We are squeezing every last ounce out of this trip. We can't spend our last week sitting on the couch so my family planned a fun filled tour of Arizona before we drive back to Oregon.
We have gone from one extreme weather condition to the next. We left the cold frigid weather of Oregon in November to sunny Arizona. Traveled to the warm, humid climate of SE Asia back to frigid rains of England. Now we have once again returned to Arizona where the temperature has maxed out at 110 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no better way to beat the heat then to visit a water park. Wet'n'Wild Phoenix offers a plethora of H20 slides and pools.
Mom and I before going to Arizona State Gammage Theatre. We watched La Cage Aux Folles which was an interesting play to say the least. My mom's got some style though, check out that outfit!
The following day we woke up at 6am to beat the heat and go on a hike in the Lost Dutchman State Park. Unfortunately it hit 95 degrees around 8am and we had to call the hike short. The AZ desert landscape is quite beautiful year around.
The town featured its own general store, jail, church, brothel, blacksmith, and brewery. They even offer tours of the barren gold mines. Of course today, it all for show but this town was once a thriving center of trade back in the 1890s along the Apache Trail.
I have to give props to my dad who has been working out for the past several months and maintaining a healthy diet. Check out that form with the planks!
These caves were discovered in 1974 by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. Disovered on the Kartchner's private land, these caves were finally granted state park status after years of legislation. The wouldn't let you take pictures inside the cave, which was a total bummer but it was cool to discover this subterranean world.
Afterwards, we visited Tombstone, a city made famous by the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp. Yes, he actually existed and NO he is not related to Clint Eastwood. He was never once wounded in battle but was one hell of a gunslinger. This is the courthouse that chronicles Tombstone's notorious history.
You might be asking what does the O.K. stands for? ... It actually does not have any translation. It was just a simple name for a corral. A lot of people were illiterate during this time in this region, why confuse them with a fancy name.
"I'm so sad, I'm so sad!" Yes, this post is over :( Michelle and I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for being such generous hosts in Arizona. Shout out to Joel for being a cool brother! Special thanks to Jencine for treating us to lunch, it was fun to catch up. Good luck to my cousins Jorell and Elena for graduating college. My stomach would like to personally thank my Mom for feeding me with such hearty meals. We are currently in Fairfield, California where Steve + Cindy (Michelles parent's friends) have let us stay the night before we leave early in the morning for Oregon. We can't wait to spend Memorial Weekend with all our OR friends and family. And sadly put a punctuation on our priceless journey!
This sucks I missed the trip to tombstone it looked like fun
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