Arizona in February.

It is now March! We have spent the last 3 weeks in Arizona. Today we crossed the state line into California and tonight we are in El Cajon, approximately 22 miles east of San Diego.

We really enjoyed Arizona. It is referred to as the Grand Canyon State and offers an enormous diversity of physical features, significant  historical and cultural experiences and a wide range in climate. We travelled from the desert to the mountains; through vast regions of agriculture to the dramatic landscapes of the Grand Canyon; from temperatures in the 80's F to snow and 12 F; through cities to small towns and places such as   Tombstone and Yuma; witnessed the magnificent Saguaros (tree sized cactus with arms), enjoyed Fried Bread and drove 200 miles on Route 66. We also stood on the corner in Winslow ... (now I'm testing you ?)

For some of our time in Arizona we basked in the warm hospitality of Bob and Carol in Casa Grande.

It was a windy drive into Arizona. Lots of warning signs about driving in dust storms and the risk of high winds with low visibility. We only had the wind.

Our first stop was in Benson AZ at the Butterfield RV Resort and Observatory. My guess is that it's name came from the Butterfield Overland Mail Trail, a stagecoach route which operated between 1857 to 1861 from Memphis, Tennessee and St Louis, Missouri to San Francisco travelling through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Baja California and California. The onsite observatory held nightly observatory sessions; there was a great fitness room and heated swimming pool both of which we used.

Off for a swim.

Another plus is the Safeway store only a short walk from the RV park with a Starbucks cafe inside!

We rent a car to explore more of southeastern Arizona and travel out from Benson to places including Tombstone, which epitomises the enduring legends of the Old West and Western movie history;  Bisbee, the last of southeastern Arizona's boom or bust towns to stop operating its mines (in the 1970's); Fort Bowie, a US Army fort built to protect a Butterfield Stage station from the Chiricahua Apaches and the spectacular scenery.

The town of Bisbee

A New Zealand pub in Bisbee!

Bisbee appears perched on the side of a mountain but in fact it nestles into the hill sides of a canyon. It's at quite a high elevation - 5538 ft - my ears were popping! It was founded as a copper, gold and silver mining town in 1880. High quality turquoise, a by product of the copper mining was promoted as Bisbee Blue. Bisbee mineral specimens are found in museums worldwide.

After the closure of the mining industry, tourism ( underground tours of the mine) and the development of an artistic and cultural colony have ensured the survival  of this lovely old town.

Looks a bit scary

We visit Tombstone a truly historical American landmark! The Old West is well preserved in Tombstone's original 1880's buildings and the artifacts featured in numerous museums. A mecca for tourists!
Tombstone was also once a famous mining boomtown. It traces its birth to 1877 when Ed Schieffelin, a prospector, searched for and found a rich silver strike just outside the current city limits. He named his first claim the 'Tombstone'.

The lawlessness of the town is possibly the most enduring part of its history; its name is forever associated with the Gunfight at O.K.Corral.
We had lunch at the Chuck Wagon and then went to the O.K.Corral to watch a reenactment of the infamous gun battle.

Main Street

Gunfight at OKCorral

It really is a place to go back in time.
On our way out of town we call in at the Boothill cemetery!

They died in the Gunfight at OK Corral..

Boothill is the name given to a number of cemeteries chiefly n the American west.
Notable are Deadwood, South Dakota, Dodge City, Kansas and  ... Tombstone, Arizona.







On our way back to Benson Trevor stops to chat with a rancher who is loading cattle in a yard close to the road. They talk for quite a while; it is interesting watching their interaction and the connection through a similar interest.

We also visit stockyards at Marana; we look them over and meet the owner.