Listen for the sound of music...instruments that is

While in Phoenix we discovered the Musical Instrument Museum - which opened last April. It is simply a gorgeous building with the most amazing interactive displays.



Once you have paid your admission you are given a pocket receiver w/head phones and given instruction as to how it provides you with hands-free remote audio play.As you approach a display the receiver plays the music that is being demonstrated on LCD flat screen TVs. As you approach or depart it will fade in and out until you arrive at the next display.



Artwork in the lobby

Mexico - Tree of Life

There were displays on how Steinway makes a piano - parts of an actual piano are on view.

Almost every country and musical style was on display - although we were there for several hours it is hard to imagine that we got to see it all.

Until next time...safe travels.

In the sky! Look, it's the SUN...

Artwork at the entrance

Kitt Peak is well worth the approximate 45 mile drive from Tucson to see up close and personal. Many 'wow' moments while we were up there. While you can do a 'self-guided' tour of the Observatory grounds, we paid for the guided tour - $7/each. Normally we go the 'self-guided' but we strongly encourage taking the guided tour…that is if you want to get a more history - as we learned a bit of the Native American history as it pertains to the acquisition of the land, for the observator,y from the Tohono O'odham Indians. (Artwork above)  http://www.noao.edu/kpno/ for more information on this amazing attraction.




Sun through a Kitt Pk telescope

 Due to the recent freeze in the Tucson area, the largest telescope (4.1 m) was not in service for repair of the damage to some of the structural supports, so we were only able to tour the 2.1m telescope (still impressive) and we were also able to view the Sun via their solar viewing scope…very, very cool.

The Desert Museum was, simply, stunning! In operation since 1952 they have many features that could be incorporated at other similar venues that we have visited.

SUNSCREEN in the restrooms, UMBRELLAS at the entrance (for shade, AND rain I suppose). I can't say enough good things about this museum, and lets just say it - ZOO. There is something for everyone and one could spend all day there. Café, book store, a beautiful souvenirs store where Native American baubles were on display - the door was open, shiny obstacles caught my eye. I ended up buying a beautiful opal necklace…matches my Quartzsite opal ear rings that I purchased back in December. Beautiful bronze statues of animals everywhere, but you have to look for some of them.


I took quite a few videos during our visit (more than ususal) ENJOY

Funny bird caught my attention. note: he is wearing blue booties.                            

Harris Hawk...as we exited, there she was.                                       

Prairie dogs, always a favorite with us.

And yes, there are sea otters!

Cowboy sings....Jam Sessions @ TTRV

Late entry...I totally forgot that while we were at Tombstone Territories RV Park http://www.tombstoneterritories.com/ we were treated to this evening of music by a cowboy singer named Johnny Bencomo. - http://www.johnnybencomo.com/. He was awesome, plays a 12 string guitar and the original version of old, old cowboy tunes.

The attached video is of his vendition of: They Call the Wind Mariah

TTRV was celebrating the February birthdays with entertainment, coffee, cake and ice cream.

Enjoy!

They also have Friday night Jam Sessions - musicians, poetry, singers are all invited to participate. This particular night they had Gordon, The Mad Trapper from Rat River playing fiddle. It was really beautiful...

Adios

From cacti to churches....majestic views

We couldn't have visited two more unconnected national landmarks this day. The Saguaro National Park http://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm and the San Xavier Mission, http://www.sanxaviermission.org/- Both were majestic in their own individual ways…however, my love of old churches trumps all other "what to see when you are in (fill in the blank)" because that is what I want to see. My guy usually grants me the 'get out of jail (my verbiage) free card' and doesn't complain much. While I sit in a meditative silence, pray and look around, he wanders off in search of history. He always finds something to engage both of us along the way.

Buckhorn cholla

Saguaro National Park is more of a botanical garden of cacti…along with a beautiful visitor's center, knowledgeable NPS employees and docents and a walk through the grounds. We actually discovered two chollas that we had not encountered previously - the "Pencil cholla" and Buckhorn cholla. They have a great video about the park that they show and it should not be missed…I won't ruin the surprise, that is worth the 8min viewing! If you have a National Park Pass, no fees to visit, and if not I believe there was a $10 vehicle fee.

The nice park ranger, whose lunch we interrupted with questions, was the person who told us about the mission and suggested we visit it. I am so glad he did…the mission is located on the Tohono O'odham reservation south of Tucson. You can see the mission long before you arrive at the parking lot. The mission serves the Native American population, as does the school that is located next door to the church buildings.

