Saturday, April 15, 2017

Back On The Trail

Scott is feeling much better so we went on a hike
at Catalina State Park in Tucson.
The trails were wide and sandy.
Beautiful views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Cacti and flowers were blooming.

This little critter stopped to posed just long enough
 for a picture. 

We hiked the Canyon Loop Trail
where you have to step aside for any horse traffic. 


Stunning views with the mountains, Saguaro, and stream.

We tip-toed across the rocks a few times on this trail.



Wow, look at all those arms! 
This is an old Saguaro.

Next we drove to Oracle State Park about 25 miles 
north of Tucson. It is a 4,000-acre wildlife refuge and more.
Kannally Ranch House was constructed between 1929-1933.
This four level adobe house is a unique Mediterranean style 
with Moorish influences and is listed on the 
National Register of Historic Places.
We relaxed on the patio and enjoyed a great view. 
It was a windy day but we didn't mind.

Interesting painting on the ceiling beams.
We didn't get to see much of the house inside because 
there was a photography class in session.
1,100 head of cattle used to graze in this area.
Great view of the Galiuro Mountains range and 
Santa Catalina Mountains.

Another great day in Arizona!

Happy Easter!

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."  
John Muir

Saturday, April 8, 2017

ASARCO Mine Tour

Love Arizona style! 
A few pictures from my morning walk.
Palo Vere trees are in bloom.
Allergy sufferers don't appreciate them.
 My kind of landscaping!
Bottlebrush Plant

We were invited to a Cream Can Supper
A unique experience like no other.
To find out more click on the video.
After feeding 30 people here are the leftovers.

 ASARCO Mine Tour 
Arizona is the fourth largest producer of copper 
and that is why the star in the middle of Arizona’s flag
is copper color.
 

Mission Mine in Sahuarita





 Drilling the blasting holes.

 After blasting it is ready
to be scooped up into the humongous trucks.


Ball mills
 Ore containing copper is ground down to a fine powder 
using steel balls about 3 inches in diameter inside the drums.
 If you are interested in the whole process, 
you can watch the video. 


Free samples when the tour ended!
They retired this truck because it is too small.

 Thankfully we haven't seen any snakes yet.
Anode is 99% pure but still needs to be processed more
to make it 99.99% pure. It weighs about 750 pounds.
 Cathodes are 99.99% pure and weigh about 350 pounds.
 The date on this cart is 9-29-51, one day after Scott was born.


Different cactus are blooming every week!

 "There is simply no substitute for hard work 
when it comes to achieving success."
 Heather Bresh