Papa biked yesterday and saw beautiful wildflowers along The Loop that he wanted me to see. We left mid morning for El Rio Preserve, a park located on the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. “In 1774, Juan Bautista de Anza, commander of the Royal Presidio of Tubac, successfully explored an overland route from Sonora, Mexico into Alta or Upper California. The expedition showed it was possible to transport livestock, goods, and people overland from Sonora to new settlements in California. The viceroy of New Spain authorized Anza to lead a 1775-76 expedition to settle the port of San Francisco, over 1000 miles. At the journey’s end, 198 people, over half of them children under 12, stayed to build the Presidio of San Francisco. In addition to founding San Francisco, de Anza expedition members helped start the settlements of San Jose and Los Angeles. Tohono O’odham, the Native American inhabitants of the region, acted as guides and interpreters vital to the Anza expedition.” Next to El Rio Preserve is a field of Tohono O'odham ruins, where artifacts have been found.
We enjoyed the beautiful pond, with egrets, ducks, and a blue heron. The wildflowers were exquisite!
We enjoyed the beautiful pond, with egrets, ducks, and a blue heron. The wildflowers were exquisite!
