Joshua Tree Scenic Highway

On our way to Kingman and Lake Havasu City last weekend, we drove the Joshua Tree Scenic Highway, northwest of Phoenix. I do not remember seeing Joshua tree before, but I think I have seen them. They resemble trees in that they have a main trunk and braches. They are actually members of the Yucca plant family. Definitely cactus plants.


There was also some interesting rocks and boulder formations in one area. I was driving so I could stop wherever and whenever I wanted. Thus the pictures of rocks.

The Wind

I know, I've said the wind rarely blows here in AZ. Well, I'm wrong, especially this winter. There have been more windy days than we remember from past winters. I took this last week at Kingman.

Blooming Cacti

Some of the desert cacti are now blooming. Most of these were taken at the San Xavier Mission on Tuesday. I need to take the manual for my new camera along of this weekend's trip so I can use more of the bells & whistles.

San Xavier del Bac Mission

This beautiful mission was built in 1783 on the Papago Indian settlement south of Tuscon. The active mission is currently in restoration.

"The White Dove of the South" was founded in 1692 by Father Kino of Tumacacori Mission. It is one of the best preserved and most exquisite old Spanish Missions in the Southwest.

Services are held regularly at the church. There is also an active school on the campus.

Tumacacori Mission

We drove to Green Valley today to see Lee & Jan. The four of us took a little road trip to see a couple of missions, one no longer in operation and one that is. This is Tumacacori, a National Historical Park site in southern AZ. Curt & Jan are listening to "tour guide" Lee read about the church. The mission was founded by Father Kino in 1691.


The adobe church was begun in 1800 but never finished before it was abandoned in 1848.
Some of the original painted designs are still visible in the altar area.


This is my creative attempt at "framing" the baptistry & bell tower from the window in the friar's quarters.

We were able to see remains of a lime kiln, granary, mortuary chapel, friar's quarters, irrigation ditch, as well as the church and cemetery.