2018 Sam Xavier del Bac Mission and the Tuscon Rodeo

Thursday, February 22

Thursday morning we visited the Arizona State Museum, the oldest and largest anthropology museum in the SW, located on the campus of the University of Arizona, which has an interesting exhibit of Native American history. Once again it brought home the arrogance of European assumed superiority which does little to recommend those of us who emigrated to the New World.  There is much to recommend native culture's 'tread lightly' philosophy to respect the land that sustains us rather than overwhelming our environment.

Mission Xavier del Bac 'White Dove of the Desert'

Next on our agenda was the Mission San Xavier del Bac, known as the 'White Dove of the Desert', a working parish founded in 1692 by Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino.  The current structure was begun in 1783, at which time Franciscan Father Velderrain borrowed 7,000 pesos from a rancher to build the Mission.  After 14 years, the funds ran out before one of the bell towers. was completed.  Restoration of the Mission is ongoing, however will never complete the original unfinished bell tower.  Weekly masses are held for the congregation and the mission school, begun in 1873, still educates K-8 students from the surrounding area.

Courtyard at the back of the mission

Interior of the mission

We skipped the end of the docent tour to arrive in time for the 1400 rodeo show, one of the qualifying days for the first Rodeo of the year's circuit,   Events included bronco riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.  Most events had a minimum time limit to qualify for points and to advance to the finals, and a number of cowboys either missed lassoing or remaining on board for the required minimum time (8 seconds to qualify for both bronco and bull riding). Once lassoed, each participant was timed on how long it took to securely tie 3 legs of the calf. It's got to be disappointing to not score after traveling, sometime from great distances, and paying entry fees.  I liked the rodeo clowns and barrel racing best, and was thankful it wasn't windless and 80F as we sat in the bleachers in the sun (this was the first sunny day).  After watching the calf roping, I could understand why the animal rights groups were protesting outside the gates.

'Mud' wagon with rodeo officials - 
originally they served as smaller, less fancy stage coaches

Bronco riding

Calf roping

Clowns and their fire truck

Bull Riding

We gave Paige and Mike Caldwell a call before we left the rodeo, knowing they were in town for a Tiffin gathering - Tiffin being the brand of their RV coach.  Paige invited us to stop by for a visit and tour of their only home since they sold 'Golden', their power catamaran.  We agree, boating would be a good introduction to life in an RV - something always is either breaking or needs fixing. (A fact to which both the Finns and Schumachers can attest.)  The Tiffin gathering provided techs for solutions to problems large and small, and a chance to touch base with other Tiffin owners.  A great service.

Toto and Toad, Caldwell's RV and Jeep -Toto is currently their main residence as they tour the country

We arranged to meet Saturday for an off road adventure in their 'Toad' (Jeep towed behind the RV).  Paige offered scenic vs adventure - Leonard immediately opted for adventure.  We'd pack a lunch, hiking gear and extra water just 'in case...'. Whatever happens, it promised to  be a fun day with old friends.