Biosphere 2, Oracle, Arizona:: Winter Sojourn 2014/15

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

2014

YES,  December 2014, during the Winter Sojourn 2014/15 tour.

Yes, I am still 4 years behind in my trip posts. 

This day trip was extremely enjoyable, and educational.  Surely, I don't remember all the science, but, I came away impressed.

After you pull off the highway, it's a bit of a drive in, nice view:

Putting Sony to work, a panoramic:

After parking Jolly, on the walk into the facility, I was entertained by this little fellow.  He was not going to make it easy for me, but, I do like the photo.  Thank you Sony zoom.

I took quite a few photos of the facility, I found it interesting, artistically, with a side of sculpture/art.

This is the door you enter the Biosphere through, sorta spaceship like.  LOL

Vegetables grown in hydroponics, I have grown my houseplants in hydroponics, it works and it is clean, no dirt.

Not sure what this is looking into, but, I do like this photo, even if it is a little off center.

The next three photos are taken in the greenhouse area.  The humidity was very very high and it shows in each of these photos.  They are not out of focus or badly processed, just that mist/humidity.

In another section of the greenhouse, it was much more arid, that's some version of a yucca, in full bloom.

Another bird to entertain me, living in this arid greenhouse area.  And, no, the thorns do not bother the birds at all.

A final shot as we head back to camp.

Asarco Copper Mine Tour, Sahuarita Arizona:: Winter Sojourn 2014/15

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

2014

YES, early December 2014, during the Winter Sojourn 2014/15 tour.

Yes, I am still 4 years behind in my trip posts. 

This was an interesting day trip, and seriously, the details and science and understanding of the processes were forgotten long ago by Moi, but, the equipment and such are still fascinating.  And, mmmm, HUGE!!

There is a very nice visitors center with displays. Outside of that area I found these:

From a different angle:

They take you to the other displays and buildings by bus.  The docent explains the business, again, the details escape me 4 years later, but, it was quite fascinating and detailed.  So, a few photos.

A overall view of the mine area:

Sony Zoom!!

Panoramic of the mine:

Piles of ore:

Inside, machinery, well explained, and yep, Carol has no clue now!  LOL

Truth is, I could have blogged this experience immediately afterward and would not have been able to share the science and details.  I am pretty sure tho, that if it interests you, a web search will provide all those goodies for you.

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Tubac, Arizona, Center for Arts & the First State Park: Winter Sojourn 2014/15

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

2014

YES, early December 2014, during the Winter Sojourn 2014/15 tour.

Yes, I am still 4 years behind in my trip posts.  

Tubac, how eclectic can you get?? If you visit Tubac, you will find you can get VERY eclectic.  It is the home of Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Arizona's first state park and home of many shops and world class galleries.  I mean, when the first photo you take of the day is this??  Well, you expect it's gonna be a lot of fun.  It is indeed more than life size!

At the state park:

Sorry, I don't remember the particulars about this - - 

There were a number of displays, history lessons in the making.  This one, I think, is worthy of sharing.  To which I say - - "Oh, my aching bones!"

This is a bed which the signage described thusly:  adobe benches covered with sheepskins and reed mats for mattresses.  Coarse woolen blankets were used for warmth on cooler nights.

And, to this, my feet go, "oh, no!".  With all the rocks and stones and gravel we walk on around this area of the country.  I would not last long with this for shoes.

The following photo was taken through the glass of the display case, and Sony did pick up some reflections from the surroundings.  It's not the best photo in the world, but, oh, my.  This is a Spanish Colonial carved wood stirrup.  OK, how cool is that??

Those of you who know one of my addictions, err, hobbies, is genealogy, you just know I was stopped in my tracks with the signage concerning this OLD thing!!  (Again, please forgive the glare and reflections, they have this, rightfully so, stored behind glass.

It said:  This is a Ossuary (a depository for human remains) OR a Tabernacle box.  It is carved and painted wood adorned with the twelve apostles.

Back outside, the flora and unique displays always get my attention.  I don't touch tho - - 

You may remember that I mentioned art - - 

A fun day. Eclectic.  

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Tohono Chul Botanical Garden, Tucson, Arizona:: Winter Sojourn 2014/15

Copyright 2018, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

2014

YES, early December 2014, during the Winter Sojourn 2014/15 tour.

Yes, I am still 4 years behind in my trip posts.  

During our stay in Tucson in December 2014 we visited the botanical gardens at the Tohono Chul.  (They have a web site, and currently seem to have a presence in many social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.)

It is a delightful place and well worth a visit when you are in the area. 

A blast of color as we enter:

This is a rather large hunk of copper ore with azurite and Malachite, a donation to Tohona Chul.  Love the turquoise color.

There were a number of artistic renditions of local creatures, adding a bit of whimsy to the gardens.

This is a bronze, titled "Reclining Coyote", by Mark Rossi.

This is "Horse", materials are reclaimed metal, artist, Kioko Mwitiki.

A lovely gate - - 

Every garden needs a bird feeder, or two.

A stairwell, and plants, and ahhhhh - - 

If you look closely, you will see, yes, a hummingbird.

A truly delightful afternoon.

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