.Last night we picked up a rental car and this morning we headed off to Tuscon with above five incredible stops along the way. Lots more cacti, Chihuly, and architecture, but I’m going to chat about something different than yesterday—the ancestral desert Sonoran peoples.
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument was a perfect place to stop for our picnic lunch. As we nibbled on our cheese and avocado we could spy what the Spanish explorers called Casa Grande (Great House) just ahead. This four-story structure was most likely a meeting place for the desert people in the 1300s. Our new friend Peter was restoring the mud on the lower walls. He says it is an endless job—between employees and volunteers they work year-round to preserve the ruins. Although young, he says it his great memories of the ruins that encouraged him to become a volunteer. A steel and concrete canopy protects the great house. Up in the rafters, we spied a great horned owl. This fierce resident seems to be keeping an eye on things. As we left the ruins we could see dust swirls raising off the ground and tumbleweeds crossing the road ahead of us. The wind was picking up. Still, the Picture Rock Petroglyphs were too fabulous to miss. The Sonoran Desert people were said to have carved these between 800 and 1300 A.D. They are on the private land of the Redemptorist Renewal Centre. We emailed ahead and they permitted us to enjoy them as long as we checked into the office. Thank you for your kindness. There are 146 Petrogplh panels. We were able to make out animals, humans and even a group of dancers holding hands. How many different things can you find? In Tuscon now. Stay safe. You are always in our prayers. Love Mom & Dad If you want to know more about the Sonoran Desert People check out the link at the National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=AC77349A-97E7-FC1D-CAD971EDCD8D907F
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Ray & Diane
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