BIOSPHERE II continued

This time I am going to send you some unusual things that we saw. This is a bee condo that was built, and is still being used by the facility.

The air was provided by this machine. The tour guide said it works like a car radiator. I asked if all the equipment that was in the building is the original and she said yes. It all looks in great shape and good condition.

I hope I can explain what this is. In case of a fire this is where the water would come from, notice the 2 pumps. (I hope I send the right picture) The round thing with legs is what is fascinating. The round thing is attached to a big black rubber bladder. This was needed because during the day, the air expanded and if it couldn't expand of course it would explode the whole building. So when the air warmed, it would lift the round table, which in turn would cause the bladder to expand. Then at night when the air cooler the table would bring the bladder back down. Of course when you are there in person it is simple.

The doors were all like submarine doors, so you can imagine how tight the whole thing was.
So if you are ever close to Oracle, AZ ...... visit the biosphere II

BIOSPHERE II, ORACLE,AZ

The entrance to Biosphere 2 near Oracle, AZ. It is now operated by the U of AZ.

Our friends and neighbors Judi and Nolan went with us to explore this place.

The dome on top of the first building was the library for the 8 people that lived in there. Right below it was the living quarters for the crew. To the back and left was the area where they grew their food. The place was started in 1984 and took 4 years to build. A Dallas businessman that owned Space Biospheres Ventures
spent 150 million on it. (In todays time it would take 150 billion) It has a desert, rain forest, ocean and, savanna. The ocean water came from the San Diago area and was brought in by something like 80 milk tankers. I could go on and on by facts and figures, but figure your eyes are glazed over by now. Next will be some pictures of the structure and the basement. It is amazing how man can create things.

CASA GRANDE DOINGS

We have been busy playing pickleball in the morning and then in the evenings. Did take time off to go to the flyin at the airport and saw some great planes.

John didn't think you should call this a plane, and I told him was probably a special catagory for it.

One day we were going into the coach and here came a hummer! So I dug out my feeder and looked up the receipe for the sugar water. AND here they are.

One of the hummers has a beautiful neck color and I tried to catch it, but no success. But will keep trying.
We have been here over a month and have enjoyed it. Haven't felt the urge to move on (yet), so we have until the 15th to decide about the winter. I imagine we will probably stay, but stay tuned!