Tucson

We're in Tucson, a nice RV Park on the NE side close to where Ron and Bev Noble are staying. He's Ross' old buddy from high school and college. Have spent two weeks visiting with them. Before that we stayed in Green Valley parked in front of Donna and Bob’s. It was a busy time for the area, the Gem and Mineral Show was going on in Tucson, and the Art Festival in Tubac. All three couples had a very la te dah Valentine's Day Brunch at the Indian Casino.

One night we took a moonlight walk in the Saguaro Park. I gave out first, but everyone else is very fit, and walked miles, in the dark. The moon was beautiful, and temp just right.

Nobles son, Kevin is a hard core cyclist. He sells Kona bikes and entered a 24hour race here in the hills of Tucson. It was amazing, and he did ride 14 laps of 16 mile trail. This is mountain biking, and with one speed, no shifting. He’s just an animal.

Where from here, who knows. Maybe back to Green Valley for another week. It’s too nice to go north yet.

Cochise and Cowboy Poets

Moved on from Columbus to Douglas, AZ. This is Cochise Country. Day trip up to Fort Bowie. Built to protect the Apache Springs. A hot shot Lieutenant captured Cochise and threatened to keep him as hostage. This started the 11 year Apache war. More evidence of our “punitive expeditions” in the 1800’s.

The Chiricahuas are harsh, and not what most of us would call home, but there were a few families who stayed. Spectacular balanced rocks and pillars.

Wish I could have taken you all to the Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering last night in Sierra Vista. This has been a happening for 14 years. Actually, Cowboy Poetry is a huge draw, especially in the West. Wonderful talent. This year was a tribute to the Women of the West. They picked 12 women in the area and they were remarkable. An example, LaVerme Williams, 83, three term mayor of Bisbee. The Western Heritage Program involves students from 16 elementary and secondary schools in the County. We heard three, and they were amazing. After the performance we moved to The Windemere Hotel and watched some of the performers jam. Some names to look for, Juni Fisher, Dennis Gaines, Ken and Lyn Mikell, the O’Brien Family Band, Daughters of the Purple Sage. See, you’ve never heard of them, or their music, but it’s out there. My vote for the best Poet was Ann Sochat who brought tears with her poem of a young girl’s wish for a new saddle.

The weather continues to be fall like. Warm days and cool nights. The mountains surround this area. Ross is itching to jump on his motorcycle. We’ll be at Donna and Bob’s in a few days.

Gila Cliffs and Palomas

Such pretty country. We took a trip up to Silver City and Gila (Heela) Cliffs Dwellings. A mini version of Colorado’s Mesa Verde. The ruins date to the 1200 AD. A tribe of Mogollon (mo-go-yon) people lived there for about 60 years. They then assimilated into other cultures in the area.

We went in to Palomas, Mexico where Ross had a pair of glasses made transition lenses and frames for $130. The Pink Store is a well known and high class (for Mexico) place to eat, drink, shop and have a good time. The town is nicer than most border towns.

On day four or five, who counts anymore, we drove up to Silver City again and on up to Catwalk Trail, Willow Creek Canyon. Pictures show the force of the water, when available, that cuts such a gorge. This is also Silver Mining Country and Mogollon and Alma are almost ghost towns now. A few people live in this high isolated country. Last year at this time there was 12’ of snow, this year none.