A Town too Tough to Die

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
February 12, 2016

Last Friday, Joe and I rode over to Tombstone with Lynn and Dave.  We had never been and I know it sounds cheesy, but I really wanted to see a gunfight and eat at Big Nose Kate's.

Tombstone was founded in 1877 when silver was discovered. It wasn't long before cowboys, prospectors, homesteaders and gunmen filled the streets, saloons, and brothels. 

In it's early history, Tombstone survived two devastating fires. But the "town too tough to die" rebuilt and grew. It is fun to think about the legends, like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, who walked the streets there and gave this mining town it's storied history. Today, I read that Tombstone is home to only about 1500 year round residents who believe in preserving the history and heritage of "The Wildest Town in the West".

We did see a gunfight. It wasn't at all what I thought it would be.  Instead it was an outdoor theater company.  Quite comical and well done, it had everything...including

the bad guys,

the bad guy who was double-crossed and shot,

the drunken town sheriff, 

and my favorite, the crazy prospector.

There are lots of lunch choices in Tombstone, but for the four of us, there wasn't even a discussion. We were headed to Big Nose Kate's. 

So who was Big Nose Kate? She was believed to have been the first "lady of the evening" in Tombstone. But her biggest claim to fame was the fact that she was also Doc Holliday's girlfriend.  

BNK's saloon is a lively, colorful and yummy place to grab a cold brew and a burger...we all sure enjoyed it!

What a fun day with good friends! 





Until next time, happy trails!

A Hike with John and Pam

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
February 5, 2016

What a treat to join the nimble hiker and her better half last week on a hike in the Robles Pass section of the 20,000 acres known as Tucson Mountain Park. TMP was established in 1929 and today is one of the largest natural resource areas owned and managed by a local government. There are about 62 miles of non-motorized shared-use trails. 





John and Pam's blog (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com) caught my eye about 3 years ago. Hmmm...hiking? My memories of hiking go way back to Girl Scouts. I think I managed one hike up Blood Mountain (Georgia) when I was in Junior High with a back-pack that weighed more than I did...at least I remember it that way! Anyway, our first major hiking was in Bryce National Park and Kodachrome State Park back in May of 2013. We were hooked! And Joe wears the backpack in the family...

The trails are well marked at all the intersections.










There wasn't a cloud in the sky. 

 Saguaros lined the trail as we climbed.

Anyone who follows Pam and John's blog know that Pam has an eye for finding crested saguaros. They had done this trail before so this one was no surprise to them, but I was excited. 





A close up shows a feathered friend.

A tiny white fishhook cactus

Fishhook Barrel Cactus with fruit

Saguaro Cactus arm

An abandoned mining house

None of us could find any information about the old mining house. But one thing is for sure, someone had a beautiful view to wake up to!



This was our lunch spot...thanks John and Pam!

 FYI:  We discovered a great new place for produce in Tucson.  A neighbor down the street stopped by for a "puppy play" and in our conversation they mentioned City Wide Produce which is close to Lazydays.  It opened a year ago this March.  The store is spotless with great bargains on fruits and veggies.

It is a family run business and Joe and I enjoyed visiting with the owners son Jeff. 
They have a website and Facebook page which share what is available for the week and the price.

Perfect for our morning smoothie!






Take care and until next time...

happy days and happy trails!