Author: Roadtirementvintage

Mission San Xavier del Bac, the White Dove of the Desert

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About 10 miles south of Tucson, Arizona you will find the “White Dove of the Desert” also known as the Mission San Xavier del Bac. This magnificent Spanish mission was completed in 1797. The first Spanish missionary, Father Eusebio Kino, arrived at the site in 1692. Throughout the years the location has been part of New Spain, Mexico, and finally a part of the U.S. after the Gadsen Purchase of 1854.

My postcard-like photo of the Mission

When you enter the church you cannot help but be amazed by the incredible amount of 18th century statuary and murals. The impact varies for everyone who walks the interior of this powerfully spiritual place. Candles are always lit and displayed. A shrine to St Francis is a prominent feature and one of solemn devotion.

Inside the sanctuary

Prayer chapel and garden next to the church

Sacred statuary

 

 

 

 

The edifice is still a functioning Catholic Church that primarily serves the Tohono O’odham tribe, formerly known as the Papago. Being one of the most popular tourist stops in Tucson, we were fortunate to visit when there were very few people there. It was almost as if we had the place to ourselves. This is a site that is filled with history as well as a sacred place for contemplation, meditation and prayer. Do not miss a chance to visit San Xavier. You will be moved.

The San Xavier website is packed with info for your assistance in visit planning .

Devils Tower: the first U.S. National Monument

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Northeast Wyoming is home to one of the most remarkable landscape features in the United States. The towering mass of volcanic rock known as Devils Tower has long been the destination of curious travelers and is the source of several Native American legends describing the origin of the rock formation. In the fall of 2014 we were on our way from Indiana to Seattle and decided to make a short detour to see this striking and beautiful gift from Earth.

One of, if not the most striking geologic feature in Wyoming

Detail image of each “column” that is about 8 feet across!

One of the legends of the origin of the tower tells the story of girls who were pursued by a huge bear. The girls prayers were answered when the Great Spirit caused the rock to raise from the ground with the girls safely on top. The bear attempted to climb the smooth sides of the rock, and his claws made the distinctive shapes we see today.

Geologists tell us that the tower was made when volcanic intrusions of lava pushed up into thick layers of sandstone, now eroded away after millions of years. The rock, an igneous basalt type, took on the shapes of columns when it cooled. Called a columnar formation, this shape is not uncommon and can be found in rocks all over the world.

The Devils Tower was the first designated US National Monument, so declared by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. The first Caucasians saw the tower in the 1850’s. It was also the site of the famous ending of the 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Rare Unique White Bronze cemetery monuments

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When you come across a blueish colored grave monument you can’t help but wonder how it has maintained its lettering and clarity of the dates. No, it is not a later replacement, it is the original zinc metal grave marker. Manufactured by the Bridgeport, CT. Bronze Company, these long lasting  but somewhat fragile monuments were custom made from 1876 until 1914.

When you tap on the surface of these monuments you can immediately tell it is metal. The seams where the individual pieces are joined are also obvious.  Each piece was cast in Bridgeport and then shipped to the cemetery for installation. Customers dealt with sales reps armed with multiple catalogues with unlimited possibilities for choice of monuments.

Name/dates of deceased and panel with “Shaking Hands”

“HOW DESOLATE OUR HOME BEREFT OF THEE”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The zinc-tin alloy used in the castings did not rust and resisted the growth of mold or algae. Each monument was custom ordered, so all are one of a kind. The designs included panels that were screwed in and could even be changed at a later date, if desired.  These were perfect for symbols like the shaking hands, sheaves of wheat or personal messages in addition to the name and dates of the deceased.

A smaller monument

Name/date still legible after nearly 140 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The material of these was advertised as White Bronze. White Bronze doesn’t exist. These are made with a zinc-tin alloy. The company, however, felt that White Bronze is a much classier and sophisticated name than zinc. They also claimed (of course!) that their monuments would outlast any stone monument. In a way that was true, however these zinc beauties were susceptible to breakage from, for example, falling trees. In addition, very tall monuments could suffer over time from settlement of part of the bases.

