On to Tombstone
Time to move on – it’s been our longest stay in one place – 5 nights. As we drove the 17 miles north back to Why . . . yes, it really is called that . . . originally a Y-junction with Tucson one way, Ajo the other, it has blossomed into a delightfully funky place. There’s an old jalopy waterfall . . . blinking traffic lights . . . shaded outdoor seating among the cactus . . . the Why Not Store . . . and Granny’s Kitchen.
Zooming over the horizon, two low-flying military jets appeared like dark crosses . . . skimmed along the base of the Diablo mountains . . . banked and disappeared behind the peaks. Then four more, following a similar path . . . perhaps looking for illegal aliens . . . or RV’s travelling above the speed limit . . . more likely a training session.
MUCH hotter today . . . landscape has changed yet again . . . vast patches of prickly pear cactus . . . the rocks and hills have taken on the true Arizona colours of reds, yellows and sandstone. A Road Runner sped across the road (no coyote in hot pursuit). But there were some Caracaras . . . one at the very top of a saguaro, and two more on a power pole. Unusual birds – apparently a falcon but behave like vultures and are only found in the US along the Mexican border or in Florida.
Kitt Peak Observatory is located in the perfect spot for observing night skies – no light pollution here, but I gather this is the National Centre for Solar Studies so perhaps not so critical.
Pickup truck with a mysteriously bulky object in the back – wrapped in black plastic . . . and looking remarkably like a huge set of Moose Antlers! Off to the left what looks like a serious wildfire rising up behind the sand-coloured mountains. Checked online, but nothing listed. Perhaps it’s a prescribed burn . . . just hope the smoke blows away from where we want to travel.
Arrived in Tombstone, Arizona . . . a grand Wild West Town with several streets of fully functioning old wooden buildings, straight out of the movies — in fact they have daily shoot-outs. Wooden boardwalks, horse hitchin’ posts, two saloons, jail, spectacular Courthouse, outfitters, house of ill repute. Touristy, yes, but had an authentic/working feel to it . . . and as we arrived late afternoon in the middle of the week – it wasn’t too busy.
Stop for the night was basically a large sandy parking lot . . . but it was quiet, cheap at $10 and literally a 2 minute stroll into Tombstone. Great deal. Wandered along Main Street – and side-stepped a Stage Coach filled with camera-toting tourists, a dusty, Stetson-wearing tour guide and pulled by two slowly clopping horses. We opted for the least busy saloon, and were pleasantly surprised with decent beer and tasty hamburgers. Walking back to the trailer we came upon a loud argument emanating from behind a closed barber’s shop. The door was suddenly thrust open, and a highly tattooed individual erupted onto the sidewalk . . . still yelling loudly. Given the location, it was understandable to assume it might be part of the entertainment — but no. This was an actual disagreement . . . apparently over the choice/volume of music being played!
