Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Traveling On
April 22, 2009 – Today was our trip into Wickenburg which is about 35 miles away. (Opposite direction from when we went to Quartzsite.) Even though we were there two years ago, we found that things had changed. We had brunch at Country Kitchen. It was clean, the food was good and service was also good. It’s a place we would go back to. We revisited some of the places we did before. We looked in some of the shops. 
One of the things we saw on the way was an ultra light flying over the fields. Another was what we understand is a pistachio grove. We have since found out that they are not harvested until fall. My horticulture education continues as we travel through the different areas. Also, it’s fun to see the different types (I guess you could call them “types”) of mountains. Of course, none are as beautiful as our North Carolina mountains.
Temperature was not as high today. I think it only got up to high 90’s.Tomorrow should be even better. It’s been a long time since we have seen rain. The farmers are getting the fields plowed and ready for their crops and I guess praying for rain.
One thing that I forgot to mention was that on our way from Fort Davis to Las Cruses, we were told to take highway 505 to get to I-10 heading toward Valley Vista. This highway is “open range” and believe me we had to really be careful. There were cows/bulls all along the roadway and if that wasn’t bad enough, there were also “deer” who just stood on the side and looked at us like they were asking “what are you doing in my territory?” Sometimes, they were in the middle of the highway and would just stand there until we were almost on them. I was so excited and awed that I forgot to take any pictures. So, if any of you ever have the opportunity to take 505 out of Fort Davis, do so at your own risk and heed the signs that say “open range”.
Another thing I remembered is to tell you about the aerostat (which looks like a small white blimp) that you see in various areas. There is one near Sierra Vista and we had wondered exactly what its purpose was. Well, apparently others have to so there was an article about it in the magazine we picked up about Cochise County.
Here’s what it says: It’s a helium filled balloon that hovers about two miles in the sky and is anchored to the ground. Visible from different points of Cochise County, the aerostat is part of the country’s anti-drug surveillance program. It is also equipped with radar capabilities designed to alert officials of suspect targets, to include aircraft flying illegal drugs across the border into the United States.
Now you know so if you see a “Fat Albert” (nickname) flying near the Mexican border, you don’t have to wonder anymore. Do you?
The last couple of days we have been trying to see the other things we don’t want to miss while we are in this area. On Thursday, April 23, we went to the “farmers Market” which is a place in Wenden where the Mexican come in, set up and sell vegetables (really cheap). They put veggies on a plastic plate about the size of a breakfast plate or in a basket about the size of a bead basket and whatever is on that plate/basket is $1.00. It could be three/four tomatoes, large peppers (red, yellow, green) --$1.00; a basket full of sweet banana peppers.. $1.00; a basket of lemons…$1.00; fresh strawberries ..$1.00; egg plant..$1.00. Guess you get the idea. The Jiamacas (sp) were 2/$1.00. . I just wish we had more room to put the fresh stuff.
After we finished our shopping at the “market” we had lunch at “ingredients”. We really like that place. The food is delicious and the ladies there (Gloria, DeVona and Jeanne) are great A place to remember if you’re ever in this area.They have added an outside area that is just as unique as the inside. It really is a unique place and hopefully, I’ll learn how to put pictures on the blog so you can see for yourself.
Friday, April 24, 2009, we decided to take the trip to Parker since we have never been there. It is about the same distance as it is to Quartzsite or Wickenburg. You see a lot of desert and a lot of mountains.
We stopped at the Visitor’s Center in Parker and were given a map of the city and also a map of a suggested route to take to the Blue Water Casino
(where we had lunch and made our deposit) 
and then on to Parker Dam. We traveled up Highway 95 in Arizona along the Colorado River to Parker Dam. They no longer give tours of the dam but you can drive across it. Later I’ll tell you a little about the dam itself. After crossing the dam, we were on California Highway 62 which traveled down the California side of the river. All in all it was about a 30 miles round trip and well worth it. There are developments and RV resorts all along the river on both sides. The weather was great and the scenery was beautiful.
