March 14, 2023: Tucson to Tombstone, AZ. 75 miles and 4,385 feet of climbing

Well, we made up for a relatively easy day yesterday with our migration from Tucson to Tombstone, Arizona today. We climbed through the Santa Rita Mountains today, passing through the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. The climbs rivaled our second day over the Sierra Nevada’s, and the views were pretty impressive. In the distance, we saw snow covered peaks that were approximately 9,000 feet above sea level. I’m told that we will likely experience sleet or snow and extreme colds tomorrow, as we continue our elevation climb. Just like I was told in China, “the higher you go, the more jacket you will need”.

Last night, after dinner, I had an interesting conversation with the janitor of the school we were staying in. He urged me to avoid going for a walk after dark, since the Peccaries (Javelina’s) were prevalent in the area, and could be easily agitated. Not knowing much about Javelinas, (but not exactly interested enough in them to get “up close and personal” I looked up a few facts. I learned that Javelinas are like a wild pig, and are omnivores (which I later learned does NOT mean that they like peanut butter and Rice Krispie treats). When threatened, the Javelina will rub their tusks together to make a chattering sound to scare predators away. Electing to stay within the safe confines of the high school gym, I slept soundly on the air mattress, secure in the fact that I would not be the source of any chattering in the darkness.

We cycled up some pretty steep hills, and enjoyed some occasional downhills and flat areas before managing one last push up-hill into Tombstone, Arizona. Tombstone is an interesting place. Known as the “Town too tough to Die”, Tombstone is the home of 1,300 souls, (I suppose we could call them “Toomers”). Only 30 miles from the Mexican border, Tombstone is known for a few things: Firstly, it boasts to have the world’s largest rose bush. More importantly, it is the cite of the most famous gunfight in the Wild West, known as the “Gunfight at the OK Corral”.

Back in 1881, apparently several outlaws, (Ike and Billy Clayton, Bill Claiborne, and Tom and Frank McLaury) squared off against Doc Holliday, and Virgil, Morgan, and Wyatt Earp. (I mention these names in case any of you would like to research your 23 and Me to ensure that anyone involved could possibly be related to you). This famous gunfight started with the two sides only six (6) feet apart, and took only 30 seconds, with 30 shots fired. Only Wyatt Earp escaped without being wounded, which is probably why he became more famous than his brother Virgil, who was the town Marshal, and big honcho in the town at the time. I am sure that while you history buffs have found this paragraph absolutely riveting, the rest of you have most likely dozed off by now. My apologies for that!

Also, for you film and TV buffs, there heave been a number of shows and movies filmed here. The one I recognize the most is “The High Chaparral”, which was a TV series that aired in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Also, more recently, Wyatt Earp: Return to Tombstone (1994), and a series of “ghost” movies (Ghost Hunters – 2004, Ghost Adventures- 2009, and Ghost Lab- 2009). I feel a little disappointed that Ghostbusters wasn’t filmed here, but then again, you can’t have everything!

Today, Tombstone boasts the highest rated brewery in the state of Arizona. The Tombstone Brewing Company, (a real Marketing genius came up with this catch name, I am sure), makes ales and lagers. Their core beer selections include Tombstone IPA (hazy New England style IPA), a Raspberry Berliner (a sour fruited Berliner Weisse that is no doubt a favorite in Germany), and an Oregon Lots II Double IPA, (which is probably twice as good as a single IPA). Seasonally, they produce Little Baby Wyatt, (Mrs. Earp’s favorite, I assume), a Wild West Wheat, a Festbeer (during Oktoberfest time), and a Winter Ale, (which is an Amber Ale with cinnamon). For those of you interested in sampling some of these, you can send me all of your money, (small bills, all unmarked), and I will pick up a six pack for you. I’ll try to work out a way to carry all of this back with me on my bike! Josh, I hope you found this information helpful, but then again, you probably already knew all of this!

We are staying at the Landmark Lodge, which claims to be THE (ALL CAPITALS) place to stay when visiting Tombstone. Though I can’t be sure this is the best hotel in the town, I can tell you that the hot shower felt really good, and a real bed tonight will feel even better. From our front door, we can see for miles, mostly jagged rocky peaks and cactus. I’m still keeping my ears peeled for the chattering of the Javelina’s!