Tucson AZ and more

The sun has set here in the Sonoran Desert and our visit is winding down to the end.  We leave Tucson on Friday early am driving to Phoenix where we will stay with friends and then our flight leaves Saturday afternoon.  We have thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the sun, absorbing a ton of Vitamin D and listening to the wildlife as they go through their day.  Time freedom is sure on their side and the more I think about how FREE the wildlife is the more I desire that time freedom to go, do and enjoy life.

We have visited the Sonoran Desert Museum several times as we bought a membership last May when we were here.  The museum is an outdoor museum and is very educational.  The raptor free flight is really nice as well as the other demonstrations they offer.  The aquarium is new this year which showcases many native fish, etc.  
The photo above is a great horned owl during the raptor free flight demonstration.  

Tohono Chul Park is a beautiful park right in northern Tucson offering miles of hiking trails through different areas of desert flora and fauna.  

Tucson Botanical Gardens is another very beautiful place to visit right in the city of Tucson.  You can enjoy all sorts of gardens including cactuses from all over the world and also other plants plus a butterfly enclosure until May 1st.  They raise the butterflys and then bring them in to the enclosure.  The extreme heat in the summer prevents the butterfly enclosure to remain open during the summer months.  

We took a hike in the Saguaro National Park where we saw many unusually shaped saguaro cacti.  Miles and miles of hiking trails are available for those who want to hike into the higher elevations in the park for a beautiful view of the valley below.  

Luminosa, our home away from home during our visit, is a beautiful place to hang our hat for a few weeks.  Highly recommend this beautiful casita.  Cynthia and Allan are wonderful hosts and Luminosa has all the amenities of home.  We enjoy cooking our own meals and visit Whole Foods Market in Tucson for groceries.   Incredible savings and healthier choices are enjoyed by hubby and myself when we cook our own meals.