This panel would have been custom ordered for the monument

The next time you are enjoying a relaxing walk through a cemetery or graveyard keep an eye out for different looking monuments. Go have a look, it just might be a one of a kind White Bronze monument that was cast in Bridgeport, Connecticut between 1876 and 1914.

 

The Homer Covered Bridge dramatic saga of survival

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Yes, this marvelous covered bridge has what can be described as a life history of epic proportions. Here’s the Reader’s Digest version: Built in 1881 over Mud Creek in Rush County Indiana. Disaster struck when it floated away during the flood of 1892 and ended up downstream in a field. The farm owner cleverly turned the bridge into a barn. This barn started falling apart over the years. Local Pioneer Engineers (antique farm machinery club) dismantle bridge/barn and rebuild it on their Club’s grounds as a pedestrian bridge in 2009. Bridge saved!

Used as a barn in 2008, photo courtesy Bridgehunter.com

Rebuilt on new location at Caldwell Pioneer Acres

 

 

 

 

 

 

This bridge, originally built by A.M. Kennedy and Sons is constructed with Multiple King trusses. These are not the more common Burr Arch trusses used by Kennedy. Surprisingly, the lumber in the trusses was still in excellent condition after time and floods. Only the foundation lumber needed total replacement, along with siding and roofing.

Good view of the Multiple King trusses. Note the diagonals notched into verticals

Reproduced name and date on the reconstructed bridge

 

 

 

 

 

” For Machinists, Steam and Pump Fitters Work. Go To W.H. Moffett & Co.”

The advertisement sign above had made it through the years and was noticed when the bridge timbers were salvaged at the farm where the 1892 flood had placed the bridge. It survived all those decades. Now the sign, as well as the bridge itself, continue to provide a nostalgic look back into Indiana history.

Austin’s Lady Bird Lake from the water after dark

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The Colorado River runs through Austin’s vibrant downtown. Flanked by parks, bike and hiking trails and entertainment venues, the river also widens and slows, prompting the name Lady Bird Lake after LBJ’s First Lady.

Striking view at dusk

Groupon led us to Lone Star Riverboat cruises, offering a chance to enjoy a sunset cruise and beautiful views of the remarkable and interesting architecture of Austin’s skyline. Lone Star has both a double deck “paddle wheeler” style boat and large open air pontoon style boats. Sher and I and our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter chose  the pontoon boat for our sunset cruise.

Center building is either an owl or a nose hair clipper: locals laugh about it

Curved building is the new Google Headquarters, far right is one that looks like a thumb drive

We thoroughly enjoyed our slow paced tour up and down the waters. Our Captain of the craft gave a most interesting running commentary of the sights seen from the vantage point of the water. One interesting anecdote concerned the heights of the buildings. Formerly no Austin building could be taller than the State Capitol. However, one rich Texan donated a building that would be taller. Money talked, and the impressive skyline continues to grow in height.

Our cruise was slightly over and hour, and was reasonably priced with special kid’s rates and a nice Senior discount as well.

Growth of our Black Cherry Tree

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Taken on June 20, 2020

Taken on June 25, 2021

Taken June 3, 2026

This Black Cherry was one we received from the Indiana DNR. The first picture was taken on June 20, 2020 shortly after being planted. The sapling was then in a cage for protection, and the top visible rung on the cage is less than 2 feet high.  The second picture was taken on June 25, 2021. The tree was a little over 6 feet tall. The third was taken June 3, 2026 this year.

Black Cherry trees normally take 8 to 10 years of growth before they produce cherries. We’ll report back to you in June, 2030 hopefully with a picture of a basket full of black cherries.

The magnificent Saguaro cactus of the Sonoran Desert

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The Saguaro National Park is unique in that it is actually in two distinct locations: The Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District. One section is west of Tucson, the other is east of town. First designated as a National Monument in 1933, the monument was officially made a National Park in 1994.

Typical Sonoran Desert scenery

Sher and I went to the Rincon Mountain District one afternoon when we were visiting Tucson. We stopped at the Park’s Visitor Center to pick up some information brochures and a map of the park. We did not have to pay the entrance fee because we have the America the Beautiful Senior Pass.

