One of Life's Moments

January 11, 2015

Today was just one of those days we enjoyed just being in this place in our lives.

Tom went over to the clubhouse to watch the Packers beat the Cowboys so he enjoyed the game...:). Yes we are from Michigan and yes we are Packer fans. First of all we live about 2 hours from Green Bay and 7 hours from Detroit so we are more connected to Green Bay. Secondly, his father followed the Packer's and he has been a fan his entire life through the good years and bad.

I stayed back at the Crusader to get some things together I will need when I fly back to Michigan next week. I wanted the packing pretty much out of the way so I could just enjoy our time here and watching the game is not on my priority list.

When the game was done Tom came back and cleaned the outside of the windows. Now our view is a lot clearer.

He later grilled steaks while I put vegetables in the oven to roast. It was a delicious meal and with leftovers we will enjoy it again.

The rest of evening was spent enjoying the rest of the day.

As I write this the rain is coming down this morning but there is the promise of sun this afternoon. So who knows what the day will bring.

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather,

always bring your own sunshine."

~Anthony J. D'Angelo

Afternoon "Adventure"

January 10, 2015

We took a drive over to Tombstone, AZ this afternoon.

We are about 20 miles away and it is a nice drive.

 

We visited the Tombstone Courthouse. Where we were able to read about the history of Tombstone, AZ. We learned Tombstone reached a pinnacle of riches with the silver mines and then faded when the silver mines flooded and could not be worked. This all happened within eight years and by 1886 Tombstone's heyday was over but by then $37,000,000 worth of silver had been taken from the mines.

Tombstone owes its beginnings to Ed Schieffelin, who prospected in the hills in 1877. He was warned, by friends, all he would find would be his own tombstone. When miners first built a shanty town near the mines it was known as Goose Flats. Then remembering the prophecy given Schieffelin, with tongue and cheek, they renamed it Tombstone.



The Cochise County Courthouse
was built in 1882 at a cost of $50,000.

It housed the offices of the sheriff, recorder, treasurer, and the board of supervisors. The jail was in the rear under the courtroom. Cochise County was established in 1881 and Tombstone remained the county seat until 1929. The last county office left the courthouse in 1931.

There was an attempt to convert it into a hotel in the 1940's, which failed. It remained vacant until 1955 when the Tombstone Restoration Commission acquired it and began the courthouses rehabilitation and the development as a historical museum. It has continued to operated as a State Park since 1959.


 

 

These three pictures are of the Sheriff's office. 

There are many pictures including these three that tell the story of Tombstone and the people who lived there.

Gambler
Bat Masterson

Wyatt Earp - Age 30

John Henry Holiday

 There are several exhibits throughout the court house that highlight the history of Tombstone. Included is information about the Gunfight at the OK Corral and findings it actually never took place at the OK Corral. There is a mining, transportation, and communications exhibit in what was the jail. They also had information about the jail itself. Upstairs is the courtroom, law library and several other exhibits.

A reproduction of the gallows in the courtyard.

Afterwards we took a walk down part of Allen Street and stopped for a late lunch at Big Nose Kate's Saloon. According to information provided on the menu it was once the Grand Hotel built in 1881. The night before the Gunfight at the OK Corral, October 25, 1881 the Clantons and the McLaurys were guest here.

There is also said to be paranormal activity at the Big Nose Kate's Saloon. Part of the legend is "the Swamper" hid his silver in the building and comes back to protect it. Staff, locals and tourist claim to have had experiences with the "Swamper" appearing in pictures and fleeting appearances as he wanders the building especially the basement.

Picture taken of information on the menu.

 

Mick is the gentleman providing
the afternoon's entertainment.

We had a nice lunch and did a little more walking and visited a couple of the shops along the street. We then headed home (clarification: Right now we do think of the Crusader as home. We have always felt wherever we lived together was home.)  and were treated to a beautiful view of the sun dropping down behind the mountains. I just wish the pictures did it justice.

 

 

 

"Maybe it is not about the happy ending.

May it's about the story."

                                               ~unknown

A Day to be Enjoyed

January 9, 2015

Surprise the sun is out this morning it is still a little on the chilly side, 37 degrees, but we will just be happy it is not below zero or snowing.

As I mentioned in an earlier post the campgrounds we choose to stay at is called Mountain View RV Park. So I thought I would share our two mountain views. For the price we really were not expecting to much so we are pleasantly happy with what we can see out two of our windows.

The temperatures are now in the 50's and Tom decided, since there was no rule against it on the sheet of park rules, to give the Crusader a needed bath. It had gotten just a little muddy between Port Aransas and Del Rio. I do not think he could not stand it being as dirty as it was another minute...:)

Looking considerably better.

 

Standing behind the Crusader looking at the mountains.
Site 4

I have taken a picture of the view from the front of the Crusader, there is a little bit of junk between us and the mountains, but I do not think I will publish it. We would rather remember this view. Though we will have the picture to remind us.