Now for a brief note about Parker Dam (built between 1934 and 1938). – It is the deepest dam in the world, 73 percent of Parker Dam’s structural height is below the original river bed. Only about 85 feet of the dam is visible. However, with its superstructure it rising another 62 feet above the roadway across the top of the dam.
The power plant is located on the California side of the river and produce 30,000 kilowatts of hydroelectric power.
(I really didn’t know all this, I read about it)
Here we are on Saturday, April 25, 2009. The wind is blowing (gusts up to 30 mph). We got up early and went to breakfast at Christina’s Café where we were served large portions for breakfast. It’s a little like Turtle Bay in Rockport only larger and a few more helpers.
Our plans are to get everything ready as we intend to pull out early tomorrow morning. Chris is still finding things to repair (today the latch on the door broke).
One of the things we saw on the way was an ultra light flying over the fields. Another was what we understand is a pistachio grove. We have since found out that they are not harvested until fall. My horticulture education continues as we travel through the different areas. Also, it’s fun to see the different types (I guess you could call them “types”) of mountains. Of course, none are as beautiful as our North Carolina mountains.
Temperature was not as high today. I think it only got up to high 90’s.Tomorrow should be even better. It’s been a long time since we have seen rain. The farmers are getting the fields plowed and ready for their crops and I guess praying for rain.
One thing that I forgot to mention was that on our way from Fort Davis to Las Cruses, we were told to take highway 505 to get to I-10 heading toward Valley Vista. This highway is “open range” and believe me we had to really be careful. There were cows/bulls all along the roadway and if that wasn’t bad enough, there were also “deer” who just stood on the side and looked at us like they were asking “what are you doing in my territory?” Sometimes, they were in the middle of the highway and would just stand there until we were almost on them. I was so excited and awed that I forgot to take any pictures. So, if any of you ever have the opportunity to take 505 out of Fort Davis, do so at your own risk and heed the signs that say “open range”.
Another thing I remembered is to tell you about the aerostat (which looks like a small white blimp) that you see in various areas. There is one near Sierra Vista and we had wondered exactly what its purpose was. Well, apparently others have to so there was an article about it in the magazine we picked up about Cochise County.
Here’s what it says: It’s a helium filled balloon that hovers about two miles in the sky and is anchored to the ground. Visible from different points of Cochise County, the aerostat is part of the country’s anti-drug surveillance program. It is also equipped with radar capabilities designed to alert officials of suspect targets, to include aircraft flying illegal drugs across the border into the United States.
Now you know so if you see a “Fat Albert” (nickname) flying near the Mexican border, you don’t have to wonder anymore. Do you?
The last couple of days we have been trying to see the other things we don’t want to miss while we are in this area. On Thursday, April 23, we went to the “farmers Market” which is a place in Wenden where the Mexican come in, set up and sell vegetables (really cheap). They put veggies on a plastic plate about the size of a breakfast plate or in a basket about the size of a bead basket and whatever is on that plate/basket is $1.00. It could be three/four tomatoes, large peppers (red, yellow, green) --$1.00; a basket full of sweet banana peppers.. $1.00; a basket of lemons…$1.00; fresh strawberries ..$1.00; egg plant..$1.00. Guess you get the idea. The Jiamacas (sp) were 2/$1.00. . I just wish we had more room to put the fresh stuff.
After we finished our shopping at the “market” we had lunch at “ingredients”. We really like that place. The food is delicious and the ladies there (Gloria, DeVona and Jeanne) are great A place to remember if you’re ever in this area.They have added an outside area that is just as unique as the inside. It really is a unique place and hopefully, I’ll learn how to put pictures on the blog so you can see for yourself.
Friday, April 24, 2009, we decided to take the trip to Parker since we have never been there. It is about the same distance as it is to Quartzsite or Wickenburg. You see a lot of desert and a lot of mountains.
