Southeast, Arizona - March 13 - 20, 2006
Once we left Tucson we were changing locations so often that you would think the law was on our tail. Appropriate, since we were in Billy the Kid's stomping grounds - maybe it was Sheriff Pat Garrett in our rearview mirror.
Southeast, Arizona - Our first stop was Tombstone Territories RV Resort in Huachuca City (Claire says pronounce it like a sneeze -- HOO-a-choo-ca), about 10 miles west of Tombstone. The RV Resort is very well maintained and is surrounded by beautiful mountains - including Cochise's former stronghold that glows during sunset. The park also boasts numerous birds including very colorful hummingbirds, finch, wrens and doves.
We decided to stay in this area to visit the Kartchner Caverns State Park and other hot spots in the area. The caverns were interesting, but somewhat less than we expected. They have only been open to the public since 1999 and are exceedingly protected, which is good. However, we were reminded of their delicacy so many times during the tour it detracted from the experience. For example the initial "decontamination" consisted of going through three air locks and being misted with water before we could see the formations. Apparently, we humans shed a lot of lint and skin, so they wanted us to be clean before we viewed the formations. Surprisingly, the caverns are warm and humid unlike other caverns we have visited. If you plan to go, make tour reservations well in advance and be aware that the tours are $19/adult.
The following day we drove to Chiricahua National Monument and spent a wonderful day hiking, picnicking and exploring the park. Chiricahua Mountains, one of the "sky islands" of the desert southwest, was a total surprise. Bill's mother told us about the park and the wonderful rock formations, pinnacles and vegetation. It was definitely worth the visit - thanks mom.
The following day we drove south to the old copper mining town of Bisbee. This mile-high town is so cool! It is built along a narrow, steep canyon resulting in stairway streets and alleys, and terraced homes and gardens. One fellow we talked with described it as "the place hippies go to retire". We aren't sure of that, but the town did have its share of colorful people and there is a definite hint of patchouli oil in the air. It also has interesting Romanesque, Renaissance and Mission Revival and Beau Arts architecture, history and art galleries.
We stopped in Tombstone on the way home. The town was getting ready for a rollicking St. Patrick's Day celebration - and we were advised that the smart folk were getting out of town. It had been a long day, so after a brief visit to Boothill, we "got smart" and got out!
The first day of spring it turned very cold and started snowing. We decided it was time to leave Arizona.