 

We new there was an army post nearby, Fort Huachuca, and we have heard and seen several large planes fly by so I did some checking.

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The following information and picture was taken from the internet.

 

Welcome to Fort Huachuca

 

Welcome to Fort Huachuca, home of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)/9th Army Signal Command. Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca was annexed in 1971 by the city of Sierra Vista and was declared a national landmark in 1976.
              
Fort Huachuca is also the headquarters of Army Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) and the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and the Electronic Proving Ground (EPG).
             
Libby Army Airfield is located on post and shares the runway with Sierra Vista Municipal Airport; it is on the list of alternate landing locations for the space shuttle, though it has never been used as such.

History of Ft Huachuca

Fort Huachuca is a product of the Indian Wars of the 1870s and 1880s. In February 1877, Colonel August B. Kautz, commander of the Department of Arizona, ordered that a camp be established in the Huachuca Mountains. This camp would offer protection to settlers and travel routes in southeastern Arizona while simultaneously blocking the traditional Apache escape routes through the San Pedro and Santa Cruz valleys to sanctuary in Mexico. A temporary camp was established at the post’s current location on March 3, 1877, by Captain Samuel Marmaduke Whitside with two companies of the 6th Cavalry. The site was selected because it had fresh running water, an abundance of trees, excellent observation in three directions, and protective high ground for security against Apache tactical methods. Camp Huachuca was redesignated a fort in 1882.

In 1886, General Nelson A. Miles designated Fort Huachuca as his advance headquarters and forward supply base for the Geronimo campaign. Geronimo’s surrender in August 1886 practically ended the Apache danger in southern Arizona. The Army closed more than 50 camps and forts in the territory, but Fort Huachuca was retained because of continuing border troubles involving renegade Indians, Mexican bandits, and American outlaws and freebooters.

In 1913, the 10th Cavalry "Buffalo Soldiers arrived and remained almost 20 years. The 10th Cavalry joined General John J. Pershing in the 1916 expedition into Mexico and, during World War I, it was assigned the mission of guarding the United-States-Mexico border.

By 1933, the 25th Infantry Regiment had replaced the 10th Cavalry as the main combat unit for the fort. The 25th, in turn, was absorbed by the 93rd Infantry Division during World War II. When the 93rd departed for the Pacific in 1943, the 92nd Infantry Division arrived at the fort for training and subsequent assignment to the European Theater. During the war years, the troop strength reached 30,000 men at the fort, which in the 1930s had been described as suitable for a brigade-sized unit of about 10,000 men.

At war’s end, the fort was declared surplus and transferred to the State of Arizona. Itwas reactivated during the Korean War by the Army Engineers.

A new era began in 1954 when control passed to the Chief Signal Officer, who found the area and climate ideal for testing electronic and communications equipment. The importance of the fort in the national defense picture grew steadily from that moment. In 1967, Fort Huachuca became the headquarters of the U.S. Army Strategic Communications Command.

Then, in 1971, the post became the home of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School, bringing with it the School Brigade.

The Strategic Communications Command became the U.S. Army Communications Command in 1973, subsequently changing to the U.S. Army Information Systems Command in 1984.

In October 1990, the post changed hands with the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command became the new host command; the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca now operates the post.

Today, Fort Huachuca is a major military installation in Arizona, and one of prominence throughout the Southwest.

Thunder Mountain

The post sits at the base of the Huachuca Mountains. That name comes from an obscure, local Indian language which, when loosely translated, describes a "place of thunder".

Thunder Mountain is the nickname of choice among locals and it’s accurate as well, depending on the time of the year. The sight of dark clouds, cascading down the mountainside while electricity, thunderclaps, and water fill the air can be as awesome to modern man as it must have been to ancient Indians. The name must have referred to the visual spectacle rather than its frequency because, actually, Thunder Mountaineers enjoy some the of the mildest and best weather in Arizona.

The original Fort Huachuca cantonment was declared a National Historic Landmark in March 1977 during a four-day centennial celebration. A rustic wooden sign and reconstructed artillery piece sit on the northeast corner of Brown Parade Field, the center of post life during the days of horse soldiers. Surrounding buildings and homes are maintained with the appearance and flavor of the old days.

Historical Museum

When Captain Whitside led his column from the 6th Cavalry into southern Arizona and into the annals of history, he could scarcely be aware that the temporary post he was ordered to establish in the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains would survive to play a major role in the drama of the western United States.

The fascinating history of the U.S. Army in the Southwest, as well as the history of the Southwest itself, unfolds at the Fort Huachuca Historical Museum. Opened in 1960, the museum has grown rapidly and now houses one of the most representative collections in the state. The museum is one of some 500 in the country to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. Its goals have remained unchanged. Simply said, the Fort Huachuca Historical Museum endeavors to bring to the military community and general public a heightened awareness of, and an increased appreciation for, the colorful history of the Southwest and, especially, the prominent part played by the U.S. Army.
The exhibits are instructive, entertaining, and aesthetically satisfying. Some of the U.S. Army manuscripts and documents, dating back as far as 1861, can tell the viewer a great deal about the way of life on a rugged frontier.

