A Southern Loop

We have covered some country this week. From leaving Seligman we rode through Flagstaff and stuck to the scenic byways as much as possible. This had us going through the Kaibab National Forest area of Sedona and Prescott to Phoenix. From there it was to Apache Junction, to Tonto National Monument, to Fort Apache on Apache Reservation land and to Pinetop Lake. Here again, we were climbing back into the snow line but with that we were able to see deer on the road side and numerous Red squirrels warming themselves in the sun on the warm road surface. Down on through the Apache National Forest for a nights stop in Safford. From Safford we headed south to the stronghold of Cochise. Here is where he held off the US Calvary until they signed a treaty. A formidable rocky place with a large field of view over the surrounding countryside. His body is buried amongst the rocks somewhere within this area.

Tombstone was next and we arrived on the Friday afternoon not realising that it was Founders weekend, only their second ever event. Too good to be true we found one of the last camp sites available and stayed for two nights.

A town so steeped in history, with silver mining, gambling, prostitution and the famous shoot out at the O.K. Corral we had to have a good look around. The local population all turned out in period costume representing famous characters from Tombstone’s past. The Earp brothers, Curly Bill, Doc Holiday, Big Nose Kate to name a few. To walk around the town in the very buildings and streets where all these events happened was fantastic and it was hard to believe we were actually there. So many events were happening around the town and so many people were enjoying themselves that the days zoomed by all to soon. We loved the silver mine tour under the town along with the Bird Cage Theatre and all its history.

We had lovely neighbours in our camp and spent the evenings over a vodka or two too many discussing all manner of things. Its good to get the American perspective on current topics and see what the man on the street thinks.

From Tombstone we head into New Mexico and further East.

Sorry for the photo overload. Will cut down on the next blog, promise.