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For about 43 years, we have driven from the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix area) to visit family in Douglas, Arizona in the southeastern corner on the State (translates to right on the Mexican border). After all those years of stopping in Tucson to gas up and grab a quick lunch, we decided it's about time we vacationed in Tucson and see all the wondrous places others have mentioned on travel forum boards! We exchanged a timeshare for a week at the Starr Pass Golf Suites. The day of departure wasn't a great day to be traveling! Phoenix was in the grips of a monster rain storm--over 3 inches at our house! We diligently watched the Weather Channel and saw a break in the late afternoon--threw the suitcases in the Jeep and off we went--the Arizona Sun God was smiling on us and we had blue skies all the way to Tucson. We had a two bedroom - two bath condo which was wonderful! Views were the Starr Pass golf course and surrounding mountains. Decor was classy Mexican/western, nicely done. Ahhhh, but the painting in the master bedroom--oh my! If I were a thief, I'd have brought it home with me. OK, ladies, picture this: A rugged jawed cowboy with his cowboy hat pulled somewhat down over his eyes. Blue denim shirt standing, on a golf course with a golf club <sigh>. The first night we ate at the Starr Pass Marriott--huge place, nice restaurants, complimentary valet parking, all overlooking the twinkling lights of the Tucson skyline. We shared a salad and dinner thus had room for dessert--all was wonderful! However, as we walked through the bar area to leave, the ASU/U of A football game was on. For those of you who don't live in Arizona, these two really really don't like each other! Tucson is the home of the University of Arizona Wildcats but Tom and I are both alumni of ASU's Sun Devils in Tempe. Just as we walked through, ASU made a touchdown--Tom yells, "Whooo hooo!" forgetting he was in Wildcat country! About ten men turned around and glared as I pulled Tom out of there as fast as I could! (BTW, ASU did win the game!). The first day there we had friends driving down to join us for one night so we explored the revitalized downtown Tucson area while waiting for them. Saw some truly lovely artsy type places, ate lunch at a small restaurant in the middle of the area. The tortilla soup I had, was spicy and good. Tom had the vegetarian chili which he thought was excellent. After our friends arrived, we decided to head to El Charro for dinner. El Charro is a Tucson landmark--been there for many many years. I have their cookbook so off we went. El Charro was busy but we got right in, I had the green chili sour cream enchiladas--yumm! We all loved the food. The next morning, Tom and Rich headed to a golf course, Shirley and I stayed at the condo. When she went to see the master bedroom, she saw the picture of "my cowboy". As she stood there drooling we were thinking of how we could sneak him out--didn't work out, darned it! After our friends left, we headed off to explore that part of southern Arizona. First stop was San Xavier Del Bac Mission (the "White Dove of the Desert") located on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation. San Xavier which was built by Spanish Franciscan monks in 1778. Unfortunately, the mission's exterior was being worked on and over half of it was covered with scaffolding so we didn't get to see the beauty of the exterior. The interior was colorful and the film we saw about the restoration was fascinating. As we were leaving we realized we'd stayed too long and missed the Indian Fry Bread (one of our very favorite Arizona treats!) which were being made on the reservation. From there we headed south to the Titan Missile Museum which both Tom and I think was the highlight of our trip! The silo was built in Arizona in the 1950-1960's to protect the U.S. in the event of nuclear war and, later, was turned into a museum. We toured the underground headquarters including a simulated launch. We also were able to view the actual (disarmed) 11 story missile. It truly was amazing. Now, the doors to the silo MUST remain half open so overhead spy satellites can photo it to be sure it's still unarmed! Think I'd paint a big happy face on it! <g> We continued on that day to Tubac/Tumacacori and the "famous" spice store. The next day we drove to Kartcher Caverns to tour the Big Room. We had seen the Throne Room about 6 years ago and were thrilled to be able to explore the newest part that has been opened. For many years, we heard about a cavern that had been discovered in southern Arizona, then followed the progress as the State of Arizona worked to open it to the public. The State has done an excellent job of protecting the cavern and bats while allowing visitors to see this wonder! Two other days were spent with family from Bisbee and Douglas and our last day Tom golfed at Starr Pass Golf Course which impressed him greatly! We left Tucson one day early to dodge another storm on its way to this area. Over all, the trip was wonderful--it's always fun to explore this State no matter how long we've lived here! Me ke aloha pumehana, Juleen
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