Kartchner Caverns.... the Four J's Take a Road Trip!

We checked out of the hotel and moved to the Andersen's Hacienda for the next few days!  Had to leave nice and early, dropped off our luggage at their place and then we were on the orad by 8:30.  Jerry, Jean, Jens and Julie on a road trip and explore to the Kartchner Caverns!

Started the tour out watching a movie about the discovery and how the tours now came to be.  Unbelievable... Back in the 70's, college buds who like to explore caverns... and boy, did they hit the jackpot... They entered through a sinkhole... now I was imagining a huge sinkhole... but no... it was very small... the clue was the warm air blowing out of it on their explore. And their explore determined it was huge. But... all very secretive for years as they didn't want the place ruined.  First they told the landowners (Kartchner's) and showed them... as well as they could... then, they got they state involved... It's a fascinating history... check it out on the internet!

Once inside, there were strict rules... no picture taking, had to compact and roll up our jackets before we entered the warm caves.  They wanted to prevent any lint of loose hair from falling on the rocks.  If we accidentally touched any part of the cave, we would have to tell our guides and they would leave a plastic tape and it would be thoroughly cleaned (???) that evening

So, these pictures following I downloaded from Google... The explore was awesome!

AND, when we got home, Diva Christy had prepared an absolutely delicious meal....

The 'mountains' over the caves... 

An Honorary Diva for the Night!

So, Christy and Julie prepared a special evening for Halley... and she was crowned an honorary Diva!  Can we say FUN!!!!

Touring Tuscon...the City and It's History!

 Woke up early and met Michael Reisen for our personal tour of the city and a visit to the San Xavier del Bac Mission.   So, so, so much information in Michael's head... The Mission is still an active church today and the interior is gorgeous.  It's on the Tohono O'Odham Reservation.  Again lots more history on how this whole area was settled.  We definitely need to come back and do even more exploring!

Stopped for a meal and then back on the road....

All done, we came back for a dip in the pool!  nice.....  

Flancers, Glowing Orbs and Diva's!

So, we bid adieu to Tucson... BUT... via a quick side trip to Gilbert for lunch and a last bit of time with Emily.  She was prepping for the boy's birthday party but wanted us to meet for lunch... and we did.  Great Food at a place called Flancers... nummy! 

Halley took our picture... and, through no planning, got the pendent lights perfectly centered about our heads.  Lots of fun comments on that!

Arrived at the Spanish style Hacienda del Sol, here in Tucson!  Very nice... but not quite as handicap accessible... you can get places without stairs... but it's a long way around.  Halley doesn't walk much anymore, so she's been getting a workout which she is NOT use too!  This is a historic hotel and was previously a girls Preparatory School in the 20's, then a bit of a Guest Ranch in the 40's.  At that time you could find Spencer Tracy, John Wayne, Clark Gable, and the likes hanging out here.  The Guest Ranch was soon out of favor... the place sorta changed hands and lost it's status, until the mid 90's when some investors brought it to what it is today.  They have kept the simplicity and the rooms are pretty authentic.  It also has a fabulous restaurant which is well known with lots of awards. 

Anyway... unpacked and headed to Diva Christy and Tom's for a BBQ including Liz, Gary, Julie, & Jens.  First time the Diva's and their spouses were together... We all have so much fun!

You know... if we tried to make this shot happen, it never would... strictly a coincidence!

One of several courtyards around the hotel.... 

Our Patio... one of the few rooms that has a patio...

Dinner at Diva Christy's... with Julie and Liz too... plus the guys... plus Halley!  Way FUN!

Remember Bob Crane and Hogan's Heroes????

Went for a nice walk this am and while out and about, did some geocaching.  As usual, we end up in unique places we might not have otherwise.  And boy, this one beats them all! Bob Crane was a comedic television actor and was known as the leader of a band of POW's during WWII in a show called 'Hogan's Heroes". Years after the show ended, he infamously had his life snuffed out by a never caught murderer...  Kinda weird... though the murder never was solved, they now think they might know who did it, but he passed away recently... Anyway, this was what they call a virtual geocache.  You don't necessarily sign anything... but come to a place and have special instructions.  Sometimes it's solving a riddle, sometimes it's a geographical question... and in this case, it was taking a pic, at a discreet distance, of the unit in the complex.  The condo is owned by a new owner now and you are asked NOT to contact him (the Geocache owner has been in touch with the owner but there is no reason for anyone else to contact him).  Anyway, we had to be discreet so we acted like we were just enjoying taking selfies... and yet trying to get the condo in the background... yup, we looked pretty goofy!

The afternoon found us poolside for a bit after a nice little lunch.  Ronda had been in touch with us, so we were going to their place for a meal in the evening.  They have a gorgeous place in Peoria... right on the Trilogy Golf Course.  

We took off and noticed in the distance, weird dots in the horizon/sky.  Then, it dawned on us, it was a Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascension.... Awesome!  Took the pics from a moving car, so they're not the best but you get the idea!

Arrived at our destination!  Great burgers, beautiful  sunset and wonderful company!  Thanks Scott and Ronda!

Tomorrow we leave for Tucson for some Diva Time... Cannot wait!  

But first, we'll take a side trip to Emily's for a quick hug before we get on the road!  

Sunset was so colorful!

Andy and Casee Are All Hitched Now!

Boy... we are OLDER than dirt...Andy was just a newborn when we first met Scott and Ronda... and now, he's all married.  Andy has lived in Phoenix the last few years, as well as Casee.  They are both from the Northwest... hence, almost all the guests were from the Northwest - A destination wedding for everyone but the Bridge and Groom! 

The weather was perfect, the venue sweet and Andy's Uncle Steve (a retired Judge) performed the ceremony.  After the wedding, they  served up a yummy meal and the music played away!  Scott and Ronda shed some tears... their son is now all married! The Circle of Life as they say...

The wedding was in an old Ice House... Years ago, an explosion blew the roof off... this is the area where the ceremony was... Was pretty nice... looking at the sky... Partway through the ceremony you heard some doves cooing... that was not part of the plans... but the soft sounds were beautiful!

 Scott busy greeting family and folks!

 Scott and Ronda!

 Andy with his Uncle... Watching Casee walk down the aisle

 Andy's Sister, Alyssa...

 Casee and her dad....

 THEY'RE OFFICIALLY MR and MRS!