The Biosphere 2 has been on my mother’s bucket list for years, at least fifteen, and we were happy, even in the Tucson summer heat, to make it a reality. At the foothills of the Catalina Mountains, the Biosphere 2 began as a private endeavor, and is now part of the University of Arizona earth sciences research and outreach lab. Housing five biomes, including a simulated ocean atmosphere, and living quarters for the scientists and research fellows, this place was amazingly unique.
It’s uniqueness has peeked another interest for Henry, visiting the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Phoenix. Although we weren’t able to make it happen this trip, we definitely look forward to the next visit. Wrapped up with family fun, seeing acres and acres of books, what could be better!
Speaking of family, while in Tucson, we saw clusters of bats in the night sky. And while I don’t have a picture, trust me, it was impressive. In fact, Henry even began a blog about it. Here goes:
Last night, we saw “Bats.” After minutes of watching, we saw TAIL FEATHERS!! They were Common Nighthawks, we later found out, but for the time being, Grandma and Mom thought a group of fluttering birds where bats! Insects and predators, Nighthawks are, and have always been, in constant battle; it’s quite annoying sometimes…. Anyway we made it back to the room in 12 minutes and that’s a long time considering we were 7 feet from the door step!! Grandma still didn’t believe me until the NEXT DAY when we saw a book on Night Birds of Arizona.
These stealthy nocturnal birds swooped above our beautiful hotel, and I so appreciated the calm of the night and family bonds.
A Mom and A Kid 