A Tale of Two Towns - Tombstone, AZ

On the Road to Tucson and Tombstone

It's with some regret that we leave Organ Pipe as it was such a beautiful place and we had a great time there. Still the road beckons us onward to Tucson and Tombstone.

Kit Peak Observatory

Coming into Tucson

with lots of churches.

After picking up supplies in Tucson, we head south towards Tombstone.

Decoration on overpass

Holly - your next trailer awaits you after Ron & Reba get the Burn Ward

Tombstone

"The town too tough to die."

Unfortunately, we did not get off on the right foot at first. Twice we were given the wrong directions to the RV park - Tombstone RV Park and Resort. You'd think a business that wanted to stay in business would make it easy for customers to find it.  Also, they told us over the phone this park was within walking distance to town... it is, if you don't mind hiking a few miles along a busy highway. Once we got set up, I started laundry and one of the machines failed in mid cycle. The others would only wash on cold water. Needless to say we cut our stay short and won't be coming back.  However, the beauty of the Internet is being able to extract revenge by leaving bad reviews on RV Park Reviews.

The next day we pack up and spend a few hours checking out the town.

Our Navion IQ parked beside the Courthouse

The mayor's home (no kidding!)

Tombstone greeter

The streets of historic Tombstone really do look like an old western town straight out of a Hollywood stage set.

Many horse drawn carriages await tourists' dollars

Gunfighter checks his cell phone before the next performance

Mule drawn carriage in front of the infamous OK Corral

Although there are many activities offered for tourists to do in Tombstone (for a fist full of dollars), we decide there are really only a few that are worthwhile:

1. The Bird Cage Theatre - which remains in the most authentic condition and houses an extensive museum
2. The Tombstone Epitaph - the "West's most famous newspaper" museum (FREE)
3. The Courthouse, which also houses a museum
4. Boothill Cemetery (FREE)  which we missed

Peter at the entrance of the Bird Cage

Barker just inside giving an overview of

one of many bullet holes left from gun fights.

In its prime as rich silver mining town, Tombstone offered many entertainments to those who had money to spend, such as...

Gambling & whiskey

music & women

and of course, a pot to piss in.

However, hanging around Tombstone could be hazardous to one's health.

The hearse buggy

Sign prop from the Hollywood movie

You wouldn't want to end up here.

The Epitaph really is a fun stop and has an interesting history of its own.

Inside the Epitaph

Type setting trays

The Courthouse also has a good story to tell.

Tombstone Courthouse

Iron shackles

The gallows where seven unfortunate souls found their demise.

Looks like court's adjourned, so it's time to move on.