Twelve ASU Retirees and/or spouses made a two-day trip to southern Arizona on May 8 and 9, 2019.  We contracted with “Detours” a local Tempe tour group for the transportation and guide.

On Wednesday the 8th:

• We first visited the San Xavier del Bac historic mission south of Tucson. “del Bac” we were told is a term that translates to “the local people”.
• We then headed further south to the Titan Missile Museum, a National Monument. The facilities were explored with very knowledgeable guides and we were able to essentially relive the cold war. Considering that the missile base was built in the 1960’s it is a marvel of construction. The security and safety features are impressive.
• Some of us had a great lunch of “Sonoran hot dogs” at a café in south Tucson and then we headed to the Pima Air and Space Museum. Most of us had no idea of the number of vintage aircraft on display.

We overnighted in Benson and on Thursday morning:

• We went to Kartchner Caverns.  Although some of us had been there before, we felt like it was almost a first visit experience. We had a really well-informed guide through the cavern. We did not get to see all of the cavern, as the summer resident bats are habituating a portion of the cave.
• We had lunch in Sonoita and then toured three vineyards and wineries for testing the local product. Actually, we did not tour a vineyard, as the winery tasting of their products turned out the be the most desired event.

All of us were pleased with the quality of the Detours vehicle and the driver/tour leader.

Story by John Brock

Photos by Tara Roesler and Ken Casebolt