Some travel through Arizona

On Friday, November 6 we decided to leave I-10 and cut south to I-8 in order to look at the Sonoran Desert National Monument. We found out that the Sonoran Desert covers much of the southwest and the national monument encompasses only a small part of it. The Saguaro Cactus is a major feature of the landscape. We decided not to go into the park because there is no visitor center and only dirt roads. So, we just drove through it on Arizona  85 and I-8,  The best part of being on I-8 is the lack of traffic, especially trucks. It was the most beautiful part of our drive, so far.

     
We spent the rest of the day in Tucson. We discovered the Tucson Premium Outlet Mall and spent some time shopping. Then we went to visit the University of Arizona. We were particularly interested in the art museum. We spent a couple hours exploring the very interesting and eclectic mix of paintings and other types of art in the galleries. There is a large art department at the University and students and teachers exhibit work in the museum. There are also works by well known artists and many pieces by local artists.

Don at De Grazia Gallery in the Sun

On Saturday we visited the De Grazia Gallery in the Sun. This is the home and art studio of Ted De Grazia, a famous Tucson artist, who died in 1982. I think you would recognize his art – it is very colorful and simply painted. He favors religious themes, Indian children, Western topics, and usually does not paint a face on his people. After spending time at this peaceful spot I decided I really liked Tucson and would like to come back. It is a simple, clean, quiet town featuring typical Southwestern adobe architecture.