Sunday, March 18, 2012

Spring Break 2012!!!


In true Ashdown form, we didn't make firm plans for our final spring break ever until we were actually in said break. We had big plans of potentially going on a cheap cruise, visiting the Grand Canyon, or going out to California. Alas, for one reason or another, all these great ideas fell through the cracks.

However, our good friends and neighbors had some parents about an hour south of Tucson and they invited us to stay a couple nights at their folks' house for some R&R. They live near some cool Southern AZ touristy spots, have a pool, and best of all had plenty of couches to lounge around on. We happily accepted.

Our first day in Sierra Vista, we took Harper to Tombstone. That's right folks, the first proposed capital city of Arizona, the old stomping grounds of the Earp brothers, and last but not least, the famous O.K. Corral. Its still a functioning little city that has worked to preserve all the fantastic historical features that are common in the many movies that have been made about Wyatt Earp and his historical clean-up of the lawless 'Cowboys' of the era. Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.

The famous OK Corral
There were stage coaches all over the road

Nice Ass

For those of you who have seen any of the movies about this town, you may have seen a few of these landmarks. This is the Bird Cage Theatre, a saloon, brothel, theater and gambling parlor that was reported by the New York Times in the late 1800's to be the wildest place in the country. 120 bullet holes are still visible throughout the building, and a variety of knife slashes in some of the paintings that still hang. Apparently, it is also the site of the longest running poker game in history, because the Bird Cage was open 24 hours per day, the poker game is reported to have run straight for eight years, five months and three days.  
Big Nose Kate's disreputable Bird Cage Theatre

Pointing out some of the bullet holes


A little cuddle time



After Tombstone, we did some well deserved relaxing in the spa and tried out Harper's new blow up boat. She sits in the little seat and can kick around the pool all she wants. We're really stoked to use this all summer long!



Harper never missed the Cheeto bowl as it floated by

Taking care of a pigeon problem

Harper the dog whisperer


It was a fantastic spring break and we couldn't have asked for a more hospitable and welcoming house to stay at. Thank you to the Ray family for having us over!