We stopped at the Visitor’s Center in Parker and were given a map of the city and also a map of a suggested route to take to the Blue Water Casino
(where we had lunch and made our deposit) 
and then on to Parker Dam. We traveled up Highway 95 in Arizona along the Colorado River to Parker Dam. They no longer give tours of the dam but you can drive across it. Later I’ll tell you a little about the dam itself. After crossing the dam, we were on California Highway 62 which traveled down the California side of the river. All in all it was about a 30 miles round trip and well worth it. There are developments and RV resorts all along the river on both sides. The weather was great and the scenery was beautiful. Now for a brief note about Parker Dam (built between 1934 and 1938). – It is the deepest dam in the world, 73 percent of Parker Dam’s structural height is below the original river bed. Only about 85 feet of the dam is visible. However, with its superstructure it rising another 62 feet above the roadway across the top of the dam.
The power plant is located on the California side of the river and produce 30,000 kilowatts of hydroelectric power.
(I really didn’t know all this, I read about it)
Here we are on Saturday, April 25, 2009. The wind is blowing (gusts up to 30 mph). We got up early and went to breakfast at Christina’s Café where we were served large portions for breakfast. It’s a little like Turtle Bay in Rockport only larger and a few more helpers.
Our plans are to get everything ready as we intend to pull out early tomorrow morning. Chris is still finding things to repair (today the latch on the door broke).
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Journey continues in Salome
April 19, 2009 - arrived in Salome, AZ after lunch and spent the rest of the day setting up and getting settled in. We had our choice of places to be and we decided on the very end so we could have a view of the desert. LOL Salome is in the heart of the Arizona desert and is surrounded by mountains.
April 20, 2009 – we ventured out to find milk and found one little place called “John’s” that has a little bit of everything from shoe laces to liquors. They have a butcher shop in the back and someone to cut your meat if you so desire. Also found a place to get a haircut and believe me, I need one badly.
We also went to see if “Ingredients” was still open and it is and the same people own and run it. It is only open for coffee in the morning and sandwiches at lunch but the atmosphere is what attracted us to it in the first place. Plan to go back and have lunch there before we leave.
April 21, 2009 – Today, we decided to go to Quartzsite which is about 35 miles away. They have a huge gem show and the population increases from about 4,000 to 150,000 during January/February. People dry-dock in the desert and it is actually wall to wall people and RV’s. There are still a few places open this time of year and I found some red glass beads for my sister at very reasonable prices. Also found a couple of frogs for my “Frog Crossing” in Rockport.
Temperature is showing 103 degrees so far today. Thank goodness for air conditioning as it is only 83 inside the motor home.
April 20, 2009 – we ventured out to find milk and found one little place called “John’s” that has a little bit of everything from shoe laces to liquors. They have a butcher shop in the back and someone to cut your meat if you so desire. Also found a place to get a haircut and believe me, I need one badly.
We also went to see if “Ingredients” was still open and it is and the same people own and run it. It is only open for coffee in the morning and sandwiches at lunch but the atmosphere is what attracted us to it in the first place. Plan to go back and have lunch there before we leave.
April 21, 2009 – Today, we decided to go to Quartzsite which is about 35 miles away. They have a huge gem show and the population increases from about 4,000 to 150,000 during January/February. People dry-dock in the desert and it is actually wall to wall people and RV’s. There are still a few places open this time of year and I found some red glass beads for my sister at very reasonable prices. Also found a couple of frogs for my “Frog Crossing” in Rockport.
Temperature is showing 103 degrees so far today. Thank goodness for air conditioning as it is only 83 inside the motor home.
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 18
Well, it’s Saturday, April 18, 2009, and we will be leaving here tomorrow for our next stop in Salome, AZ. We will be there for a week and it will give us time to catch our breath and catch up on some of the things we have not done because we have been running around touring since we got here. I’ll continue this narrative when we get to Salome.
Adventure So Far
Monday, March 30, 2009
We were ready to leave at 8:30 am on . Well, it took us five hours to finally get on the road. There was some problem with the electrical connection between the car and the coach. Thank God for our fellow Rvers who came to our assistance and helped get everything fixed. After finally leaving Rockport, we went to Fredericksburg (two nights, and it wasn't enough. There is so much to see) and went to the Wild Seed Store where I bought Blue Bonnet Seeds and also Maroon Blue Bonnet Seeds. Then on to Fort Stockton for an overnight stay. They have an eleven foot roadrunner statue (big bird). We arrived late for a visit to the Fort and were able to see inside the museum but did not tour the houses around the parade ground. We also visited the Anne Riggs Museum which is the reason we were late getting to the Fort Stockton Museum.
