Historic Tombstone

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Many places in the United States are full of the history that formed our country and, as Gary and Barb discovered, Tombstone in Arizona is one of those fascinating locations. Writing of their experiences in Tombstone on their journal, Gary and Barb’s Travels, the couple share in detail what they gleaned about the city’s past.
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Tuzigoot National Monument

Pueblo ruins dot the Verde Valley in central Arizona; remnants of the Sinagua people from the time period between 1100 and 1450 AD. Recently, a visit to one of the largest and best preserved of these – Tuzigoot National Monument – was made by Larry and Lee Ann and their experience is documented in their online Trip Journal, Larry & Lee Ann’s Journey.

The name “Tuzigoot” is a term originating from the Apache language meaning crooked water. The term applies to the nearby Peck’s Lake, which is a runoff from the Verde River. The site has provided a great deal of information and insight to the Sinagua people through excavation; over 400 burial sites have been located in the hillside. The structures themselves also give a glimpse into their lifestyle of the time; the large pueblo has two stories that in all contain 110 rooms. It is likely that hundreds of Sinagua people were living in this and other pueblo homes.

The land was purchased by Yavapai County in Arizona for the paltry sum of $1.00; a sale which enabled the land to pass from United Verde and Phelps Dodge to the County allowing excavation to continue. In the hands of Yavapai County, federal relief grants were able to be secured to finance the research project once the land was turned over to the Federal Government.

Excavation of the pueblo and surrounding area was completed through the University of Arizona, headed up by Louis Caywood and Edward Spicer. From 1933 to 1935, the ruins were carefully and painstakingly exhumed. During this period, funding was made possible through the Civic Works Administration and Works Project Administration. The next year was devoted to preparing the monument for public display, with additional funding through the Federal government provided.

Now the area that once was a lively, active community of a historic people is a museum filled with fascinating artifacts of the Sinaguas; a rare opportunity for interested visitors to learn about their ancient culture. Displayed within the museum are pictures of the diligent efforts of the many people assisting in the excavation.

After visiting the museum and exploring the pueblo ruin, yet another wonderful experience awaits the visitor to Tuzigoot. Two trails, the Ruins Loop and Tavasci Marsh Overlook trails allow tourists to mosey along the trails as they view the ruins. The view from the trails is incredible, as the landscape stretches out for miles before admiring eyes.

With Tuzigoot being situated at the top of a ridge overlooking the Verde River, much of the surrounding countryside is visible from the top of the Ruins Loop Trail; further enhancing the experience of both the ruins and the trail. Even those who normally do not indulge in trail walking, with each trail measuring only a quarter of a mile in length and the beautiful views to be seen, the walk will soon be over.

As Larry and Lee Ann discovered when they visited Tuzigoot in central Arizona, amazing pieces of ancient history can be found and enjoyed at this National monument; a peek into the past at a long lost culture.

Dan Parlow

Personal Travel Websites by RV.Net ; Online Travel Journals by MyTripJournal.com ; Explore Good Sam Club Trip Journals ;Woodalls Trip Journals ; Travel Journals by Trailer Life Directory ; Traveling USA Travel Blogs

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VIDEO: “Long Long Honeymoon” in Maine!

For the past six months, Maine has been an ethereal, theoretical destination for our Long Long Honeymoon. If we had a dollar for every time we exclaimed, “This spring, we’re taking our Airstream up to Maine!” our fuel expenses would be covered. So now that we finally made it, has Maine lived up to our expectations? No… Read more

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National Motorcycle Museum

Motorcycles. Some people love them and some people hate them. If you’re one of those who enjoys the thrill of travel on two wheels and the wind in your hair, you know a special kind of joy and freedom those who confine themselves to four wheels (or more) will never experience. If you fall into the category of people who just don’t “get” the love of motorcycles… as the saying goes, if I have to explain it to you, you wouldn’t understand anyway. 

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Fort Massac State Park

On the bank of the Ohio River in Metropolis, Illinois we discovered Fort Massac State Park, the oldest state park in Illinois. But Fort Massac existed long before Illinois was a state. In fact, long before there was a United States!

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VIDEO: RV Camping in NEW YORK CITY?!

On our Long Long Honeymoon, we’ve enjoyed our share of rustic camping locations. Places like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park come to mind. Getting back to nature is what camping’s all about, right? But what happens when we take our “condo on wheels” into an urban environment like NEW YORK CITY? Read more

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May’s Mystery Challenge Answer

The Mystery Camper was back at it again, somewhere in North America. These shots were taken at the campground he was at.

As usual, our readers solved this one without too much effort. It was indeed Outdoor Resorts (Signature Resorts) in Indio, California. Read more

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State Parks with Great Appeal: Picacho Peak

Arizona is a magnet for travelers. And for good reason: incredibly painted skies against which virtual forests of immense multi-armed cacti display their dignified spires; deep, rich cultural history of Native American, Spanish and American influences; a blanket of wildflowers covering the desert terrain in spring.

Tucked away in some of the most vibrant areas of Arizona are 28 state parks; one of which, located in the southern region of Arizona, was a particular favorite of travelers, Ken and Ann:Picacho Peak.They speak highly of their experiences at the Park in their site, http://www.mytripjournal.com/ann-ken.

Interstate highway 10 crosses Arizona to the south, and when passing east of Casa Grande, you will arrive at Picacho Peak Park.Construction has just been completed on the new Visitor’s Center, which is rated “silver” on the LEEDS scale for environmental consciousness; a first for Arizona State parks.The park’s name was given centuries ago by the Spanish, and literally is a duplication of names, as Picacho is the Spanish word for “peak”, so its translated name is, quite simply, Peak Peak.