The museum, in building 41401, is open to the public without charge. Civilian visitors are welcome. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. A leisurely walk through the museum has proven to be an enriching and stimulating experience for the thousands of guests who visit each month.

A Museum Annex across the street from the Fort Huachuca Historical Museum was officially opened in 1982, adding much-needed space to display some of the artifacts belonging to the museum. The renovation and reconstruction of the building, formerly a theater, took approximately two years to complete.

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I realize this is probably more information then most would want but I found it interesting and wanted it to be part of our blog. (Thomas I am sure you enjoyed reading this.) This has been added to things it would be nice to see while we are here.

Tom thought it would be a good day to have the oil changed on the truck so he drove over to Sierra Vista to have it taken care of.

While he was gone I organized the photos we have so far and downloaded them to the computer.

I made dinner when he got back and we sat down and enjoyed our meal.

As we just sit and relax for the rest of the evening so ends this day, a day that was enjoyed.

 

"So often we become so focused on the finish line

that we fail to enjoy the journey."

                                           ~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 

 

 

 

Rainy Day

January 8, 2015

Today, our first day here, it has been raining. In fact it has been raining off and on since late last night. Finally about 3 o'clock there was a break and we decided to head in to Sierra Vista and get some needed supplies. Bread, eggs, butter, etc... you get the idea.

The rain had stopped and you could see the sun trying
to peek through. You can just see the mountain also
peeking through the clouds.

After we were done shopping and headed back this was what we saw in the distance. Not a great picture, with all the street stuff,  just the same it was beautiful to see.

The sun sinking behind the mountains.

Today's last view.

The mountains engulfed in the clouds off in the distance.



Continuing West on Interstate 10

January 7, 2015

We left Lordsburg, NM this morning and it was not long and we saw this sign.

We crossed into Arizona. Yes, I know the picture is blurry and the windshield is still dirty. I had two opportunities and this is the best one.

Another sign we have seen a lot, yesterday as we drove through New Mexico and today in Arizona, warns of dust storms. We are happy to say we did not see any.

What we did see were tumbleweeds skipping across the interstate. I did not capture any crossing but here are some piled up along the side of the road. After seeing the tumbleweeds one line from the song Tumbling Tumbleweeds went through my mind the rest of the day. "Drifting along with the tumbling tumble weeds." I of course shared this information with Tom I did not want to be the only one with that line going through my head over and over.

More of the todays scenery, once again through the windshield. We saw a sign which said Texas Canyon then a sign telling us it was against the law to deface rocks. Around the bend this is what we saw; by then it was to late to change our mind about stopping at the rest stop. These are what I captured as we drove by. I wish we would have decided to stop. So many of the large rocks looked like they only needed a little push which would send them plummeting down.

We continued on and by now we had decided on a campground near Tombstone, AZ and we would probably stop in the area for a week. Tom has been doing some research and there is a lot he wants to see.

We turned south onto Arizona State Highway 90 and headed toward the Mountain View RV Park in Huachuca City, AZ

Some of the scenery on 90.

We ended today's drive in Huachuca City, AZ . The last five days we have covered quite a few miles. The scenery out the truck window has been beautiful. I know the pictures I have posted do not do it justice. (They will serve as a reminder of what we have seen.) Plus, so much of it I was enjoying the view and I just did not think to take pictures.

"The traveler sees what he sees.

The tourist sees what he has come to see."

~Aldous Huxley

 

We are in New Mexico.

January 6, 2015

We had coffee with this view this morning.

Then we headed over to the Camping World, which was right next door. We had a few items we wanted to check out and we also needed to fill up one of our propane tanks. Unfortunately, everyone who could fill a propane tank was in a meeting. So after some checking we found another place just down the road where we were able to purchase the propane.

We then pulled onto I-10 and as Tom was merging into traffic I was able to get a picture of this sign.

We have left Texas after spending 56 days in the state. We are now in New Mexico. One of the first things we noticed immediately is it seems a lot flatter. At least today's ride on I-10 did not include any large hills. Though you can see the mountains in the distant.

Today's drive as seen through the windshield.

 

We saw several trains today as we continued our trek west.

We ended today's drive in Lordsburg, NM at the Lordsburg KOA. (A little pricey in our opinion but there.)

The only noise we heard through the night was the trains.

Still Heading West

January 5, 2015

We  left the Fort Stockton RV park this morning and we are now traveling west on Interstate 10.

Snow along the highway.
 

Now compared to back home this is a dusting and would not even rate a mention let alone a picture. But we are in Texas and we wanted to document that we saw snow.

Some of the days scenery through the front windshield which is not the cleanest.

Driving through El Paso.

We stopped for the night in Anthony, Texas at the American RV Park. The only way to describe it would be a large parking lot but the views are not bad. Plus the sites are huge and it is clean.