Tuesday, March 31
Next day we went on to Fort Davis (stayed at a really nice PA part that is in foreclosure (25 sites, 18 acres, 4300 sq ft house, restaurant, two small green houses). Lady connected with bank is running it until it is sold and hopefully it will be because it is really nice.
While at Fort Davis, we went to McDonald Observatory and absolutely loved it. We saw the moon through a telescope - BUT, the most remarkable thing was looking at Saturn. You know how all the pictures show the rings going horizontally around Saturn? Well guess what, we saw the rings going vertically around Saturn. It looked like a toothpick stuck through it up and down. Really glad that we went. Also had lunch at a place called Indian Lodge which was on the way going up toward the observatory.
Well, let's see, from Fort Davis we went Las Cruces and since we discovered our printer had gone on the blink (did I tell you that?) we went to Office Depot and bought a new wireless printer. Stayed at park just over I-10 and it was okay for a one nighter.
Finally arrived here at Valley Vista Sunday afternoon and low and behold, couldn't get our internet to come up. We could get TV but not internet connection. Chris spent over an hour on the cell with the Hughes people (they did get a little flustered with us since we are mere laymen). We finally got that thing up and then attempted to install our NEW WIRELESS PRINTER. You just don't know how quickly you can get on each other's nerves. Finally took a break and went to Wally World and when we got back, Sweetie got it up and running right away.
We have been at Valley Vista for a week. During this time we have gone to Fort Huachua (Army Base) and toured the museums there. Very interesting. The Museum and US Military Intelligence Museum are in old buildings that go back to 1880-1905 and you can sure tell its old as the floors are uneven and being museums, they are kept pretty dark. They represent the history of the U.S. Army in the Southwest from the Buffalo Soldiers to World War II. Fort Huachua is an active military base. They are very strict about getting a visitors pass. You have to have vehicle registration and insurance papers and valid photo Id's for all over 13.
Fort Huachua is right next to Sierra Vista and we briefly rode through the city. It is very commercialized and there are strip malls everywhere. We have been told there is a big mall (with Dillards, etc) but this is another trip before we leave, as I need to replace makeup.
Friday, April 10
We went to Tombstone with friends (K and B) who dress up in old western outfits (complete with him wearing spurs and carrying a six-gun). We walked up and down the main street and visited shops where they purchase the western outfits that are very expensive. B paid $150 for a hat she had bought and some of the outfits we saw in the shops were as much as $499. Really glad I’m not into this type entertainment. They have a gun fight at OK Corral and one in the street. We went into the Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, had lunch and visited downstairs where there is a real mine shaft (blocked off, of course). K had to check his six gun before they would let him in. Patronizing the saloon were Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday and some others I did not recognize. Western legends, I presume. All in all, it was a fun day and a good place to visit.
Saturday, April 11
Sweetie and I decided to visit Kartchner Cavers which is a "living" cave (even though it was cold). I think this means that water leaking into the cave forming stalactites and etc. Some of the formations are very unusual and beautiful. While our guide was telling us about the tour (we were outside), it started hailing and it was very, very cold. When we finally went through the final door (I think there were three) to get to the cave, it got very warm, my glasses fogged up and I had to take off my sweatshirt. They are very strict here, no cameras, no pocketbooks, no backpacks, etc.
Saturday, April 12
Easter Sunday we attended a small United Methodist Church just down the road and thoroughly enjoyed the sermon. The minister is also the piano player! The people were very friendly and welcomed us with a gift (as newcomers). It was great being back in a real church where they say the Lord’s Prayer, sing songs we know, and was just a typical church service.
Monday, April 13
We went to Bisbee for the Copper Queen Mine Tour. This was very interesting. We arrived in Bisbee and went to restaurant for lunch before going on tour. Our reservation at the mine was 2pm. We finally had to ask for our lunch to be prepared “to go” since we were running out of time. This was done and we walked the short distance to the tour office.
