Out and About in the Tucson Area Part One

The Desert Museum is ranked on TripAdvisor.com as one of the top 10 museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction. As you drive into the museum you are greeted by what we call "cactus sentinels" standing guard on the mountainside and scattered about in the desert landscape.

Unlike most museums, about 85% of the experience is outdoors. The museum covers 98 acres and is a fusion experience: botanical gardens, hummingbird aviary, zoo, art gallery, natural history museum, regional mineral collections and aquarium. There are miles of walking paths through various desert habitats where you can view some 230 animal species and over 2,000 species of plants. This is a museum not to be missed on your travels. 
Who knew there could be so many varieties of cactuses.

This was my third visit there and there's always something new to see and experience.  The outdoor raptor show is quite popular drawing a very large crowd.  I particularly liked how these raptors were showcased in their natural habit as they soared over and swooped down to the delight of the crowd.  Since they moved at a great speed it was a bit of a challenge to capture them in a photo. My husband and brother- in- law did all the picture taking . They were able to photograph over the crowd. Being tall does help!

We saw hawks and owls in action.

As we meandered along the paths enjoying the landscape 

 we did manage to stay clear of the javelinas napping in the sun. 

According to the guide we had the past year has been particularly dry for the region which  impacts the biodiversity of the desert and the blooms on the cactuses the next few months. 

The World's Greatest Treasure Hunt
Tucson becomes a playground for the world of international gem and mineral trading, collecting, and treasure hunting when the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase arrives Jan. 27- Feb. 11. Shoppers from near and far come to hunt for jewelry, jewelry-making supplies, collectibles and treasures, both rare and bargain priced. The event is the largest in the world with over 7 different locations. Just plain mind boggling all the choices. The following photos are from just one locations and then really only a small snapshot of what's available. Every size. shape and price imaginable of raw materials and finished pieces.

And even some skulls for your desert landscape could be found.