On October 23-26, S'bel and I traveled to Phoenix, AZ, to attend a legal conference. Never having been in Arizona before, we decided to take the opportunity to see some of the old west. I had never seen a saguaro cactus and I was excited at the opportunity to see where so many of the old western films were produced.

We stayed at the Ghost Ranch in Tuscon and ventured out early on Saturday morning. In Minnesota there was a fresh dusting of snow but in Arizona the sun was warm. Whenever we travel to the Southwestern US we marvel at how much the climate and geography is similar to Spain. We always come home with a greater appreciation for the attraction the Spanish had for this part of the country and the rich culture of its peoples. Our first vist was to the Mission San Xavier Del Bac just south of Tucson.

This is one of the most beautifully preserved Spanish Missions in the Southwest. It was founded in 1622 by the Franciscan Friars in the center of a Papago Indian settlement along the banks of the Santa Cruz river. The building is a striking simplicity of white against the desert vegetation and fields of grain and cotton. The Mission has a graceful blending of Morrish, Byzantine and late Mexico Renaissance archetecture. The most prominent part of the Mission's facade is the front enterance with its delecate carving of the Franciscan coat-of-arms. Inside the Mission we were amazed at the wonderful frescoes, paintings, statuary, and alters covered with gilded and painted plaster.

We next headed west to Old Tucson, a movie studio used to film western movies. At noon Diamond Lil puts on a show at the Palace Saloon.

I fit in nicely with the local sheriff and desperado leaning against the bar. The school madam (naturally) tries to shut down the bawdy activities but fails when the town mayor starts to "enjoy the company".

S'bel meets up with Gabby, a local prospector who is just looking for a good time after spending months in the hills. While we were walking around a deputy sheriff managed to capture an outlaw and he dragged him to the lockup. Then one of his friends came to town and a jail break and shoot out occured before our very eyes.

After exploring all the back alleys and streets of Old Tuscon, to include a train ride around town and into the desert, we headed back to Phoenix for our return home. Our ride home took us through the Saguaro National Park where we once again marveled at the "forest" of saguaro cactus growing on the hillside.