Tombstone in the Morning

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Our day started with a cup of coffee and then we decided on 9 0'clock Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Tombstone. This is a lovely little church that we love attending. The entire parish complex as well as a Rose Tree Garden behind the church were place on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2002. The original church building which serves as their parish office was the first church building in Tombstone and dedicated in 1881.

As we were walking out of church and saying good morning to the priest he asked us where we were visiting from. Turns out he was originally from Michigan, also, though down by Detroit. He then  said, so you are Yoopers and even though I am a Troll I will not hold that against you. We told him we felt the same way and would not hold it against him that he is a Troll.
One more thing about church this morning, interestingly enough his homily was based on the phrase, Carpe Diem. He was speaking, of course, about our spiritual lives but in reality it is important for us all to "Seize the Day" and make it the best day we can.

We then went over to  Allen Street and took a walk up and down.
There were, of course, a couple of stops in and out of some shops
were some of  our money was exchanged for a package or two.
We have taken this walk several times over the years rereading
 the history sign posts. We seem to learn something new every
time which makes it fun and interesting.

After depositing our packages in the Jeep we walked back up Allen Street
to Big Nose Kate's  Saloon for an early lunch. 

I took this picture as we headed to check out a place I had read about on
Nancy's blog, Kissack Adventures, that sounded intriguing.

Following her directions we went past the lower parking lot and
turned right on Skyline Drive and up the hill. You really cannot miss it.
Linear Garden

There is a sign with a "Thought for the Day".

This gentleman has quite the display of "stuff",

plus, he has a nice view looking down on Tombstone.

While we were up there admiring his collection a Trolley Tour went by.

I wonder when he decided to put this "stuff" along the side of the road

he had dreams of becoming a Trolley Tour Stop. 

There is even a second, "Thought of the Day" on the other side of the sign.
Thank you for sharing this unique stop in Tombstone, Nancy.
It was fun to check out. Sadly the owner was not out and about.

Another view as we continued our way around Skyline Drive.

Leaving Tombstone just a little after noon

we continued south on AZ-80

then turned  on to AZ-90.

You cannot tell looking at this picture or the one above but there are
Ocotillos covering these hills. 

Coming up to the San Pedro River you can see green trees all along its
banks off in the distance.

We continued on AZ-90 until we reached AZ-82 where we made a left turn and were once again back at Quail Ridge RV Park. When we got back Tom waxed three sides of the Stinger "B" and I proceeded to get some more wash going. (Being retired is not all fun and games there are still chores to be done.)

The sun was behind the mountains before I remembered to take a  picture.

Then as we were sitting outside enjoying a late Happy Hour
I noticed some pink in the sky to the east.

There where I had missed the sun slipping behind the mountains was some
very nice color.

On the way back to our site I spotted this lone pretty flower in the
park's street. How it has survived is a mystery.

Checking again the color has gotten brighter.

Another view of the color in the west; this is standing behind our site.
Side note: this is the first time we have stayed here when every site
has been filled. in the front area.

One last burst of light. 

We spent a little more time sitting outside before the night coolness chased us inside. It was a very good day. We spent the morning in Tombstone, one of Tom's favorite stops, and had a nice lunch at Big Nose Kate's Saloon. Then we saw a unique display of "stuff".  Plus, three sides of the Stinger "B" are looking very, very shiny.

We are glad you stopped in. 

If you have time to leave a comment we would enjoy hearing from you.

Easter Sunday and A Ride through The Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

(Clicking on the pictures will open them larger in a new window.

Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018

We started our day at The Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church for
9:00 AM  Mass to celebrate Easter.
The parishioners at this parish are very welcoming and it is always a
joyful experience attending Mass here.
This church has been serving the community of Tombstone for over 135 years.

We then went over to the Longhorn Restaurant for breakfast.
I remembered to take a picture when the food arrived then I realized
 the waitress had brought me the wrong meal.
 So when mine arrived I took another picture. 

We took the time to stop into a couple of shops and then headed back home. After changing we headed out to take a ride through the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. We had read about this area in Doug's Blog Miss Adventure Travels and a woman I am in contact with on Facebook had also mentioned this area. So being curious we went to check it out.

We turned onto the main road 6900 from AZ-83.
This is a beautiful area and the grasslands seem to go on forever.

It feels very peaceful here and we can see why people would enjoy
spending time parked out here.

We did make a stop at the Empire Ranch. The signs and the pictures pretty much tell the story

We took a walk down the Heritage Discovery Trail.

This was one

large tree.

I did take a closer picture of the New Ranch House but I really liked this
one with the cottonwood trees in the background.

Above is the Visitor Center.
We did pick up a Walking Tour Brochure here.

In the brochure it describes the various rooms and mentions looking in the
windows to see them. I am guessing that was before they fenced in the
buildings and started the stabilization project.

We did not go in and tour this area, next time. 

Leaving the ranch we continued down the road to check out the various listed areas designated for camping. We also picked up a map of the area at the Visitor Center which was very helpful. It is the same one on the boards at various locations but having one in hand is always nicer. I did not take any pictures of the various camping areas as there were people parked in all of them.

We just happened upon this there was
nothing about it on the map.

Again, the grasslands are beautiful and seem to go on forever.

We have turned out onto AZ-82 and are headed home.

Tonight's sunset

followed by a very nice afterglow.

We enjoyed our ride through the conservation area and will certainly take the time to go back as there are a lot of areas to explore. The question we had before we went was would we decide to dry camp here and the answer to that question for us is no. If we had a smaller rig or a 5th wheel we might consider it but with the motorhome we have presently we would not feel comfortable taking it down some of the roads. Since, we had to get off the road to let two RV's that were leaving pass our concern is what would happen in the motorhome if we had this happen. The Stinger "B" would not be able to pull off anymore than either of the two RV's we met could. One thing we always talk about is, if everyone wanted to park in the same place it would get very crowded. We can see why others love parking in the area you can feel the peacefulness as you ride along but for now we will not be adding to the "crowd".  Though we may contribute to the dust as we drive through.

Tom and I Hope you had a Wonderful Easter!

If you would like to leave a comment we would enjoy hearing from you.