Honeymoon

[Tattoo Bradley]

So, as many of you know, my wedding's coming up REALLY fast. This weekend to be exact. And, we've been planning for months to go on a road trip for our honeymoon. The last couple of months we've been talking about going through Utah (I was stationed at Hill AFB several years ago and loved it.) We were gonna do the camping thing in the Moab area National Parks then head up to SLC to get tattoos. From there we were planning to see a show in Ogden on the 14th. But, in our true spirit, we're going spontaneous and changing our minds at the last minute. The main reason I kept wavering from the Utah thing is, well I've been there and done that. I want to see something new. So, I think we're going to head west, instead of North, and do the tour de Arizona. Every since I was a little boy I've been rather fascinated with the outlaws of the Old West. So... where else but TOMBSTONE! I'm giddy just thinking about it. After a day or two in Tombstone it's up to Phoenix to get tattoos (anyone know of a REALLY good shop in Phoenix or Tuscon? Ron?) And from there, further up to the Grand Canyon. Yeah the last bit is probably a little cliche and/or cheesy. But, never been there and never done that I just wanted to share my new descion with "the rabble."

[Caradoc]

After a day or two in Tombstone it's up to Phoenix to get tattoos (anyone know of a REALLY good shop in Phoenix or Tuscon? Ron?)

Try Dick Goldman at Blue Dragon Tattoo in Phoenix.

[Riverkilt]

Guessing you're a True West Fanatic too? Don't know why I don't have a lifetime subscription to that magazine. Very cool since Bob Boze Bell bought it.

My tattoo artist moved back to Biloxi then got Katrina'd out of business and is somewhere up around Ft. Bragg now.

My son-in-law, a Tucson cop of many many years, gets his work done at the Black Rose in Tucson...don't know the artist though.

Ironic, my father was stationed at Hill AFB when he came back from North Africa in War 2. He was a fighter pilot and they put him to flying a desk for a while before they made him an instructor of instructors. My parents married in Ogden and honeymooned at the Washington Hotel downtown...think that's the name of it. Visited Hill and the air museum there a few years ago.

If you like that gunfighter and old west stuff don't forget the Pioneer History Museum off of I-17 north of Phoenix. Authentic old western buildings...the real stuff relocated. And I'm sure you know about Old Tucson...and think the movie set for one of the Tombstone movies is still up around Benson.

If it fits your new schedule the Flagstaff Highland Games are 7/15&16.

And don't forget Williams and the Grand Canyon railroad from Williams to the Grand Canyon...think the old west bad guys board and rob it.

And Fort Verde in Camp Verde, an old cavalry post is still open. As is the one I can't think of the name of in North Tucson....

Tombstone is pretty commercialized, but good stuff is still there. I do so love that high grassland around there...beautiful country.

If you like the real old stuff don't miss Tumacacari Mission and San Xavier south of Tucson. The most western battle of the Civil War was fought at Piccacho Peak on I-10 north of Tucson. The state park there is worth the visit both for the beauty of Piccacho Peak and the story of that battle.

If you like old west garb, Wild West Mercantile in Mesa has a huge selection. They're on the web. Maybe you'd enjoy a stop in Cave Creek to visit the True West Magazine offices.

If you're looking for a scenic route north consider route 67 to Payson then on just past Clint's Well take forest road 2 (paved) past Mormon Lake and Lake Mary into Flagstaff. Fantastic view of the San Francisco Peaks.

Downtown Flagstaff is a jumpin' place on weekends these days.

Lots of great stuff up this way.

Ron

[KiltedKnight]

I just want to mention that just south of Tucson, about 20 miles or so is Colossal Caves, unless the name has changed and it has a great outlaw story to it having to do with the lawman who chased the badmen into the caves and decided to wait them out but the story's end is for visitors to the cave.

Chirs.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

TTB, congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon. That part of the country is beautiful.

Hey Ron, did you ever think about a second career as a travel agent? Some great ideas, I will keep these in mind for my next trip to AZ.

[Riverkilt]

Got to thinking about this one...if it were my honeymoon I'd just head up to Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgeway, Colorado and hang out for the week. Maybe poke around ToHellYouRide and Ouray when we got too pruned out. The waters have lithium so its mellow, mellow, mellow....and they have some private tubs. Was just there a couple months ago. Kilted. Only positive comments.

www.orvishotsprings.com

Ron

[Tattoo Bradley]

Wow Ron, THANKS for all the great info!! I'll have to kee that in mind. As far as CO, well I just kinda have my heart set on something completely new. EVen though NM borders AZ, I've never stepped foot in the state. I got detoured (not my fault but my "navigator's") once trying to get from Shiprock to Cortez CO. We turned the wrong way at the junction and crossed in AZ for about 30 miles or so lol. So yeah, like I said, I know it's cheezy but I wanna see the Grand Canyon. I need a picture of me on a burro! lol. I think it'll be good stuff. At of all your info.....

If it fits your new schedule the Flagstaff Highland Games are 7/15&16.
Ron

^This made me go

I've never been to a Highland games, and have always wanted to. Are you gonna be at these games?

[Riverkilt]

Yup, plan to be at the Flagstaff games.
http://www.nachs.info/flagstafffestival.asp

My lady has to be on call that weekend so I'll be the Lone Ranger...a danger when ALL those vendors are about...shop til you drop!

Ron

[Tattoo Bradley]

Celtic Vendors!

I know what's being discussed with the fiance` tonight. I can't say for sure we'll be there. I will say, if it's within any choice of my own we will be. Actually she pretty much doesn't care what we do, she's just ready for the time off work.

[davedove]

So yeah, like I said, I know it's cheezy but I wanna see the Grand Canyon.

So what if it's cheezy. Everyone should see the Grand Canyon. It's one of the most awe inspiring sights in the world.

I hope you have a good time, but it seems like a lot of driving for a honeymoon.