Over rodeo break I was also able to see 2 of my friends from California.  Vanessa was visiting from San Diego so I was able to see her & her other friends and family that were visiting from San Diego & some that live here in Tucson.  Vanessa has a cousin that got married here over the weekend.  
I was also able to spend a fun day with my friend Erin.  We met in San Diego, but she now lives in Santa Cruz.  She has grandparents that live here.  We went hiking in Sabino Canyon and had a delicious lunch at Dakota Cafe in Trail Dust Town.  It was so great to catch up with both of them!!!

Erin & I at Sabino Canyon

Hi From Cali

Tracy's Birthday

Sunset Horseback Ride

Horse Races

In February & March Tucson opens up it's horse racing track, "Rillito Race Track".  Much to James's delight it's a 10 minute drive from where we live.  Or a short walk from the Farmer's Market near us, which is the way we went.  Rillito is no Del Mar Race Track, but it gets the job done.  According to James, going to the race track made that weekend one of the best he's had since living here.  He certainly loves his horse racing!

Tucson Gem & Mineral Show

In early February we spent a few hours touring the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show.  It's a big deal in Tucson.  This is what their website says....

 "The acclaimed Tucson Gem and Mineral Show™ is held every year on the second full weekend of February. It has set the standard for gem and mineral shows around the world, and is now the largest gem and mineral show in the United States. The Show is open to the public and presents retail Dealers only. Proceeds from the Show remain in the Tucson economy and are used to support mineral knowledge and appreciation."

We saw some amazing gems & minerals, and definitely some of the biggest gems & minerals either of us had ever seen.  James even bought a couple small pieces for our mantle.  

 

January trip to Tucson theme park "Old Tucson"

James and I ventured out to "Old Tucson".  It's a theme park on the outskirts of town that has had countless t.v. shows and movies filmed there.  Unfortunately most of Old Tucson and it's famous movie sets burned down in 1995, so all the sets now are "Part II's".  One of the most recognizable is the Mission set below, where the "3 Amigos" was filmed.  Parts of the movie "Tombstone" were filmed here, too.  The park has a train ride, a covered wagon ride, stunt shows, saloon shows, a haunted mine trail, shops, and a museum with old costumes from various movies and t.v. shows. 

3 Amigos Mission Set

James going into "The Reno" (see below)