We went out to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum yesterday and even though we lived in Tucson 30 years ago and visited often, it still was a real treat ... an absolutely must-see if you come to Tucson. The museum is about 15 miles west of Tucson through some pretty spectacular saguaro cactus country.

The museum is really about 500 acres of desert preserved in the natural state with walking paths with descriptions and examples of all the animal and plant life in this region. They have some awesome animal enclosures ... believe it or not this is textured concrete ... and they say the walls are high enough to keep kitty in.

And they tell you to stay on the paths to ensure you don't disturb these guys!

There are literally hundreds of exhibits of plants and animals, but of course this little guy caught Jo-Anne's eye just as we were leaving the exit of the place. I got close enough to touch this little pack rat chewing on an agave but he was unfazed by the tourists.

And more rules to keep you and the exhibits separate as much as possible!

This part of the desert is truly spectacular even though this is winter. In the spring every variety of cactus blooms in a really beautiful display.