A trip to the American Southwest is a step into a world of shifting traditions and clashing cultures. It is a world of sharp contrasts between the newly created and what is remembered and old. The area south of Tucson is a clear example of this juxtaposition; still defined by the industries which shaped the west...ranching, mining and farming...the area has two new money-makers; tourism and retirement. Everyone seems to come from somewhere else, but, by searching, it is possible to find places where the ‘old ways’ are still an intrinsic part of the local life-style.
Eventhough golf courses may now outnumber ranches, one can still experience the desert. The best introduction to desert life is found at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, a fascinating ‘walk-through’ exhibit which encompasses animals, plants and natural history of the region. The museum, known as one of the ten best zoos in the world, contains 300 species of animals and 1200 species of plants, alive and in their natural settings.
A walk up one museum hillside exhibit enabled us to witness how the Sonora changes from desert shrub to grassland and then to forest, indicating more moisture, lower temperatures and denser growth as the altitude increases. Later, as we drove through the adjacent desert, a beautiful sunset filtered through the suguaro cactus. Eventhough these giant cactus are present in vast numbers, they appear aloof and alone. Bounded by beautiful mountains, the Sonoran Desert subtly draws one into the quiet, reflective spaces of the mind.
A conversation with the lady at Radio Shack, encouraged us to drive to Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains. The museum exhibits came to life! As we drove from the desert floor to the picnic grounds at the mountain top, we passed through life zones and changes in climate similar to those a traveler would encounter driving from Arizona to Canada. We drove into grasslands, hillsides filled with oak trees, forests of pine, and finally, at the top, among the tall fir trees, we had a snowball battle!
Other daily outings included local missions and Mexican markets. We had a great time roaming the countryside. The return trip brought us to nortorious Tombstone, now an ‘Old West Theme Park”, and on to Bisbee, a revitalized 1870’s mining town. We took time to visit the interior of the Queen Mine, a tour which included a ride into the mountain on the miner’s train, and was guided by a former miner who gave the history of mining in the area. Copper, silver, and gold all came from the Queen Mine in the Mule Mountains, once the home of the Apache.
The drive from Bisbee, through the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, was a highlight of our trip. The saguaro were replaced by rolling hills of straw colored grass. We pulled off at a lone historical marker, and surrounded by absolute silence, recited the story of Geronimo’s surrender. It has been difficult to return to city life. After all these years, we suddenly notice that there are so many people and so much noise!
Increasingly, opportunities are available to immerse yourself in the culture of the desert Southwest. Tours are available which give life to the history and experiences of the old west, or you can explore by yourself.
Many experiences are available which bring together Indians and non-Indians to foster multi-cultural understanding. It is also possible to learn more about the early spanish settlers and the anglo farmers who contributed to the cultural heritage of the area. If you are a teacher, take your students! If you are parents, plan a family expedition! And, if you like to travel alone, you won’t be lonely.
Web-peditions in Learning
Travel and learn from the classroom and from home. |
 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum at Tuscon - Plants, animals and natural history
Arizona Historical Society Museum
Heard Museum - Art works of prehistoric and modern Native American cultures
Desert View High School
Bisbee
Scenic Tucson - Beautiful photography of the area.
ARIZONA ARCHAEOLOGY
March was Arizona Archaeology Month with more than 80 different site tours, exhibits, open houses, lectures, and programs designed for children. For information and a complete list of activities, contact Ann Howard, State Historic Preservation Office, Arizona State Parks. Ahoward@pr.state.az.us
Places to stay in Arizona and elsewhere
Check out The Internet Guide to Bed & Breakfast Inns, the most complete, keyword searchable B&B guide on the Internet.
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