When we travel we sometimes make plans in advance, if there is particular place we want to visit. One of the places we put on the list was Tombstone Arizona. We didn't make reservations in Tombstone as we knew we would be more or less wandering through the southwest and may not make a stop there. Then there was the weeks' delay in Albuquerque.
Another state line - Arizona!
We spent the night in Deming and after a search of the apps and maps we decided to go to Tombstone, We called several RV parks only to find they were full. Not only is it Memorial Day Weekend, but Tombstone is having it's big event of the year 'Wyatt Earp Days'. We had a stroke of luck and got the last spot at the Stampede RV Park, a short walk from town. We booked two nights. It seems extravagant to spend so many nights in an RV park, but the full hookups are nice in the desert. After a day in the sun it good to come back to air conditioning. We really lucked out as this is a great spot and so close to everything but yet remote enough to feel at least a bit like camping.
Our spot for the next couple of days.
The ride to Tombstone was relatively uneventful. The drive through the countryside was spectacular, we are not in New England any more. We are in the high desert of Arizona. We found fuel, Walmarts and ice cream stands, this is all good. We arrived mid afternoon and got the Doodle all set up and headed to town.
I think this is an early RV. . .
We visited the Birdcage Theatre, a spot in town where 'entertainment' happened, of all sorts if you get my drift. It is now a museum. We walked the Main Street and popped in and out of several shops, searching for just the right souvenir. We found a place called Puny's and had supper. Carol had a special Mac & cheese with pulled brisket and beans, I had a pulled pork sandwich and we ordered chicken nachos. The even brought Harper her own little bowl of pulled pork. The whole town seems dog friendly and Harper gathers flattering comments where ever she goes.
Harper got her own dish of pulled port, very dog friendly place.
In the evening, once the day wound down, and after drinks on the patio of the Doodle. We settled in, and watched the movie 'Tombstone' with Kurt Russel and Val Kilmer. For historical context. I have to admit, it all made more sense. Today we were up early after a great night's sleep and made our way to the cafe they have here at the campground for another good breakfast - I had a super burrito and Carol had Flapjacks and eggs -- Harper had a lot of bacon. Breakfast was cooked and served by Liz, the young lady who checked us in yesterday - she is a very busy lady. After breakfast we walked back through town and checked things out once again it it was really beginning to bustle.
Harper sure eats well. . .
Booths were being set up around town, and it was filling up with cowboys and cowgirls. These folks take this seriously. At 11:00 we were in the bleachers for the re-enactment of the Shootout at the OK Corral. They did a wonderful job of telling the story, and with lots of smoke and gunfire. What a way to start the day.
The Earp brothers with Doc Holliday
We then toured the Courthouse, which was awesome as it housed lots of historical artifacts. Even had a gallows outside. We walked back to the Doodle for lunch and then back into town and visited 'The Epitaph' - the newspaper museum. I felt at home here as all these old machines seem like old friends. I used ones like these long ago. It is machines like these old printing presses, and Linotype machines, type cases and the tools of a print shop that were the very foundation of my career in graphics. Like being with old friends.
The courthouse, 1882
From The Epitaph we visited the Historama. A 35 minute show of the history of Tombstone. It too was very well done and we all learned more about he area. Well, maybe Harper didn't, but Carol and I did. We also met a really good Fake John Wayne and Buffalo Bill. He really looked like John Wayne....
Buffalo Bill, Carol, Harper and John Wayne!
We then took a tour of Tombstone and the surrounding area on a trolly. The driver/tour guide was very knowledgeable and I don't think he even took a breath. From the time we entered the trolly until we exited he was a steady stream of information. It too was a great tour, and very well done. By this time, late afternoon, and walking around in 90+ degree heat, we headed for a saloon. They are not bars here, they are saloons, we are in the west! We each had a local beer and Harper got a nice bottle of iced water. The saloon was crowded with folks in period costume of the 1880's.
In the saloon . . .
Facial hair is apparently a must and many of the ladies seemed to be popping out of the top of their dresses..but I didn't mind. Most men had on a holster with a Colt six shooter in it, or carrying a shotgun or rifle. The town bustles with gunfights in the streets mixed with tourists and folks in costume. What a very real treat to have stumbled upon Wyatt Earp Days in Tombstone, Arizona.
Below is a gallery from Tombstone, click on any image for a larger view.