The mission is located on the Tohono O'odham Native American reservation and has and continues to serve its' people since it's 1692 founding. The church conducts services daily, including baptisms and weddings for the local native population. It is a registered National Historic Landmark...truly spectacular inside and out.

In addition to the church and it's adjacent buildings on the property, the mission includes a museum, 2 Native American souvenir shops and authentic fresh on site 'fry' bread for consumption.
Interior photos of the wall murals are in the 'dujour' gallery for this post.
San Xavier / Saguaro Natl Park Link to photos - for when this has been archived.

Amerind - as in 'American Indian' culture and art

If you haven't been to the Amerind Foundation Museum near Dragoon, AZ - GO! ASAP works...


This is a must see for those who are interested in other cultures, their artwork and history. The museum has displays from Native Americans in Alaska to the Native People of Peru, and everyone in-between along the Western Hemisphere.  http://www.amerind.org/ - "Amerind foundation and Museum seeks to foster and promote knowledge and understanding of the Native Peoples of the Americas through research, education, and conservation." Be sure to check the website as the museum was closed on a Monday as we came to discover and were turned away in disappointment.


Near the entrance

 I was stunned at the size of the collection and in how interestingly it is displayed. The volunteer staff/docents were extremely knowledgeable and were willing to spend the time answering our questions. It was fascinating, as I eavesdropped on a small tour that was sharing one of the rooms we were in, as the volunteer tour guide explained how the collection came into existence and the history of the founders.

Included in the museum fee is an Art Gallery, located in the building next door, dedicated, in part, to the founder and his wife, their belongings and their collections of artwork. This also was worth the journey, for many of the furnishings were in excellent condition considering the age of each piece, but just being able to look closely at the craftsmanship in producing the piece of furniture was, in itself enlightening. None of that "roped off-don't touch, stand too close" stuff here, the pieces were right there - up close and personal. There were a few with signs asking you not to sit on them but other than that not too much 'forbidden' areas. There was also a 'self-guided' pamphlet/map of the rooms, with information about the artists so you could linger as long as you wished.

Photography is not permitted, although I did take one display photo - (no flash - no harm) of some pottery which I have included in the "Du Jour Photos". Nothing makes me crazier than not being allowed to take photos - especially when I have been charged an entry fee!

TimTrask bronze

Gallery of Dreams - located in St. David, AZ - Hwy 80, approx 8 miles south of Benson, AZ. Brightly painted exterior-it is the studio of Tim Trask http://www.agalleryofdreams.com/Tim%20Trask.htm, in front the building houses a co-op of local artist works from jewelry, photographs and bronze statues. In an adjacent room and if he is working - you might be able to watch Mr. Trask work on a piece - we missed that but I was able to photograph the life-size statue he was working on in his studio, all of which are also in the daily photos.

Art is everywhere, you just have to pay attention. Dragoon, a small almost non-existent town, just south of I-10 looked and felt like a ghost town, however this wooden Indian marked the corner we turned around at, so I've added him here.  The building he is guarding is closed, but he looks well cared for....

Adios...until next time. Be well, travel safe and smile often.

If you can change your mind, you can change your life. - William James

Amerind / Tim Trask - link to the additional photos from this blog.

Chiricahua - it's pronounced "Cheer-i-cow-ah"

The Chiricahua National Monument …. The name has nothing to do with cows that is for sure. What a stunningly beautiful spot in SE Arizona. So far I haven't seen another spot in this part of the state where the forest meets desert in such an impactful way. It was an "oh my gosh" moment for sure.



View as you approach the park

Having arrived at the park we toured the visitor center and decided to continue our drive up to Massai Point…the only problem with this day was the 30-50mph winds that we encountered and stayed with us through our Echo Canyon Grotto hike. At 6870' it would be a bit on the chilly side - even without the wind, but we were not to be deterred. There was even a bit of snow still hanging onto the edges where the Sun could not reach to melt, which always makes my inner child rejoice - it's about the possibility of a snow-ball fight don't you know. Even in Arizona!

Remains of our snowball fight

We arrived too late in the day to complete the 3.3 mi Echo Canyon Loop Hike, although we did manage to get a good 2 mi (round-trip) in before returning to our car. The park is large and has several hikes of varying lengths, trails that were created by the Conservation Corps, Faraway Ranch is located on the grounds and once again our NPS annual pass gave us free entry again. That pass has paid for itself just in the last 6 months.

On a lighter note, upon leaving the Massai Point parking lot we encountered this sign - which caused us both to laugh out loud. The road is narrow, winding, downhill and there is just too much beautiful scenery to go fast...so instead we looked for the "radar" vehicle. At over 6700' we think this was a test!

Radar posting....really?

