From cacti to churches....majestic views

We couldn't have visited two more unconnected national landmarks this day. The Saguaro National Park http://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm and the San Xavier Mission, http://www.sanxaviermission.org/- Both were majestic in their own individual ways…however, my love of old churches trumps all other "what to see when you are in (fill in the blank)" because that is what I want to see. My guy usually grants me the 'get out of jail (my verbiage) free card' and doesn't complain much. While I sit in a meditative silence, pray and look around, he wanders off in search of history. He always finds something to engage both of us along the way.

Buckhorn cholla

Saguaro National Park is more of a botanical garden of cacti…along with a beautiful visitor's center, knowledgeable NPS employees and docents and a walk through the grounds. We actually discovered two chollas that we had not encountered previously - the "Pencil cholla" and Buckhorn cholla. They have a great video about the park that they show and it should not be missed…I won't ruin the surprise, that is worth the 8min viewing! If you have a National Park Pass, no fees to visit, and if not I believe there was a $10 vehicle fee.

The nice park ranger, whose lunch we interrupted with questions, was the person who told us about the mission and suggested we visit it. I am so glad he did…the mission is located on the Tohono O'odham reservation south of Tucson. You can see the mission long before you arrive at the parking lot. The mission serves the Native American population, as does the school that is located next door to the church buildings.

The mission is located on the Tohono O'odham Native American reservation and has and continues to serve its' people since it's 1692 founding. The church conducts services daily, including baptisms and weddings for the local native population. It is a registered National Historic Landmark...truly spectacular inside and out.

In addition to the church and it's adjacent buildings on the property, the mission includes a museum, 2 Native American souvenir shops and authentic fresh on site 'fry' bread for consumption.
Interior photos of the wall murals are in the 'dujour' gallery for this post.
San Xavier / Saguaro Natl Park Link to photos - for when this has been archived.