Barrel Cactus beginning to bloom

Classic desert scenery

 

 

 

 

 

The scenic loop drive is an 8 mile one way paved road that winds through a portion of the huge park. This drive will give you an up close and personal view of the amazing cacti and other plants that populate the remarkable Sonoran desert environment. You can’t help but feel a connection to the marvels of the desert as you take this drive. There are many pull-offs with “scenic” views. Get out and smell the air and take in the spirit of the desert.

This is a wonderful cluster of old timers!

One thing that stood out to us was the individuality of each of the Saguaro catcti. The younger ones had a simple stalk. The Saguaro doesn’t start to grow the iconic “arms” until it is over 6 feet tall and at least 60 to 75 years old. Those old timers with several arms are in the 150 + year old age group!

 

The haunted Willard Library and ghost cams

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Evansville, Indiana is home to one of the most documented haunted structures in the country. It is listed on many “Top Ten Haunted Places”. The library is Indiana’s oldest operating public library, it was opened in 1885. The beautiful building is filled with period furnishings and some magnificent interior wood work. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The library’s reading room. The Gray Lady is often seen here.

The Willard library started its journey as a haunted site in the 1930’s. A custodian was greeted one evening by the vision of an apparition that is now known as “The Gray Lady”. This translucent form has made many more appearances throughout the decades and has been seen by many. No one knows for sure who this ghost is nor the reason for her continued presence in the library.

One thing for certain is the fact that strange and unexplained happenings have and continue to occur in the building. Water faucets have mysteriously found to be opened, books have been moved and other objects have been found in new places. No one feels that the lady is malevolent but her identity remains a mystery.

The 2nd floor conference room, sightings also seen in this room

Some feel that other spirits other than the Gray Lady also haunt the library. Interest in the hauntings have resulted in many paranormal investigations. Photographic evidence abounds that shows what many think can only be apparitions.

One of several Ghost Cams scattered throughout the building and on 24/7/365.

The library has installed several “ghost cams” that are functional 24/7/365. A trip to the ghost cam website allows you to participate in anytime ghost hunting!. Go ahead, open up the Willard Ghost Cams Website and maybe you’ll see the Gray Lady!

DIY backyard flower and plant garden

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This year was the time for our “Do It Ourself” flower and plant garden. Our starting point was deciding what existing plants would be kept and what new types would be planted how and where.

This was the first area improved.

The first improvement was a black border installed around a new area with washed river rock placed. An existing rose bush, a couple of Hostas and some Asiatic lilies remained to receive their new stone bed. Some annuals in pots fit in well after the stone was put in place.

Greenery in lower right are perennials living on and around what is left of a large stump.

Next came the clean up of the weeds and unwanted plants to be replaced with a layer of relatively course topsoil. Then landscaping rocks and flowers planted in pots. Existing chives and some sage was left as is. A large bird bath was placed and immediately became a favorite water park for a plethora of birds.

It has been worth waiting four years for this beautiful peony to bloom

Potted flowers on antique glass bricks

Herbs and bird fountain on low shelf

Twin solar powered water fountains are enjoyed by many birds daily!

We are really enjoying the growth of many of our plantings. A border ring around a large Maple tree trunk is doing pretty well with the growth of wild flowers after their first year of growth. The rose bush mentioned has put on several beautiful roses. The bulbs produced enough lilies for several vases worth of fresh flowers for inside our home. Do it yourself gardening is a wonderful way to enjoy your piece of the great outdoors.

Spur of the moment yard sale

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Thursday last week we noticed that one of our “across the street” neighbors was in the process of setting up a long line of tables with items on them. Sure looked like a set up for a garage/yard sale. A short hike across the street and quick chat with our neighbor confirmed it: they were having an advertised large yard sale on Friday and Saturday.

My selling spot in the front yard next to our driveway. Note the black tower fan that felt good with the 89 feels like 98 temperatures.

We decided that we might be missing a chance if we didn’t set out a few tables filled with some good stuff of our own to sell. My son did most of the work getting the tables out, set up and  filled with goods to sell. Friday was quiet with little traffic. Saturday was better with several customers and sales. It was a fun impulse project and did put a few dollars in our pockets.