We were fitted with rain coats, safety helmets and lights attached to batteries. We straddled the cars (they ran on rails) that would take us into the mine. Our tour guide was Spanish and had worked in the copper mine for years. As we entered the mine, the air got cooler and cooler as we descended. The tour guide stopped ever so often and he explained where we were and what went on in the mine at that point. There were various places where there were signs that read “no road” and always signs pointing to the surface.
After the tour we went back to the car, retrieved our lunch and walked a short distance to a small park and ate. Then we walked around the town of Bisbee and visited some of the antique shops. B was looking at 1800's dresses and hats and I was looking for nothing in particular. I did however find a skirt and three rubber stamps!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
We went to find Cochise Stronghold which turned out to be a range of mountains. It’s hard to imagine how Cochise was ever found. there are so many places to hide. We then went to Chircahua National Monument and saw more beautiful scenery. We have seen so much that we did not see when we were here before. Road in was a dirt road and very rough.
Wednesday, April 15
We mailed a check to the Federal Government. Need I say more? We then went back to Sierra Vista to find the Dillard's so I could replenish my makeup foundation. We had lunch/dinner at Golden Corral and of course, we overate again, and I have to go to Weight Watchers tomorrow. The wind is still blowing pretty hard and there are warnings out everywhere. It also blows up dust which is brought to travelers’ attention on the highways.
Thursday, April 16
After going to WW, I went to Wally World to start bringing in grocery items we may need at our next stop which is Salome, AZ. The nearest Wal-Mart is 85 miles away! After lunch we went to Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David, AZ which is just down the road about eight miles. It is a Benedictine Community and a very interesting place to visit. Holy Trinity Monastery belongs to the Olivetan Benedictines, whose Motherhouse is located outside Siena, Italy. Its Abbot-General is Michaelangelo M. Tiribilli.
Friday, April 17
We took off to visit the Rex Allen Museum in Willcox and Fort Bowie. Decided to go to Fort Bowie since it was further away. We stopped at the Visitor Center in Willcox to get any information they had on either place. Across the lot was Stout’s Cider Mill. They have the tallest apple pie I have ever seen. They start with ten pounds of apples and when the pie is baked, it has six pounds of apples. It was really tall and No, we did not buy one but it sure was tempting.
Off we went to find Fort Bowie. You have to turn off the main road on to a ‘unimproved” road which actually means it is a dirt road and it was like riding on a washboard. We had to endure this for eight miles. We finally arrived at a sign that told us we had to leave the car and walk in 1-1/4 miles to the fort ruins. This was not a straight path. It meandered up and down and around and was, in my opinion, also unimproved. We finally arrived at the ruins (more than 1-1/4 miles) and had to go another ¼ or ½ miles to get to the Visitors/Ranger station. THEN, we had to turn around and WALK back out to our car and drive over the washboard road to get back to the highway. All in all, it was an interesting walk and made you appreciate all the stories we’ve read about the fighting between the Indians and the soldiers to make for safe passage for the poor pioneers who were brave enough to travel over this area to get somewhere else.
We arrived back at the car and took a few minutes to mentally rub our feet (not used to walking this far all at once) and headed back to Willcox. When we finally could get a cell phone signal, I called the Rex Allen Museum to find out what time they closed. Low and behold they close at 4:00 pm and it was 3:57. I told the man “I guess we will miss the museum” and he immediately asked where we were. Told him we were about five to ten miles away and he was very gracious and said he would stay open until we got there.
The museum was something we are very glad we did not miss. I did not realize exactly who Rex Allen was until I was walking through the museum. He was an actor and also a singer.
