Into the Mystic: Tohono O'odham

Currently in: Buckeye, AZ
Moving on to Cottnwood, AZ before we head to Desert Springs, CA

While we did not know when we booked our RV park in Tucson, we were located on a Native American Reservation. The Tohono O'odham - meaning Desert People - were located on this land when Fr. Kino arrived to start the San Xavier Mission in 1692.

We took a tour of the originally Franciscan Mission that was given by a volunteer docent. This building was completed in 1797. It continues to serve as a parish for the Tohono O'odham tribe.

The church is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. Many of the structures and murals are original.

The Blessed Virgin

Sanctuary - St. Francis Xavier is the big statue

This hill is next to the Mission but not part of it. It's upkeep is provided by the Tohono O'odham. There is a Grotto on the far side.

We also went into Tucson several times.

First, we took a bike ride on a section of The Loop. This is the bike path that connects many of the parks of Tucson. We rode along the Juan Bautista Historic Trail (he helped to settle San Francisco) that is part of the National Park Service.

I thought we were going to ride along the Santa Cruz River, but it was dry! It doesn't fill up until monsoon season later in the year. That's the river - to the right of the fence.

We saw some people playing frisbee golf in the desert.

There is also an interesting walking tour in downtown Tucson. It's called the Turquoise Trail and connects historical points of interest. It was easy to follow because you just have to walk along the turquoise stripe in the sidewalk. The 23 points of interest are identified by number too.

Honestly, we only saw about 20 of the 23 - the others were out of the way. Here are some of our favorite sites.

Courthouse - cool dome

Spanish Soldier Sculpture

1870 Adobe House

El Tiradito-grave of tragic love triangle

Hotel Congress - Dillanger captured here

Historic Theatre-in the barrio

Historic Railroad Depot

Cathedral of St. Augustine

Finally, we spent an afternoon along historic 4th Avenue, a neighborhood close to the University of Arizona. It's full of bars, tattoo parlors and smoke shops, along with a few art/souvenir stores - a fun, funky place. There was some cool art along the street.