July 4th 2014 Benson Arizona

                     I try to keep these posts as recent as possible but it just does not always happen that way.   That said, yes I realize that it is now August.  For the sake of using the magic of the Internets, you as the reader can pretend it is still July or that this is an old posting that you have just come across.  Last year was our first fourth of July in Benson, Arizona.   We were brand new to the area, and really enjoying all the new residence had to offer.   Small towns have the most amazing -down to earth festivals for sure.  Ones that will make everyone feel welcome.  Read more about last year here:  http://exarizonagobensonbobcats.blogspot.com/2013/09/4th-of-july-blast-benson-arizona-style.html

     This year with my work schedule restricting the festivities I could enjoy and after living in the town for a year--my out look may not be as sunny on everything.  Don't get me wrong it was still an amazing celebration.  Again please ignore the date stamps on all of these pictures.  It really was this year. 
     I grew up in a super small town and every year they had a super amazing fireworks show.  I imagine this is still true, but I have not actually witnessed a show back home since about 1997.  Some years in my travels the lighting put on an amazing show, but than canceled the actual fireworks.  I hear the place I work puts on a very great show also---Casino Del Sol--but I have yet to see this either.  I believe the best fireworks display I have witnessed --was in a very small town in the middle of Nevada several years back.  I do not recall the name of the town, and am sure it is a mere dot on the state map.   My wife and I were traveling cross country near area 51.   I kept seeing these bright flashes in the sky that could not be lightning.   It was messing with my head even more, because my wife never saw any of these for miles and miles.   I was growing more and more un-easy   even after she started to spot the bright flashes in the sky.  At some point in the hills we pulled into a super small town, and witnessed THE best firework shows I have ever seen!  I do not know how this tiny town paid for such a show--maybe from speeding ticket fines of youngsters trying to get out of the town when they turned 18? 

 

Our youngest waiting for the parade to start

and for candy!

 

 

Uncle Sam made quite a few appearances in this parade.

At the moment he is heading the wrong way up the street.

      This year I started work in Tucson at the above mention casino at midnight and got into Benson just in time to quickly park and than enjoy the parade and my amazing family.  I only got to enjoy the parade and than went to bed, because I again had work that night.   It also allowed me to enjoy the big fireworks show that night in the Lions Park.  Of course the huge fireman led water fight and music and such went on in the park all afternoon long. 

 

 

                               The local fire crews have stayed extra busy again this year.  
          And I wish to thank each and every one of them, especially the volunteers!

 

 

 

Every local event I enjoy taking a picture of the drunk wagon.

But I am easily amazed.

This year I will pass on a lame joke about the party being over when they arrive.

I will also apologize now for anyone that appears in my photos that did not come to the parade in the same vehicle as me. 

 

 

 

The old law makers and DUI task force.

 

 

 

R & R Pizza

The most amazing bread sticks around!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I believe this is the first time I have every seen Ronald Mcdonald in a parade before.

In Benson or any town USA.

 

 

 

 

This years parade was almost double as large as last years.

I really liked all of the old tractors

and the equally old drivers. 

 

 

 

Out of all of the shots here of random viewers

I will claim the girl in blue above as one of my kiddos.

At least most of the time I will claim her.

 

 

 

Again this was a great and highly patriotic show.

And I would like to thank everyone that makes this possible

and very enjoyable every year!

 

 

 

Next posts feature my buddy and my Exploring of the area.

He was in town for three days and we tried to see as many sights as possible.

With Tombstone of course on the list. 

 

Reid Park Zoo Tucson

              A few weeks back -I realize the date stamp on these pictures says a few years back, but we did not live in Arizona at that time.  The date stamp is now removed from all pictures for future posts.  On this day all of us took off for an adventure to the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson.  It is very rare that we all can go Explore at the same time, AND ever more rare that we all enjoy the day!  We have been to a lot of zoo's including the amazing one in Phoenix.   One of the few things I actually enjoy in Phoenix.  But that zoo is to huge--by far.  And after paying to get in, you feel like you should see everything.  All of this while battling the heat of the desert.  Tucson zoo is the perfect size--not to big not to small.  With amazing landscaping and some areas to cool off and get wet in.  Although they are built for little kids.  As in many of our adventures I would strongly recommend eating before going or taking a lunch as we did and enjoying it in the huge park beside the zoo.  On the zoo ground a fountain soda rang it at over $3 a piece.  Several stores including a large Fry's are nearby if you did not think about packing a lunch--and than saw the food court prices.   In the same area is a golf course, water park, and the huge park.  Everything is right off of 22nd Street.  I had before drove past here many times, and did not know a large zoo was in the area.  A large elephant greets visitors near the front entrance.

 

Peacocks can be found roaming free through the whole zoo.

I recall living near peacocks several times while growing up and they were amazingly noisy birds all of the time.  But they make up for it in there beauty.  Although above is the only tail feathers we saw rise on this trip.

 

 

 

 

This one almost blends into it's surroundings.

 

 

Another large bird that wanted to visit.

 

 

Just outside the zoo entrance.

Just to the right is the water park.

And just past is the huge park.

 

 

 

Patiently waiting for zoo tickets.

 

 

One of the first exhibits you pass is home of the great tiger. 

He was passing all over his cage on this morning.

Most of the animals were out and awake because we went in the morning.

Although they had to entice the bears to come out --with food.  Lots of food.

 

 

 

 

 

The mighty giraffes have a huge pen in the middle of the park.  The almost open pens allow for

some great pictures and almost make you a part of the exhibit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Again please ignore the date stamps on these pictures.

I snapped lots of pictures of these amazing creatures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landscaping through out the zoo is amazing.

 

 

Near some water fountains.

These are supposed to be for little kiddos, but I have to say the water felt great on me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Massive Rhino enjoying the shade.

 

 

His droppings  for

your enjoyment.

 

 

This large fellow lays in wait near the elephants.

I was more than happy to realize it was not real.

 

 

Near this area is also lots of hands on exhibits.
Including this one were you can feel an elephants butt.

Do I look like a real tourist in this picture or what?

 

 

The "stone" walls here also feed the animals.

 

 

 

 

Someone older than me.

 

 

Near the birds is another hands on building.

With a baby hedge hog to meet. 

On this day they were also giving free face painting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flowering beauty above the walk ways.

 

 

Monkeys!

 

 

 

Plotting bird

 

 

 

Stopping to pose for the camera.

 

 

When we came back through they were also resting.

 

 

This open pen allows you to be the exhibit!

 

 

Than it was time to enjoy the park and cool off a little bit.

 

And devour some well earned lunch of course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time for a quick rest. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another pond in the park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one is full of happy turtles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extra kudos to these people 

that can keep all of these roses alive in the middle of the desert!

Let alone all of the green grass surrounding this massive park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Near the parks ampathetre

Bring your walking shoes--this is a huge park.

 

 

 

Thank you for Exploring with us!

Many new posts and pictures are slowly coming.

Please also check out all of our Exploring in my first

and longest running blog page

at www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com

 

 

As always

 

**Happy Exploring!!**