This is one park we will be spending more time in as we travel back and forth to SE Arizona in the future. Enjoy the additional photos to the right.

Cheers! Have a great day and enjoy your life.

The search for Apaches - the past in the present

FORT BOWIE - BOWIE/WILLCOX, AZ

Located approximately 14 mi from the I-10 Bowie exit, Fort Bowie has no park fee. The last few miles (8) to the parking area is on a gravel road that is well maintained, and the trail head has a rather nice restroom/picnic area. http://www.nps.gov/fobo/index.htm for more information. Apache Pass Through Time event will be on Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Fort Bowie National Historic Site (NHS). Check the website for additional information.

1894 Photo



Our visit to Fort Bowie  - a moderately 1.5 mile walk through ruins of a miner's cabin, the Stage Station, replication of an Apache camp and what remains of the post cemetery. All of the military personnel and their families remains were moved to the San Francisco National cemetery within 6 months of the Fort's closing. Now only 72 civilian are entombed here.

Foundations from the fort and the assorted buildings cover a large area. Descriptive markers dot the

grass in front of each foundation.


When we spoke with Ranger Karen about the park, she noted that March and April was a busier time, as were September and early October.  This view is from the flag pole in the center of what was the Fort parade/exercise area.


Park Ranger Station today

One of the nice things about this trail was how well maintained it is, the distance markers are low-key and the area was positively beautiful. Remember to carry water. This is the view on the 'backside' of the ranger station on the way back to the parking area, which completes the loop trail.

Ciao!

Tombstone and other signs

Tombstone is not only an interesting tourist attraction - it is also filled
with history of the mining, justice and law enforcement, theatre and 
quite a bit about the people that lived, worked and died here.

The courthouse is now a history museum, mostly of the mines and those who owned and worked in these area mines.  You have to really look hard for much of this fabulous historical information, but it is there. We spent about 3 hours in the courthouse museum and its rooms of information and walking the side streets before spending about 1.5 hours in the 'tourist trap' sections of town.

Just outside the tourist section of town stands a Victorian house that once belonged to a local miner, it's been purchased & refurbished to it's original condition, including the furnishings.

 

Original Miners Home

While touring the Birdcage Theatre museum (one of the few original buildings in town) we happened upon the lower level 'bordello rooms'. Sadi Jo was one of the prostitutes working there, her bedroom is the photo to the right.

Prostitution was legal in 1860's Arizona.

Sadie, Wyatt and their marriage license.




Wyatt became infatuated and married Ms. Sadie and were married for 47 years. We don't hear about this in history class. 

 
 For a $2.00 fee this pamphlet provides you with information concerning those entombed within Boot Hill.




In addition to the many miners, cowboys and local residents the cemetery also contains a section for those of the Jewish faith and several prominent Chinese business owners.





OKCorral Billy Clanton & McLaury brothers



The additional photo-stream section to the right contains the many signs I saw as I walked through the town. No, we didn't witness the OK Corral shoot-out @ $10/pp, but I did take some photos of the gunmen as they gathered outside just before the performance.

 Nor did we take the stagecoach tour of town, but it was fun to watch the horses and coaches around town.  There are many souvenir stores, western apparel stores, saloons and restaurants and even a free reptile museum (euwwww) with a large assortment of rattlesnakes native to Arizona. Something for everyone.

                                                                   

 Gunfighters                        

                                                                  Stagecoach video



"Jam" Session at Tombstone Territories RV Park

The RV park that we are staying in has a weekly "jam session" which we attended this past Friday night.  Anyone can participate by singing, playing or in one case a man read a poem about Tombstone, AZ. Many of the participates are US military vets and so they 'pass the hat' - the money collected goes to buying phone cards for currently deployed military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gordon was terrific and obviously an accomplished fiddler.

Gordon - Mad Trapper from Rat River...

If you are near Tombstone Territories RV Park this Tuesday evening (Feb 8 2011) @7pm, Gordon will be performing a special evening of music and story telling. The "hat" will be passed again-this time to purchase and send Care Packages to active military personnel serving overseas. More information can be obtained office@tombstoneterritories.com or by calling 520.457.2584. Of the parks we have stayed in during our short time of life on the road - this park has a diverse activity calendar beside the weekly Friday night jam session that includes Tai Chi, self directed water aerobics, ATV field trips, etc. Today they are having a 'Super Bowl' potluck gathering...

Thanks TTRV...it's been fun here.http://www.tombstoneterritories.com/

Ciao!

To Bisbee

 Bisbee, AZ - journey back in time; mineral mining was the industry - founded in 1880 -  it's claim was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco and by 1908 had an electric trolley running 12 miles to the smaller communities housing the miners and their families.

