Final Week in Tucson

 Another week of absolutely perfect weather - clear skies, no wind, and temperatures in the mid 20's - we have been so fortunate.  Remember, if you double click on the photo, it should make it full page!!

Our friends, Chris and Rick, are our neighbours so we are able to enjoy our outings with them.

Off on another drive through the Cactus Forest which I think is absolutely stunning.  We did get to see a crested Saguero - quite a rarity although this fellow looks like perhaps life has not been easy as his crest has been damaged.

There is a glider port very near to us and this week the military have been practicing their skydiving skills.  There are groups of jumpers between 6 and 12 people and they would jump all day.  One day we drove out to the glider port to watch the landings.  Now that is definitely a skill that needs to be perfect.  Some of them land on their feet, and take a couple of running steps and are done.  Some, however, hit the dirt - on their stomachs, knees, butt, which I imagine may be quite uncomfortable.  But as with all things, practice makes perfect.

We do see a variety of sports and activities  - some fun, and some not so much.  There was a young couple that were paragliding.  I had seen something similar where there was a frame on wheels.  These two took a quick little run and they were in the air.  The same with stopping - they came down  very easy, and on their feet.  The fellow did a few tricks as he twisted and turned in all directions.

The other day on our way to the grocery store, we passed a fellow on a recumbent bicycle.  He was towing a little trailer and his two dogs were running along side him.  I don't know if he was exercising the dogs, or if that was his mode of transportation and he was moving locations. 

Then at the grocery store, that had the best idea ever and it would be great if more adopted this idea.

We went into Tucson and toured the historical area of downtown Tucson.  We started with the old railroad depot where we got a guided tour of an old steam engine, went through a transportation (railroad) museum, and then went into the Amtrak station. 

In the Amtrak station, there is a ticket agent.  In chatting with him, we found out that there is one train a day except on Thursdays when there are two.  Now that is a stressful (or boring) job!

Just waiting for the train

We then had lunch at the Congress Hotel where the police arrested the Dillinger gang.  Then off to the Old Pima Country Courthouse which has amazing architecture,

and a lovely park in behind with some sculptures and a fountain.  The fountain is certainly being used as there was a fellow washing some clothes in it!!

There is an area called The Annex.  This area is made up of old shipping containers that house little restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, etc.  How unique and a great way to use these old containers.

We did a bus tour which was a great way to see some side sights, plus it sure saved the feet.  Some of the bus stops have these plaques in the sidewalk.  Also, it costs nothing to ride the bus - how great is that!

So many buildings have murals - many are bright and colourful and beautiful.  We even got the chance to see one in the making.

 I am also including a couple of random photos that I thought were rather interesting.

There was a crooked little man in a crooked little house

Stay on your side!!

Elf on the Shelf - 4 floors up

We have been putting out our game camera to see what kind of creatures come through the night.  This is what comes to visit several times through the night.

I hope you all have a great week!!