Day 13: Tucson

We took off this morning for the Gem Show at the Convention Center -- the biggest show around. We managed to get good parking at the Simpson Street Parking area and walked the 5 or so blocks to the Convention Center. We got suspicious when we noticed that there were no cars in the main parking area and no hoards of people milling around. We walked up and opened the door and found that nothing was going on -- despite a large sign for the show that was displayed out front. Feeling rejected again we thought that we had missed it -- the events around town have different start and end dates.

We figured while we were downtown, we would go see the Presidio. We followed a sign for the Visitor's Center to get more information. On the way we discovered a sign listing dates for the Convention Show -- Feb. 9 - 12. Looks like we were just two days early. The Visitor Center folks confirmed that the show would open on Thursday and gave us some useful information on the Presidio and Tubac.

We followed the Presidio Trail. This trail is marked by a turquoise line running along the sidewalk -- like the red line marking the "Freedom Trail" in Boston. However, Tucson is a little more casual about their line. We found it went under planters, trash bins, closed off outside seating areas, etc. To further confuse us, the Presidio Trail map was oriented so west was at top, but we managed.

We saw the Pima County Courthouse which has a beautiful tile dome. We passed the restored northeast corner of the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson. Similar in function, but not appearance to Ft. Vancouver, the Presidio has shorter adobe walls. We strolled through the Old Town Artisans which is an old building filled with small art and craft shops with a courtyard of outside coffee and food restaurants.

After passing by the bus plaza, we got to the old restored railroad station that still serves Amtrak and also houses a nice restaurant and art gallery. It was at this railroad station that Wyatt Earp shot Frank Stillwell in the old west. They had an old steam engine out back that a volunteer guide took us through I now understand why there are all hose water towers at railroad stations.

We passed the St. Augustine Cathedral, Spanish Colonial Style church with a magnificent sandstone facade. And ended up back at the colorful Visitor's Center area with lots of gift shops and coffee shops. We had lunch at a Mexican Restaurant recommended by Teresa's friend. It was colorful and great cuisine. We decided to try lunch instead of dinner and had no trouble getting in. As we left Teresa noticed that there were heaters and benches all along the front of the restaurant. We figured they must have quite a line at dinner.

We decided to go to Saguaro National Part (East) to see the cacti and perhaps catch a good view of the sunset. We drove the circle route, took a number of short hikes and pictures and ended up back at the Visitor's center about 5:30. However, the Visitor's center closed at 5. I think I might be getting a complex about this...

We waited in the picnic area out front and staked out a good view site for the upcoming sunset. Just as sunset started, I noticed a Park Service truck idling on the road. Then I heard him close a gate over the road. I dashed back to the car and found Teresa to tell her they were closing. I took one quick photo and off we went. The ranger waved at us as we left. Now I am getting a complex.

Tomorrow we are off to Tubac.