Drive-out to The Boyce Thompson Arboretum on Saturday 11/10/07. 

This is a lovely, world class Desert Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

10/10/07 

At 9:00am the usual suspects gathered at the Conoco station, Oracle and Rancho Vistoso, for another OPMC adventure.  With Janet leading, the group departed promptly at 9:15 and headed north along the scenic Pinal Pioneer Parkway.  Unmolested by the seemingly always present and in a hurry SUV’s and giant pick-up trucks, we enjoyed a brisk run to Florence and onto Florence Junction.  Along the way we crossed paths, but not lanes, with our Sahuaro Club friends.  They were heading south for a day at the Pima Air Museum and an adventure of their own.  Waves, beeps and smiles were exchanged – small world. 

We arrived on time for our scheduled 11am tour and met our guides.  They’re full time RVer’s who are working as volunteers at the Arboretum.  They also own a Miata and were thrilled to see our group.  Species recognition I guess. 

The tour lasted about an hour and was designed to provide an introduction to and overview of the Arboretum.  Like many others in our group, this was my/our first visit.  I’m not sure what I had expected, but I was impressed by the natural beauty and geology of the area.  One could easily see what had inspired Mr. Thompson when he came to the area in the early 1900’s.  At the conclusion of the tour our group was ready for a picnic lunch and a nice patch of shade under a tree provided a good gathering spot.  With a departure of 2pm there was still time for more exploring, visiting or in the case of Ed and Pat, Geocaching – another story, another day. 

At 2pm the Zoom, Zoom machines came to life and as Willie once sang, we were “On the Road Again”.  The run home lead from the Arboretum to the town of Superior and south along 177 to Winkelman, then onto our well traveled 77.  Back through Oracle, Oracle Junction and to the greater Tucson area.  One by one our group dwindled with waves of “good bye” and a honk of the horn.  Janet and I arrived home shortly after 4 and I suspect most others were in the garage by that time also. Another interesting day shared by good people and their fun cars. 

A big club “Thank you” to Janet for getting this together and for all those who participated to make it a success. 

PS  If you haven’t visited the Boyce Thompson Arboretum be sure to put it on your list of places to see and things to do.  You won’t be disappointed.

Paul Hart

Pictures From The Event