Cloudy, cool, errands.....

Our Location: Quail Ridge Rv Resort, Huachuca City, Arizona

 

(Today's pics from our visit to Tombstone)

 

Another restless night, woke up at 2 am and couldn't get back to sleep until I noticed the wee hints of dawn starting to seep in around the shades, then off I went back to sleep. Woke up at 8 am and once again was wide awake, a good thing considering it was daylight for certain now. 

 

Big Nose Kate, Doc Holiday's lady friend

 

The morning was overcast and coolish. We didn't see the sun all day. Only reached into the mid 60's F /18C. So we wore long pants, and long sleeve shirts today. Yes I know that's not cold but after the nice sunshiny days, it feels chilly. 

 

Old mining cart

 

We had tentative plans to head to Benson and on to Cochise's Stronghold but as our plans are only semi-solid they changed easily. We instead headed down the road to Sierra Vista for a few errands. I'm sorry I didn't take any pics today so you'll just have to take my word for it when I say we did this and that. 

 

Original structure in Tombstone

 

Our first stop was at Valvoline Oil Change on Fry Street. Spiffy place, neat, tidy, clean, very friendly. Research showed they had some discount coupons for oil changes, $10 and $7. They would either text them, email or you could print off the coupon. Since we have no printer I tried the text. Hmm....didn't work. I tried the email. Hmmm...didn't work either. So I snapped a pic of the coupons instead. Showed it to the nice young fellow and he gave me $10 off for having a coupon. Brought the Dogsled into the garage, open pit underneath for the fellow to work in. Oh my there was some commotion under there. It seems there was a mess under there, looked like fluid everywhere. I asked them to check all the fluid levels. Guess what? They were all fine. I explained that I had the truck undersprayed before I left Canada and haven't really driven in any wet conditions that would wash it off. They seemed very concerned but truly I wasn't too worried. I asked them to just go ahead and change the oil. They did and were very professional and courteous, after a look at the Air Filter I decided to change it as well. When they were all finished I thanked them again for the concern, and bid them all nice day. They took another $10 off the final bill because I was delayed in getting started as they were discussing this condition under the Dogsled. So with a $20 discount I drove away with fresh oil, fresh filter, all levels checked, topped up windshield washer fluid, and a new air filter. I was happy. The price was very reasonable and the service was excellent. I would recommend them to anyone. 

 

Named after the founder of the town

 

From there we were off to find a car wash and top up the drinking bowl for the Big Dog. The car wash took me $4 to wash off most of the ugly accumulation of travel dust, and other splash effects. Riley opted to stay inside, I think she may have feared I would turn the hose on her.

 

One of the Earp brothers lived in this house. It is now called RockHounds store.

 

Leaving the car wash we found the Big Dog a drink for $2.75 a gallon. He wasn't too terribly thirst and drank only a little over $65 worth. He is a happy fella now and frisky as all get out. 

 

Original structure, would have been owned by well to do families.

 

Leaving there we had to stop at Wally's to get a few things and of course we bought a few extra things. You know how it is, right? 

 

The original jailhouse

 

Leaving there we went to get some pizza from Poppa John's. A mushroom, ham pizza. Mmmmm....it made the Dogsled smell good!!

 

The famous Bird Cage Theatre

 

Back home we munched on pizza for lunch and watched a movie called Escape Plan with Stallone and Arnie. It was pretty good. For old fellas they still do well! 

 

The original printing press from the Epitaph Newspaper.

At walk around the back end of the park brought us to dusk and inside for the rest of the night. Cool enough to wear long pants and a sweat shirt on our evening walk. The next few days are supposed to be coolish and cloudy. 

 

One of the mines that operated back in the day

 

Tomorrow we'll start packing up a few things and on Saturday morning we'll head out. Not sure exactly where we are heading but we'll figure it out before we leave. 

 

No longer feared, Cochise is now a reservation Indian.

 

So that's it. Our errand day. Lots accomplished and reasonably priced service. We are happy! 

