Shopping for Hats

One can’t visit Tombstone without buying a cowboy hat, a defining piece of attire for anyone who wants to fit in in Tombstone.  I stopped in at the Bronco Trading to find me one with a tall crown to provide insulation and a wide brim to protect me from the sun. I was indecisive, but my FB friends helped me decide. 

First Bloom

It is hard to believe I am seeing a flower bloom in February.  I am certainly not in Alaska.

Visiting Keith in Tombstone

It was great to see Keith, my old friend from Alaska.  He bought a house and winters in Tombstone.  I can see why.  The weather here is great.

Training Day at the Good Enough Silver Mine

I started training for the Good Enough Silver Mine.  A week later, I led my first tour with a guide overseeing and then I was off and running on my own.  

Made it to Tombstone

This was one of the destinations I planned to get to along my journey to Texas where I was going to join my family to celebrate my mother’s 91st birthday.  Tombstone was the point where I planned to work as a guide for the silver mine to get more travel money, otherwise I would not have made it to Texas.  I had been to Tombstone five years earlier for one day and loved it.  This was a great opportunity to spend more time there and having a job helped out.  This also gave me the chance to expand my mining knowledge being Alaska and placer mining.  I took some time to learn about hard rock mining. 

I found the most beautiful road just inside the Oregon border that goes along the Columbia River Gorge This highway is dedicated to the Vietnam Veterans.  Being a survivor of one of the largest battles during Vietnam  the time spent on this road brought about many memories.  It was a joy to see such a magnificent road and scenery dedicated to us Veterans of the Vietnam War. 

In Prince George, I took a south east turn towards Washington even though my destination was Tombstone. I have a friend who moved a few days before I departed to live in Tacoma.  He asked If I would bring down a few totes of his stuff he couldn't get on the plane and I did.  He showed his appreciation by letting me stay for three days.  What a great visit with him and his family.

I only made it to Anchorage the first night.  I continued on the next day until I arrived in Whitehorse, where I stay a few days.  Whitehorse is one of my favorite towns in the world.  I enjoyed the Liard Hot Springs outside of Toad River BC.  I traveled on to Fort Nelson, another favorite town and spent a few days there in a hotel.  Yes, I travel and spent most night in my van.    The manager treated me to a huge upgrade for regular price.  I had a suite with hot tub and the works.

Leaving Cooper Landing and all the snow.  Headed to Texas to visit family and stop in Tombstone along the way.