Said our good-byes to Chuck and Gina on the morning of February 11, 2016. Sad to leave but time to move on. We headed to Wilcox, AZ. The start of the trip was delayed a little as once again the RV didn't want to start, a quick jump from our car saved us from calling roadside assistance. The drive was once again a mixture of flat land, rolling hills and then interesting boulders that reminded us of Joshua Tree National Park.
Fort Wilcox RV Park is where we called home for a few days. Small park but well maintained. Sites are long but a little close together. They have a small rec room with a TV and the laundry and bathrooms were very clean. The best part of staying here is that you get homemade waffles every morning. Linda, the owner also makes pies every day to sell. We of course had to support her business, her blueberry and cherry pies are very good.
Wilcox is a very small town, that at one point was thriving but not so much now. Their claim to fame is that it is the home town of Rex Allen (1920-1989), known as the Arizona Cowboy. He narrated many Disney nature films, and starred in many Western movies and was one of the last singing cowboys.
Chiricahua (Cheer-i-cow-a) National Monument, established in 1924 was one of our hiking destinations. Unfortunately the main road through the park was closed for repairs, but we did get to see some of the pinnacles and rock formations. The Chiricahua Apache called this area the Land of Standing Up Rocks and it is the perfect description. Like many of the other places we have visited, these pinnacles were formed from volcanic activity. We then took the scenic route to Tombstone. When we first pulled into town we were a little disappointed but then we discovered we were on the wrong road - the main attraction is a couple blocks over from Highway 80. What a fun place, while exploring the shops, or enjoying a cold beer you will likely pass by Wyatt Earp or be sitting next to Doc Holiday.
The drive home took us through Benson, a large town where we assume everyone in the area goes to shop. We liked their water tower.
Fort Bowie was built in 1862, after two battles with the Cochise's Apache, to protect The Apache Pass, which separates the Chiricahua and Dos Cabezas Mountains. Because of the springs located here it was used by emigrants, prospectors and soldiers. We headed there thinking we would see an old fort and then head on our way. Once again we were wrong! To get to the fort, or actually the ruins of the fort you have to hike a mile and a half in. So we hiked.
Nice trail, a mixture of flat areas and hills, some of the trees and plants are marked along the way.  |
| Mining Cabin ruins - you really need to be careful when playing with dynamite |
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| Stage coach ruins |
There is an old cemetery about half way to the fort and there are also information boards along the way explaining the history of the area.
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| Soap Yucca Tree |
It's hard to imagine what it must have been like for the early settlers coming across this barren land, and nice to know that our car was waiting for us at the end or our hike.
Once you pass the Apache Spring you know you are almost there. There is an Apache Camp set up just before you get to the spring.
The fort ruins consist of parts of the stone and brick walls that made up the complex. There is a ranger station/visitor center at the site with lots of information and artifacts. 
The mile and a half hike back takes you up to the top of a ridge, a little strenuous but the views are well worth the effort. You can look down on the fort from the first turn on the trail.
You can see out over the valley and out to the surrounding mountains.
On our last night we once again were treated to a beautiful desert sunset. Next, we head to New Mexico.
Till we meet again...
Happy Trails to You!
Tips and things we have learned along the way
~ Traveling with a dog.
We can't imagine traveling without Mielikki, and we have found that most everyone else has a dog or two. There are a few ways to help keep them safe and keep your sanity.
1. Keeping her safe. When we stop the RV, she is more than ready to get out the door, can't blame her but it's not safe for her to just jump out. We put her leash on her before opening the door and make her sit and stay while we go out. Doing this each time has trained her to stay at the top of the step til we call her out. Even if she forgets and rushes out the door she is attached to her leash and can't go far.
2. Park rules. Make sure you know the rules of the park you are staying in. Always keep your dog on a leash and ALWAYS clean up after them. We have a small plastic container that hooks to the handle of the leash to hold poop bags so we are never without them.
3. Proper paperwork. We carry a copy of her vaccination records in our car so no matter where we are we can show that she is up to date on her shots.
4. Keep her brushed. Mielikki sheds very little but there is still some hair and whatever else she has picked up while outside. By brushing her daily, outside when possible, we keep down on hair shedding, we are able to watch for any ticks that have attached themselves to her and gotten rid of any burrs or other debris that is in her hair. Keeping all of that outside helps to keep the RV cleaner.
5. Keeping the RV clean. Aside from brushing her, we keep a fabric cover on our couch and chair. Yes, we have spoiled her and let her on both. The covers are easy to wash and keep the upholstery clean. We vacuum at least twice a week, daily when in a place that is sandy. Fortunately Airedales are not a breed that has a regular odor problem, but she does like to roll in God-knows what on a walk now and then. Baking soda sprinkled on the carpet and then vacuumed up usually does the trick.
6. Staying home alone. Not one of her favorite things to do, but we just can't take her everywhere and home alone is better than left in a hot car. We keep all the blinds drawn, this not only keeps the RV warmer or cooler, it keeps her from seeing outside. The heat or AC is left on so she is comfortable. If neither heat or AC is needed we leave the ceiling vent fans running, this keeps air circulating plus is a nice sound barrier. If there is a lot of outside noise we will leave a radio on to help block it. Her water and food are always out. When we have neighbors close by we ask if she was barking or whining and usually the answer is no. We come home and find her sleeping on the couch.
7. Grooming or Daycare. If the breed needs regular grooming ask at the camp office if they can recommend someone or check with the local chamber of commerce. Grooming can be a great way to leave your dog someplace for 3 or 4 hours to be pampered while you do non-dog friendly site seeing. Doggie daycare is another option to leaving them home alone. We used one in Wisconsin when we attended a wedding and knew we would be gone to long to leave her. Again, ask for recommendations and check reviews. We have found that some attractions have a kennel on site, so call and ask before heading out.
8. Keeping calm. Our dog like many is very skittish, she is afraid of just about everything including her shadow. Providing a place they feel safe in is important. Mielikki has a few places she goes to when frightened, the soft carpet in the bathroom, or on the floor at the end of our bed. She's not a fan of when the RV moves, hence trying to escape when we stop. We place a padded carpet in front of Nancy's seat and she will curl up there or more times than not she is on Nancy's lap. If having your dog on your lap is not your idea of fun, try using Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic, natural way to ease stress. You can find it on-line or at most pet supply stores.
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