The peak is part of the Picacho Mountains, which has its historical roots imbedded in Civil War history.A military outpost was built in Tucson and later abandoned at the onset of the war as soldiers joined ranks with the Union or Confederate armies.In 1862, members of each of the Union and Confederate troops met in a battle around Picacho Peak; providing possibly the westernmost conflict of the Civil War now referred to as the Battle of Picacho Pass.It has the distinction of being the only Civil War battle fought in Arizona.

Today, that skirmish is re-enacted every March in remembrance of the part Picacho Peak played in Civil War History.

Many people visiting Picacho Peak enjoy the hiking opportunities the mountain range offers.Trails that wind their way to the top reward the hiker with spectacular views of Arizona landscapes.Some areas along the trails become a bit trying, and cables have been installed to assist climbers.Numerous mountain ranges in a panoramic setting can be viewed from the peak’s summit:Santa Catalina to the south, Tabletop to the northwest, as well as those that surround Phoenix to the north.

Since ancient days, Picacho Peak has been used as a landmark, with one of the first documented citations dating to the early 1700’s.Towering over 3,300 feet above sea level, the peak overlooked some of history’s greatest achievements besides the Civil War, such as early railroading days with the Southern Pacific railroad, wagon trains and stage coach travel.

Many people, such as Ken and Ann, have made good on their promise to investigate this interesting peak.When traveling through southern Arizona along Interstate Highway 10, pay close attention to the passing scenery between Tucson and Phoenix.Jutting proudly into the Arizona sky will be Picacho Peak and you, like many travelers in days past, can gaze in awe at the incredible natural landmark.

Dan Parlow

Personal Travel Websites by RV.Net ; Online Travel Journals by MyTripJournal.com ; Explore Good Sam Club Trip Journals ;Woodalls Trip Journals ; Travel Journals by Trailer Life Directory ; Traveling USA Travel Blogs

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Family Fishing & Lakeside Fun in Central Alabama

General Info: Wind Creek State Park is located about 40 miles northeast of Montgomery, Alabama, just south of Alexander City. The park covers 1,445 acres of wooded shoreline on the banks of Lake Martin, a 39,000-acre clear water reservoir.

Watch a brief tour video of all that Wind Creek State Park has to offer!

Hours and Fees: The park is open for day use from 7 a.m. to sundown daily. The weekday entrance fee for adults is $2, and $1 for children ages 6-11 or Seniors age 62+. For weekends and holidays the adult entrance fee goes up to $3. The boat launch fee is $4 per boat.

Activities: Fishing and boating draw many visitors to the clear water. The 210-ft. long fishing pier is a great spot to cast a line any time of day or night. The park hosts fishing tournaments periodically. The marina store sells live bait and tackle in addition to game and fishing licenses. The store is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A gas dock is also available. You can launch your own boat at the ramp or rent flat-bottom jon boats or pontoon boats from the marina store (call 256-329-0845 for seasonal availability).

Swimming at the beach area opens daily at 7 a.m. Volleyball, a bathhouse and picnic tables are available for a day of family summer fun. For details about current swimming conditions, call the park office at 256-329-0845.

Three moderately strenuous nature trails allow visitors to explore the beautiful wooded landscape of rolling hills on foot or on horseback.

Local Attractions: The Lakewinds Golf Course in Jackson Gap (about 5 miles away) offers 18- or 9-hole rounds and golf cart rentals daily. Dress code is casual but no tank tops allowed.

The Lake Martin Amphitheater hosts open-air cultural and musical entertainment on a hill overlooking Lake Martin. The audience sits on the grass in the wooded setting, and security is provided to maintain a family atmosphere. Check the Summer 2009 Events Calendar to see what’s playing during your visit.

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is a 2,040-acre historic site preserving the area where Andrew Jackson and his army attacked a group of Creek Indians in 1814. More Native Americans lost their lives in this battle than in any other single battle before or since. Just 23 miles northeast from Wind Creek State Park.

Camping Info: There’s plenty of space at the largest state-run campground in the USA! There are 626 paved back-in campsites on over 320 acres, each with picnic table, grill, water and electricity (30 amp). Some sites also have sewer hookups, and a centralized dump station is also provided. Each site measures 25’x 50’, and handicap accessible sites are available.

The campground features several modern bathhouses with showers and toilets. A kids’ playground is located in the center next to a picnic pavilion. A campground store (groceries, firewood and RV supplies) and laundry facilities are located near the campground office. See the PDF map of the campground to get a lay of the land.

Nightly rates (for 1-4 people) are $18 for E/W hookups and $21 for full hookups. Waterfront sites are an extra $3 per night. Each additional person will cost another $2 per night, with a maximum of 8 people per site. A 9 percent lodging tax applies. Only 2 vehicles allowed per site. Additional vehicles have to be kept outside the campground (this includes visitor vehicles).

If you’re from central Alabama or have visited the area in the past, please chime in with your stories and travel tips! Your insights could be the key to someone’s great trip to Wind Creek State Park.

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VIDEO: Long Long Honeymoon hits D.C. & Philly!

As a general rule, our “Long Long Honeymoon” is a lighthearted show. We focus more upon the fun stuff than the alternative. I figure there’s enough bad news in the world. Why add to it? Read more

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