We were ready to leave at 8:30 am on . Well, it took us five hours to finally get on the road. There was some problem with the electrical connection between the car and the coach. Thank God for our fellow Rvers who came to our assistance and helped get everything fixed. After finally leaving Rockport, we went to Fredericksburg (two nights, and it wasn't enough. There is so much to see) and went to the Wild Seed Store where I bought Blue Bonnet Seeds and also Maroon Blue Bonnet Seeds. Then on to Fort Stockton for an overnight stay. They have an eleven foot roadrunner statue (big bird). We arrived late for a visit to the Fort and were able to see inside the museum but did not tour the houses around the parade ground. We also visited the Anne Riggs Museum which is the reason we were late getting to the Fort Stockton Museum.
Tuesday, March 31
Next day we went on to Fort Davis (stayed at a really nice PA part that is in foreclosure (25 sites, 18 acres, 4300 sq ft house, restaurant, two small green houses). Lady connected with bank is running it until it is sold and hopefully it will be because it is really nice.
While at Fort Davis, we went to McDonald Observatory and absolutely loved it. We saw the moon through a telescope - BUT, the most remarkable thing was looking at Saturn. You know how all the pictures show the rings going horizontally around Saturn? Well guess what, we saw the rings going vertically around Saturn. It looked like a toothpick stuck through it up and down. Really glad that we went. Also had lunch at a place called Indian Lodge which was on the way going up toward the observatory.
Well, let's see, from Fort Davis we went Las Cruces and since we discovered our printer had gone on the blink (did I tell you that?) we went to Office Depot and bought a new wireless printer. Stayed at park just over I-10 and it was okay for a one nighter.
Finally arrived here at Valley Vista Sunday afternoon and low and behold, couldn't get our internet to come up. We could get TV but not internet connection. Chris spent over an hour on the cell with the Hughes people (they did get a little flustered with us since we are mere laymen). We finally got that thing up and then attempted to install our NEW WIRELESS PRINTER. You just don't know how quickly you can get on each other's nerves. Finally took a break and went to Wally World and when we got back, Sweetie got it up and running right away.
We have been at Valley Vista for a week. During this time we have gone to Fort Huachua (Army Base) and toured the museums there. Very interesting. The Museum and US Military Intelligence Museum are in old buildings that go back to 1880-1905 and you can sure tell its old as the floors are uneven and being museums, they are kept pretty dark. They represent the history of the U.S. Army in the Southwest from the Buffalo Soldiers to World War II. Fort Huachua is an active military base. They are very strict about getting a visitors pass. You have to have vehicle registration and insurance papers and valid photo Id's for all over 13.
Fort Huachua is right next to Sierra Vista and we briefly rode through the city. It is very commercialized and there are strip malls everywhere. We have been told there is a big mall (with Dillards, etc) but this is another trip before we leave, as I need to replace makeup.
Friday, April 10
We went to Tombstone with friends (K and B) who dress up in old western outfits (complete with him wearing spurs and carrying a six-gun). We walked up and down the main street and visited shops where they purchase the western outfits that are very expensive. B paid $150 for a hat she had bought and some of the outfits we saw in the shops were as much as $499. Really glad I’m not into this type entertainment. They have a gun fight at OK Corral and one in the street. We went into the Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, had lunch and visited downstairs where there is a real mine shaft (blocked off, of course). K had to check his six gun before they would let him in. Patronizing the saloon were Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday and some others I did not recognize. Western legends, I presume. All in all, it was a fun day and a good place to visit.
Saturday, April 11
Sweetie and I decided to visit Kartchner Cavers which is a "living" cave (even though it was cold). I think this means that water leaking into the cave forming stalactites and etc. Some of the formations are very unusual and beautiful. While our guide was telling us about the tour (we were outside), it started hailing and it was very, very cold. When we finally went through the final door (I think there were three) to get to the cave, it got very warm, my glasses fogged up and I had to take off my sweatshirt. They are very strict here, no cameras, no pocketbooks, no backpacks, etc.
Saturday, April 12
Easter Sunday we attended a small United Methodist Church just down the road and thoroughly enjoyed the sermon. The minister is also the piano player! The people were very friendly and welcomed us with a gift (as newcomers). It was great being back in a real church where they say the Lord’s Prayer, sing songs we know, and was just a typical church service.