Under of the coldest temperatures that this part of Arizona has been subjected to in decades, we ventured out to see historic Bisbee. The main street is narrow, busy and without those annoying signal lights so one needs to be alert to cars pulling out from side streets - awkward if what you are doing is looking at the old buildings, visible artwork and sculptures and signs pointing out the old-cool stuff. So cold there were few people walking around at noon.  Quite a few B&B's and inns, but we were surprised at the number of cafes that didn't open until 5pm-at least in OldTown.

< Bisbee's Post Office is nestled back

in a corner as you enter town and the Copper Queen Mine headquarters now houses the Bisbee Mineral and Historical Museum >>>>>

 

Currently the Smithsonian is a part of the exhibits inside which is interesting and well done (as only the Smithsonian can do. They don't want you taking photos but I did snap (without flash) these two. I couldn't resist given the technology of the <1870's Phone  and the Victoria > for both were great examples of where we were and where we are now: cell phones and I-pods....image what the people of the 1800's would think about progress in these two areas today?



The museum has a large amount of mineral ore as examples, a wealth of history on mining and the development of the union which created an uprising and eventual strike and deportation of about 1200 workers.

It was truly sad to then drive out of town to see the large open pit Lavendar mine. This sign stands in the parking lot where visitors can 'view' the now non-operational Lavender pit. It scars the land for miles as the tailings are piled high for what seems forever. Some of the photos we took of the pit are posted in the "Additional photos of the day" to the right of this post, and it also includes some artwork photos from around town too!

Next stop - Tombstone and the Fight at the OK Corral.

Until then - Ciao.

Tour of Kartchner Caverns State Park

We arrived at our destination of Huachuca City, AZ late yesterday afternoon. The Tombstone Territories RV Resort is really nice with a large community center that offers tours, daily activities and a Friday night "JAM" session for musicians. We plan to attend that social time as we have discovered many talented musicians along the way.

Our goal today was Kartchner Caverns State Park once we got warm enough to move that is. We awoke to a record cold of about 17 degrees. It is expected to be around 10 degrees tonight....a big burrrrr for us. But I digress. Arriving at the park we were informed that had we made reservations for a tour (online or by phone) we would have saved the $6/vehicle parking fee. The Park also includes a RV camp for $25/night, hiking on designated trails (which translate to - no cross country hiking), a day picnic area and a parking lot that accommodates motor homes.

 

The visitor center is very informative and has a lot of inter-active consoles in which to discover the history of the caverns. Discovered in 1977, designated as a state park in '88 - it was opened for tours in 2003. The tours are good, if a bit on the expensive side ($22.95/pp+tax), and there are 3 different tours one can take, the longest is 1hr-45min - The Big Room tour. Groups are small and  the Big Room has an age requirement of 7 yrs old.

No cameras or cell phones are allowed so most of the photos in the "additional photo roll" are from the visitor center interpretive center...


"Fried egg" stalagmite example



Lunch in the Bat Cave Cafe was really delicious roasted red pepper/chicken quesadilla and Starbucks coffee. Desert was free, the Dichos - the Mexican take on fortune cookies and they had fortunes. Mine was "an old friend is the best mirror" and Mike's was "following the path, no one will get lost" - nice.

As we left I looked over to the small cactus garden and noticed that one of the prickly pears was hosting a bird's nest.  They also host a hummingbird trail outside the center.

 

Bird's nest in the cactus - cool.

Check out the park website :http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.html for more information and to make reservations. Also the caverns are closed Apr 16 2011 to Oct 14, 2011 - to accommodate the 700-1000 pregnant bats to roost, give birth and raise they young. Never mind the maintenance time to clean up bat guano - park rangers have interesting jobs. Counting bats and cleaning up bat poop.

Enjoy the short video from the inter-active component of the visitor center, one of many.

Adios!

On the road again - to Tucson and beyond

This morning we left the comfortable and familiar surroundings of the Yuma Foothills area to travel east to the Tucson area. We arrived late in the day and are parked in the Tombstone Territories RV park near Huachuca City - which is near Tombstone.

The slideshow to the right chronicles our drive east from Yuma today and some of the places we will visit during our week long stay here.

A visit to Costco and Trader Joe's brought a smile to our faces as we enjoyed the aisles and aisles of our favorite items. Taking a wrong turn in trying to locate the Trader Joe's we pulled to the stop light and to our right was the remains of the Tucson shooting memorial at the corner (photo at right). Too sad for words.

I'll be blogging more frequently as we begin our exploration of the sights in and around Cochise County.

Ciao