The eclipse at about 9:30 am was a great start to our day. Some campers had the special viewing glasses that they were happy to share. When that was over we drove down to San Xavier del Bac Mission. The church sanctuary was closed for a baptism for at least 6 children from 6 families but we were able to take a peak inside and wandered outside.
Our next adventure was to explore Saguaro National Park where many species of cacti can be seen. We watched a short movie about the park with narration from native Americans. One of these narrators said something quite meaningful...When you throw trash on the ground, you are throwing trash at your family for "you are dust, and to dust you shall return". The Bible reference was especially relevant.
After lunch we went on our final adventure for the day, a rodeo in Benson, AZ. The rodeo began about 3 pm with kids competing in several events. They tried to ride sheep, and did some barrel racing as well. It was all fun to watch. At 5 pm, the main rodeo kicked off with bronco riding, followed by barrel racing, calf roping, steer roping, and finally bull riding. None stayed on a bull for the allotted 8 seconds. It was fun but there were definitely many rednecks in the stands...loud, rude, and loud. Their loudness had nothing to do with the rodeo events. I am not even sure they were paying much attention to the rodeo...just having their own "party" in the stands.
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