Tucson, AZ: Home of the perfect cactus

Our Tucson host was by far the craziest connection we've had yet—basically a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend who was willing to open up her home to strange traveling sisters. It’s been amazing to experience people’s hospitality and kindness during our trip! Really, without Maura & Jodi, and all our other amazing hosts and friends, friends of friends, and kind strangers—this trip would have not been possible! So thanks all!

On the way into town, we stopped at the Arizona Desert Museum because someone on the internet suggested it. While we were expecting an indoor museum like the kinds in the Midwest, we were pleasantly surprised to find it was a living museum. Much more like a zoo. We walked outdoor trails to see the desert scenery and learn all sorts of interesting facts about desert life. It truly is so very different in the Southwest. The landscape is littered with cacti (Claire was on a hunt to find the “perfect” cactus), there is so much more plant life that we knew, and many MANY more ways to die. We learned all about poisonous plants, venomous insects and animals, and giant mammals that are likely to harm you. Watch out!

Fish in the desert?

We learned A LOT about desert hummingbirds. Apparently, they aren't as nice as we thought!

We had a quaint couple of days in Tucson. We spent much of our time of 4^th Ave near the University of Arizona, where all the thrift stores and college bars are located. Basically, right in our comfort zone! Did a little shopping, ate at some local joints, drank a few beers, and generally pretended we were U of AZ folks. Theresa was completely befuddled at how the college area looked nearly identical to Bloomington’s college area—with the same restaurants, shops, and general atmosphere. Turns out college kids across the country all like Urban Outfitters, Chipotle, Campus Candy, and college gear stores.

Trouble with the law? Jk--just street art

Visiting a photography exhibit

Gotta love the Power of Kindness

Several people recommended we hiked in Sabino Canyon, about 30 minutes outside of town. Since we heard stargazing was a big hobby in Tucson, we were eager to see the famous Arizona night sky. Although we greatly enjoyed our night hike—we didn't see many stars. Instead, we found the sky lit up with the full moon! So instead we laid back to watch the desert moon right over the Arizona hills, and tried not to get bitten by all giant spiders and snakes we saw along the way (not to mention the mountain lions and bobcats we were told to look out for!). Thankfully, no harm to report—but I think we both are a little more eager to get back to the “tame” Midwest wildlife! 

We found it--the PERFECT cactus!