 

 

Three of the Earp brothers. 

 

Thanks for stopping by, feel free to comment if you wish. 

 

Until next time..take care, be safe.

 

Deb

Good bye, laundry and shoe shopping.....

Our Location: Quail Ridge RV Resort, Huachuca City, Arizona

The morning was nice, a wee bit chilly but not cold. After doing a few chores inside I slipped outside to say goodbye to George and Suzie (Our Awesome Travels) as they head on down the road in search of their next adventure. We chatted briefly and I left them with warm wishes for safe travel. Nice to meet you both!! Who knows maybe our paths will cross again at some point. 

New planting outside The Mall at Sierra Vista.

 After that I came back to the Igloo and puttered around doing a few things, then decided I would head out for a walk . Riley was still asleep and I couldn't sit still any longer. Once around the back part of the park and I think I've put in about a mile before heading back to the Igloo. Stopped at the laundry on my way past and sure enough it was empty, all the machines were open, and only two dryers were busy. I hurried home, collected of our laundry and in two trips had everything there. We are close to the laundry building and taking the Dogsled was more trouble than taking the 50 steps to the building. I managed to get all four washers going and came back home for a few minutes.

Heading out of Sierra Vista

Riley was up by then and we discussed things to do in the next couple of days and I think we've pretty much decided on a few minor things and we'll leave the big stuff for another visit. That settled I went back to check the laundry. Sure enough time to move everything to the dryers. A very nice lady entered while I was busy moving clothes from one machine to the other, we chatted briefly, I don't recall her name. I do know she's from Wyoming and just sold her home. She had a friend drive her down here to this park and she has decided to stay for the winter. The friend drove, got her parked, set up and left, expecting that she would be here about a month before moving on. Seems she's changed that idea pretty quick. Nice lady. 

Riley's new Asics Running Shoes

Back at the Igloo Riley and I stuck our toes into our walking shoes and headed out the door for another turn around the back park while the clothes were in the dryer. So I think I put in another mile or so with her. We stopped at the laundry room and collected our now dry clothes and brought them home those 50 steps to fold them. I think it's the first time I've ever folded fresh laundry in the Igloo. Not that we haven't done laundry but I've always folded it where I dried it.

My new little Nike Running Shoes

We put everything away, I cleaned out two of my little closets and put everything back together in a neater fashion. After that I readied the Acorn Squash for lunch, adding brown sugar and a little bit of butter. The rest could wait. 

Taken yesterday inside Big Nose Kate's Saloon in Tombstone, AZ.

Out the door we headed to Sierra Vista Mall. We wanted to check out their shoe selection. We had made tentative plans to go to Tucson to get them tomorrow but thought we'd check out what's around here. It worked, we both picked up a pair that we liked. Both pair are true running shoes, easier on the knees and light for those fleet of foot runners. So we were very happy about that. 

Entertainment in Big Nose Kate's saloon.

Back home once again it was pushing 2 pm, I put the squash on low and slow on our Weber, made up some home made turkey burgers, while Riley sauteed some mushrooms and made some rice, and of course our salad. Soon lunch was ready and it was delicious. Sorry no pics, didn't think of it in time. 

It started off with promise...

Quick clean up and now it's time to settle in and do some research, blogging, and pic editing.

But fizzled out...

Not many pics today, didn't do much to take pics of. 

That was it.

So there you have it. Our quiet day here in Huachuca City area, Arizona. We'll be moving on in a couple of days moving to our first boon docking spot in the southwest. We are looking forward to it. A bit of space, a bit of privacy, some peace and quiet. What's not to look forward to?

Some clouds trying to obscure the moon...

Thanks for stopping by, hope you had an excellent day as well.

Until next time...take care, be safe,

Deb 

The old wild west.....

