The White Dove of the Desert

 A trip to southern Arizona would not be complete without a visit to San Xavier del Bac, also known to the locals as The White Dove of the Desert.  This historic church was founded by Father Kino and construction was started in 1783. In 1887 a rare earthquake damaged part of the mission.  I was hoping to get some pictures of it without the scaffolding, but no such luck.  Half of the restoration on San Xavier has been completed, but there are still years remaining for the second portion.  It will be amazing once it is completed.

Restrictions were in place because of COVID.  The hours were shortened, social distancing was in place and the fry bread stands run by the Pascua Yacqui tribe were missing. Our group of 9 was allowed to enter into the church all by ourselves. We stood patiently in line with our faces sufficiently covered.  The following week, Governor Ducey announced that masks were no longer required in the state of Arizona.

As we entered through the front doors, I noticed the unique door handle.  I'm assuming it represents the snake from the Garden of Eden.  At any rate, both it and the wooden door have survived over 240 years of Arizona sun beating on them.  Imagine how hot that metal handle gets during the summer months!

Access is now allowed only at the back of the church where you can light candles.  The rich beauty of the altar, walls and ceiling remain as they have for centuries.

Outside the church was a separate building and courtyard. No tourists are allowed, but at least I was able to take some pictures.

This must have been a welcome respite for weary travelers hundreds of years ago. The thick adobe walls would have kept the church much cooler than the outside temperatures during the long summer season. 

East of the church is a hill with a white cross on top of it.  We discovered it isn't part of the church property but rather a part of the Pascua Yacqui Indian Reservation.  After many years and much legislation, the Pascua Tribe finally gained status in 1994 as a historical tribe recognized by the Federal Government.

Sabino Canyon, a Gem in the Desert

This March our little group decided to do a hike in Sabino Canyon, a treasured spot for hikers and visitors in Tucson.  This unique place has tall saguaros, riparian areas, steep canyon walls and at times, water flowing through it.

Our group included Doris, us and Sandy and Jerry with 3 of their grandchildren. Since COVID was still around, masks were required, even in the parking lot! 

This recreation area was created during the Great Depression in the 1930's.  The dam, bridges and concrete picnic tables were built, with most of them still standing.  A few of the bridges have been washed away by flooding and have been rebuilt.

Our group headed out to the Bajada Loop Nature Trail.

Views towards the mountains revealed Mesquite trees with huge clumps of desert mistletoe clinging to their branches. 

Further on, we transferred from a dirt path to a much wider, paved one.  Doris even tried walking backwards but that didn't last long!  We made it up the hill and from our vantage point could see Sabino Dam below us. Then we had to figure out just how to get there!  

Here is a closer view of our destination.  During the spring and summer months the dam usually has water flowing all the way across it.  Deep pools of water fill the canyon, creating places to swim during hot summer days.  It was one of my favorite places to visit when I was in grade school and high school.

Jerry managed to find a way down the hillside.  The path was narrow, rocky and steep at times. Of course, the "young'uns" ambled across the rocks quite easily.  😂😂

Ainslie and Wyatt crossed one of the original bridges, which is no longer being used because part of the road behind this is completely washed out.  During the 50's and 60's cars could drive all around the canyon and find a nice picnic table to eat at while enjoying the scenery.  The picnic tables remain, but now you will have to pack your lunch in a backpack and walk a few miles to get to it!

I stopped to take a pic of the small stream as it meandered downstream from the dam.

Jerry and Sandy chose this same bridge to have their picture taken with Micah, Wyatt and Ainslie.  It's a blessing to be able to hike with great nephews and a great niece.

After we crossed the bridged we had another hill to climb in order to get a closer view of the dam.  There were two children actually sliding down the rocks in front of the dam.  This is melted snow water people!  Way, way too cold for me to even think about getting my tootsies in the water, much less getting my whole body wet!

It was warming up as we started to head back to the visitor center and parking lot.

Before I caught up with the rest of the crew I stopped to take one more picture of this beautiful area created by God in the middle of the desert.