On the road to Tombstone

We left Phoenix on April 3rd. After a five weeks at the Desert's Edge, we were ready to move on see something new. It was with heavy hearts and with glad hearts that we pulled away but soon we settled into the old traveling rhythm. I saw a sign for Casa Grande National Monument and since it is in the National Parks booklet we decided that a side trip was in order. After all that's what this trip is about, doing what we want on the road to see more of what we want.

Views on AZ 387

650 years ago the Ancient Sonora Desert Peoples built this massive structure bringing log from over fifty miles away to the middle of the desert.

The backside of Casa Grande. Holes in the sides correspond with the spring and fall equinox. One hole lines up the peak of the moon in it's 18.5 year cycle. No one knows what the three story building was for but it centered a population estimated at 2000.

One of the ruins of a three story home.

Must have been some small people or they hit their heads a lot.

This raised mound was actually a ball court for up to 12 players. They have found similar ball courts from Flagstaff down into Mexico.

We looked at the place, Iris tried to chase lizards and we ate lunch. They we traveled down AZ87 to get back to I-10. I am always astounded at the amount of life in the desert and how much farming takes place. We saw wheat, alfalfa, onions, sheep, and dairy operations. There were lots of fields being tilled to be planted and everywhere irrigation canals.

Where 87 joins I-10 there were massive pecan and walnut groves.

We got on I-10 and head south.

Then in an effort to get more stamps in our book, we turned off and headed for Seguaro National Park. It was an interesting drive on 2 lanes to get there. The road had a lot of ups and downs like a roller coaster as it made its way through the washes. Eventually we made it to the park and took in the awe inspiring site of thirty foot tall seguaros with no arms, one arms, multiple arms and of course, dead. Between 75 and 100 years, the cactus decide to put out an arm. Those with multiple arms are pretty well advanced in age.

Iris had fun investigating everything.

This set of photos is driving into Tucson from the hills above.

Once back on I-10 we motored on to the exit for Tombstone. The scenery changed a lot since leaving Phoenix and we were climbing in altitude. I couldnt imagine a stage coach rolling through this rugged country much less that 30 million dollars of silver came from the hills around Tombstone and it was the richest place in North america for a certain time. It even boasted the tallest building between St. Louis and San Francisco. Silver may have built the town but Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy gang made the town famous.

Patrick said he was tired of riding in the car. He was going to shoot someone with his Nerf gun.

 We made it to Tombstone, parked in the Stamped RV Resort and rolled up the streets of Tombstone for some supper at the Longhorn. Becky and I had the famous Prickly Pear Margarita made from the juice of the prickly pear fruit and Suaza tequila.

I'm bored and hungry, says Patrick and tired of pictures.