Our Location: Quail Ridge Rv Resort, Huachuca City, Arizona

Trying to post my blog last night I went to the clubhouse hoping for a bit faster connection. It wasn't any faster but it was interesting. I met Carolynne and Art, from London, Ontario, and a couple from Michigan. Riley and I met the gentleman this morning while touring the clubhouse and tonight I met his wife and then he stopped by as well. So I did a lot of chatting and a bit of posting. It took me longer to get the pictures to load there in the clubhouse than it did at the Igloo. However once another fellow left the clubhouse everything seemed to go much faster. I was certain Riley would think I was kidnapped or the Mother Ship called me home and Scotty beamed me up.

Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains

I had a restless night for some reason. I heard Riley moving around and I have no doubt she also had a restless night. So I'll be very quiet this morning and hopefully she'll get some rest. My last look at the clock read 4:00 am. My next peek said 6:45 am and so I rolled out of bed. We should both sleep good tonight. 

Seen on a t-shirt in Tombstone

 

Today we headed for Tombstone. A bit of a late start, not getting on the road until just about 9:30. Luckily Tombstone is less than 20 miles to the east of us. We first found an ATM to get some cash. Our debit cards aren't always accepted down here and so I sometimes drain my cash pretty fast. 

Help to remove cowboy boots

We found an excellent parking spot just off the corner of the OK Corral building. Not too busy today, not too hot either. We headed straight away for the office and tickets for the famous gunfight.

Getting ready to drive off...look at that smile....

For those that haven't been there, imagine a town setting in the year 1881. Narrow dirt streets, boardwalks made from actual boards with store front awning jutting over the boardwalk and posts to hold the awnings up. Imagine seeing men stepping boldly down the boardwalk, dressed in black from their boots to straight cut pants, black frock coats, and wide flat brimmed black hats.  Gun belts hanging off their hips and small tin stars stuck on their chest. Huge bushy mustaches, and imposing persona. No cars or trains or buses on these streets, only a horse drawn stage coach. It was very impressive.

The founder of Tombstone...

We paid our fee at the office for the gunfight, took our sets (3)of tickets and off we went. The three sets offered us admission to the gunfight, admission to the theatre that told about the making and survival of the town of Tombstone, and one that gave us a free copy of the paper that was printed the day of the gunfight. 

Scene of the gunfight today.

We were going to catch the 11 am show but still a bit of time to put in before we were let into the theatre. We toured the out buildings, stables, Riley sat in a couple of buckboards, surrey's, etc. It was good, she climb right up and stepped in without hesitation. I was surprised but pleased. We wandered around looking at displays and such until about 15 minutes before show time. 

The bad guys are arguing about the issues....

You know museums always have wax figures or mannequins but I have to tell ya, they still give me a start. I just can't help it. Some of these wax figures actually moved arms, and heads. It was very impressive. 
 

Trouble is brewing, McLaury, (pink shirt), Marshal Virgil Earp (behind the bar) and bad guy Ike Clanton (one hand leaning against the saloon wall).

One of the McLaury brothers opened the doors and took our tickets for the show. We found seats at the top of the grandstand, sitting right at the very top of the steps. No one to sit in front of me, being short I have a hard time seeing over top of people. We settled down to enjoy the show. 

Doc Holiday arrives to help Marshal Virgil Earp.

As we strolled along through the exhibits waiting for the show to start we noticed a fellow all decked out in a fancy gambler like attire. Black boots, pants, frock coat, bright red vest and neckerchief, along with the wide flat brimmed black hat. He had no side arm. Turns out he was just a visitor there, like the rest of us. He was immaculate and it was interesting to see him as he made his way around the exhibits.

Deputies Morgan Earp (on the left) and Wyatt Earp (in the middle) talk to Ike Clanton, (on the right).

Doc Holiday came out to give us some instructions which included booing the bad guys each time they entered, and yeahing the good guys each time they entered. He also asked us if we were ready for a gun fight, to which we all replied yes....he insisted we could do better, once again, we all YES. He next asked if we were reading to watch some killing, we all answered YES, he answered, you are all truly sick!!!! It brought a chuckle from everyone.

18 year old Billy Clanton...doesn't this guy have LONG legs?

