed swimming area.

Let's Rodeo San Antonio

After our friends headed back east, we returned to the Stock Show to attend the evening Rodeo.  What a blast   !!!  Had never been to a rodeo before, and we would go again in a heartbeat.  The competition is based on cumulative scoring - so every night changes the ultimate outcome.  There was a country western music performance every night (included in the price of admission).  In many ways it's alot like our more familiar  Ag fairs - but without the prize vegetables!

San Antonio

 We had never been to San Antonio (or Texas) - and really didn't know what to expect

visiting a Mission with our friends from Maryland - Mary Kay & Tom

 San Antonio was a big surprise - not what we imagined of Texas!  The city was beautiful, the people were charming, and the overlay of the Mexican culture was vibrant and exciting.  And, the Texas BBQ experience was also a surprise.... we were not expecting the smokey, savory slow cooked BBQ that defines true Texas style.  It was all wonderful!

   flea markets!!!
                                             

river walk was beautiful

 boot shopping!  for my inner cowgirl

We visited the Alamo  

And the sunsets were truly amazing.   We hated to leave - and hope to return!