Biosphere 2

Our latest adventure was to go visit the Biosphere which is about 30 miles from us.  It was pretty interesting to see this place.  In the early 90's six people lived inside the original biosphere for two whole years, growing all their own food and collecting all their own water, etc.  In my opinion, these people were crazy, but it's pretty amazing what they did!  Over the years, the biosphere has been under different leadership and funding, so it has been added onto,  changed and the purpose for its existence has evolved throughout the years.  Today, it's utilized for environmental/ecological research and the University of Arizona maintains it.  

Outside one of the areas of the biosphere

 

This is the "ocean" inside of the biosphere - apparently it goes down two acres and the sand for the beach was brought in from the Caribbean. 

Here we are going through the desert portion of the biosphere.  Inside, they have all different ecological systems - from the humid rainforest to the arid Sahara Desert.

Lois loved being on her dad's shoulders.

Here's one of the long underground tunnels that we went though during our tour.  

The rainforest portion of the biosphere - it was hot and very humid in there!  We were reminded how much we dislike the humidity when Jason's hair got all fluffy, my hair got all flat and Lois' hair was sticking to her forehead.  Yuck.  

This place is HUGE.

Trying to be excited for the 1.5 hour tour...I'm not convinced.  How about you?

Lois ready to rock n' roll in daddy's sunglasses.  Rock on, Lois.  Rock on.