The show lasted about 15 minutes with the usual outcome. That being Frank and Tom McLuary, along with Billy Clanton dead on the street and Ike Clanton wounded. Virgil and Morgan Earp also had some injuries and Doc Holiday had a slight grazing wound. Wyatt Earp was unharmed. 

The fight is on.....Wyatt, Doc, Morgan, and Virgil .....

Doc Holiday gave us all a little pep talk about the life of a starving actor, and asked that we donate a buck on our way out. Picture taking with the 'Earps and Holiday' was permitted and many folks cuddled up to the big burly men and smiled sweetly for the camera. Even the dressed alike man in black stepped up to have his picture taken. Riley declined, changed her mind but then changed it again. So no pics of Riley with the Earps or Holiday, nor the bad guys either!! Perhaps had we done that at the end of the day she might have stood for a picture but I was pleased that the noise didn't upset her and the crowd of people in the stands didn't seem to bother her either. 

The bad guys are falling fast.....lots of smoke....

From the gunfight we walked around for a bit, visiting a few places, checking out some items and just enjoying the atmosphere. It gave Riley a chance to catch her breath and settle down as we were now away from the crowds. She seemed to relax a bit more. We decided we'd head back at noon for the presentation in the theatre regarding the history of Tombstone, not just the gunfight. It was very interesting. Two major fires in Tombstone, couldn't make the townsfolks give up on the place and it is now a historical land mark. Very well marketed and presented.

A well dressed stranger from the audience in the middle.

We left the theatre, heading for Big Nose Kate's saloon and eatry. I didn't think Riley would be able to stay but she surprised me, with the noise and the crowds I thought for certain she would have a melt down and our day would be over, but once again, she managed to pull herself together and after her inner battle, she seemed to settle down again. Believe it or not, the menu was the biggest issue. The noise, the music, and the crowd were obviously having an effect on her and I could see her starting to get into her shut down mode. However I just kept chatting with her, asking her little questions about the menu, after a number of shrugs I was thinking we should just pay for our drinks and leave. She was a trooper though and wanted to stay. She narrowed her choices down to three and then finally to one. After that she was much better.  Lunch was good, a bit too much sauce on my burger but it was still good. The music was too loud though, very hard to hear anything. 

Loved his hat. (posted with his mother's permission)

A woman stopped at our table and we were surprised to find it was our next door neighbhour here at the park. She recognized us and came over to say hello. Nice lady. I met her and her hubby later on my way back from the cowgirls room, they were sitting at the bar. Vicky and John. Chatted for a minute and then Riley and I headed out. 

Looking up the boardwalk in Tombstone.

We headed on down to the trolley location and climbed aboard for a tour of the town of Tombstone. It lasted about 30 minutes but Chuck our driver was very knowledgeable about the area and the history. He was an excellent spokesperson for the town. We enjoyed his narrative very much. He pointed out numerous sites, China Mary's (brothel owner, overseen the Chinese workers), homes where the 3 Earps lived, Doc's place of residence, the newspaper, etc. He even drove us out to Boot Hill on the edge of town.  I highly recommend the trolley tour. It was very reasonable at $10 per adult.

Looking down the dirt street in Tombstone.

After that it was off to the newspaper office to pick up our free copy of the Tombstone paper on that fateful day of Oct 26, 1881. From there we headed back to the Dogsled, turned him around and let him have his head. We were home in about 25 minutes. 

These fella are looking like trouble....huh?

We missed happy hour today as we arrived home just about 2;30 pm and were too tired to partake. 

Stage coach on the streets of Tombstone

A much cooler day today, still nice though, much better for doing outdoor activities. It might make for a great sunset as well we'll have to see.

The original fire station...

So we spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out at home and just resting. I can speak only for me but I'm whooped. I have almost 300 pics to edit and decide which ones to post in this blog. So a full few hours to do that. 

Empty boardwalk . 

There you have it. Our day at Tombstone Arizona. A good time, some history and some education as well. We truly enjoyed it. 