Monday, April 13
We went to Bisbee for the Copper Queen Mine Tour. This was very interesting. We arrived in Bisbee and went to restaurant for lunch before going on tour. Our reservation at the mine was 2pm. We finally had to ask for our lunch to be prepared “to go” since we were running out of time. This was done and we walked the short distance to the tour office.
We were fitted with rain coats, safety helmets and lights attached to batteries. We straddled the cars (they ran on rails) that would take us into the mine. Our tour guide was Spanish and had worked in the copper mine for years. As we entered the mine, the air got cooler and cooler as we descended. The tour guide stopped ever so often and he explained where we were and what went on in the mine at that point. There were various places where there were signs that read “no road” and always signs pointing to the surface.
After the tour we went back to the car, retrieved our lunch and walked a short distance to a small park and ate. Then we walked around the town of Bisbee and visited some of the antique shops. B was looking at 1800's dresses and hats and I was looking for nothing in particular. I did however find a skirt and three rubber stamps!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
We went to find Cochise Stronghold which turned out to be a range of mountains. It’s hard to imagine how Cochise was ever found. there are so many places to hide. We then went to Chircahua National Monument and saw more beautiful scenery. We have seen so much that we did not see when we were here before. Road in was a dirt road and very rough.
Wednesday, April 15
We mailed a check to the Federal Government. Need I say more? We then went back to Sierra Vista to find the Dillard's so I could replenish my makeup foundation. We had lunch/dinner at Golden Corral and of course, we overate again, and I have to go to Weight Watchers tomorrow. The wind is still blowing pretty hard and there are warnings out everywhere. It also blows up dust which is brought to travelers’ attention on the highways.
Thursday, April 16
After going to WW, I went to Wally World to start bringing in grocery items we may need at our next stop which is Salome, AZ. The nearest Wal-Mart is 85 miles away! After lunch we went to Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David, AZ which is just down the road about eight miles. It is a Benedictine Community and a very interesting place to visit. Holy Trinity Monastery belongs to the Olivetan Benedictines, whose Motherhouse is located outside Siena, Italy. Its Abbot-General is Michaelangelo M. Tiribilli.
Friday, April 17
We took off to visit the Rex Allen Museum in Willcox and Fort Bowie. Decided to go to Fort Bowie since it was further away. We stopped at the Visitor Center in Willcox to get any information they had on either place. Across the lot was Stout’s Cider Mill. They have the tallest apple pie I have ever seen. They start with ten pounds of apples and when the pie is baked, it has six pounds of apples. It was really tall and No, we did not buy one but it sure was tempting.
Off we went to find Fort Bowie. You have to turn off the main road on to a ‘unimproved” road which actually means it is a dirt road and it was like riding on a washboard. We had to endure this for eight miles. We finally arrived at a sign that told us we had to leave the car and walk in 1-1/4 miles to the fort ruins. This was not a straight path. It meandered up and down and around and was, in my opinion, also unimproved. We finally arrived at the ruins (more than 1-1/4 miles) and had to go another ¼ or ½ miles to get to the Visitors/Ranger station. THEN, we had to turn around and WALK back out to our car and drive over the washboard road to get back to the highway. All in all, it was an interesting walk and made you appreciate all the stories we’ve read about the fighting between the Indians and the soldiers to make for safe passage for the poor pioneers who were brave enough to travel over this area to get somewhere else.
We arrived back at the car and took a few minutes to mentally rub our feet (not used to walking this far all at once) and headed back to Willcox. When we finally could get a cell phone signal, I called the Rex Allen Museum to find out what time they closed. Low and behold they close at 4:00 pm and it was 3:57. I told the man “I guess we will miss the museum” and he immediately asked where we were. Told him we were about five to ten miles away and he was very gracious and said he would stay open until we got there.
The museum was something we are very glad we did not miss. I did not realize exactly who Rex Allen was until I was walking through the museum. He was an actor and also a singer.
Reason This Exists
I love my Aunt and Uncle. No, I really mean it. And every once in a while I get extremely jealous of them. Know why? Because they live in an RV, touring around having grand adventures and seeing beautiful things. I have created this blog so they can easily tell us what they are doing everyday, and make you jealous too!
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