T-Shirts! We are wearing T-shirts!
OK, maybe too much morning coffee, but we really like the idea of not having to wear so many layers. Last night was the first night above freezing since the 26th of February for us. Finally the weather has warmed. We descended in elevation and moved further south yesterday which has helped.
Before moving on, let me mention the morning coffee. While at the Hubbell Trading Post north and east of Holbrook we purchased some Arbuckles coffee. Seems that when the west was won Arbuckles was THE coffee. Up until 1865 and the Arbuckle brothers, all coffee was purchased as green beans and you roasted the beans yourself. This was done on a wood stove or over a campfire in a skillet. One burned bean spoiled the whole lot. Needless to say quality was spotty on the open range. The brothers patented a method of roasting the beans with an egg and sugar glaze that allowed them to stay fresh for storage and shipping. Their coffee was packaged in one-pound packages, not unlike Starbucks today. Ever the marketers, the guys included a peppermint candy in each bag. Not unlike the prize in Cracker Jack. On cattle drives Cookie would use a pound of coffee each morning to make a gallon of coffee for the drovers. That is a lot of grinding. Cookie would use the enticement of the candy to get volunteers to grind. Even grizzly cowhands had a sweet tooth. Arbuckles is still sold today, and still has that treat in each bag. When I get to the treat I will tell you what is was.
We are in the central area of the state referred to as the Verde Valley. Sedona is not far, as is Oak Creek Canyon. We have seen both on a previous trip, so we have not ventured that way this time. Today we visited pueblo ruins at Montezuma”s Castle and Tuzigoot. Both are National Monuments and Barbara continues to gather stamps in her National Parks Passport.
Montezuma's Castle (No he never was there)
Tuzigoot Ruins
Sinagua Indians inhabited both pueblos from about 1100 to 1400 AD. We have a tendency to think of our history in terms of the European migration to the new world, but Native American history is much richer.
We also visited the copper mining town of Jerome.
Jerome, AZ . The mine can be seen at the right.
Much like Leadville and Cripple Creek in Colorado, Jerome has reinvented itself as an arts center and tourist destination. We had an excellent lunch at Alice’s Restaurant. If you visit Jerome give it a try. We also came across this antique movie projector from the Liberty Theater in Jerome. Those who know Barbara well will know that is Mint Chip in her right hand. Life is good!
We ended the day with coach maintenance and laundry, but made time to enjoy the fabulous Arizona sunset.
Friday we are off to sister Patricia and Marc's home in Tucson. We will be enjoying a family visit and celebrating Huguette's birthday before heading east again. We will check back in once we are on our way again.
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