The Apache could see anyone coming for miles and miles....

So thanks for stopping by, hope you had an amazing day too. 

Until next time...take care, be safe, 

Deb

Getting acquainted, meeting new fellow Canadians, and a quiet day in the park

Our Location: Quail Ridge Rv Resort, Huachuca City, Arizona

A nice night for sleeping again. Didn't wake up until almost 6:30 am this morning. I'd never make morning coffee back at Dad's house now! I'm getting to be a lazy sluggard these days. 

HRH Miss Kitty having a nap.

Reading morning blogs, paying bills, catching up on Facebook and emails took me a bit of time and so I finally headed to the shower around 8 am. No heat inside the Igloo and still able to shower at 8 am without any frostbite, I'm a lucky woman. 
 

Okay, I'm ready to move, when are we packing up?

Riley finally rolled out about 8:45 am. She definitely won't be making coffee time Dad! We chatted for a bit, figuring out the day's plans, amazing both of us just wanted to stay home today. So that's what we're doing, staying home. 

A walk around the park, I figure around a mile, had us checking out a few interesting sites here in the long term section. We even checked out the other clubhouse. I managed to snag a book by Brad Thor. I enjoyed the last book I read of his so I'll give this one a try as well.

Love the eyes on this Rv

During our walk we stopped briefly and chatted with Suzie and George (Our Awesome Travels), meeting Jean and Skip as well. Lots of good information about boon docking from these wonderful folks. I'll have to take a book and pen with me next time. I'll never remember these things.

 

A bit taller than an regular rv. 

Also during our walk this morning we met another fellow Canadian, this time from Ottawa. Didn't catch his name but he accidentally entered the clubhouse instead of the office. It seems he's looking for a friendlier park in this area than the one he's currently in. I didn't ask any questions. 

Happy Hour with George, Suzie, Scott, 4 children,Riley & I.

 

We spent some time checking out the local attractions and have decided on just one or two this time around. Perhaps we'll be back in the area to check out some others another time. 

Small vintage trailer.

We did check out a few other things we'd like to see
but as they aren't in this particular area we'll have to save them for another visit or perhaps on our homeward journey, depending on our route. We have no definite plans regarding our homeward trip yet.

Windy conditions today..

Lunch was a green salad, dill potatoes, orange zest veggies (mushroom, celery, sweet onion, asparagus, peppers and fresh green beans), along with some Bourbon Chicken. We love this BBQ sauce, one of the best ones we've had. I enjoyed my salad while cooking the rest of the meal but when I sat down to eat the rest, I suddenly didn't feel well. Riley enjoyed it though. I've been drinking lots of water, my sugar was fine, so I have no idea what it was. It passed as quickly as it came. 

So heavy they had to stake it.

After a quick clean up we grabbed our chairs and drinking cups heading a couple of spots over to George and Suzie's for happy hour. I took a book and pen with me this time. Although I didn't have much trouble remembering the information they gave us. So nice of them to answer our questions and we appreciate the tips very much. While we were getting acquainted Scott and 4 of his children, (Living Large in the North)along with Brownie the dog dropped by as well. I know I will never remember the children's names, but three girls and a boy. I remember that much. Seems like they are having a great time. Very nice people. I'm going to check out their blog in the next day or two.

Start of tonight's sunset.

Back home we enjoyed some quiet time, reading, editing pics and starting to write my post. I grabbed the camera, out the door to catch some sunset pics. Ended up at the back of George & Suzie's coach as it's probably one of the best spots in the park to catch the sunset. George and I chatted for a bit while we snapped pics. 

More colour in the sky...

Back home again, but noticed the clouds turning a bit of a reddish colour and out the door again. So I also caught the end of the sunset a bit later tonight.

Some fire in the sky ....

There you have it. Our day at Quail Ridge Rv Resort. It was a very nice day. The kind we like, laid back, relaxed and peaceful.

The last of the colour tonight...

I hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did. Thanks for stopping by. 

Until next time...take care, be safe.

Deb