"The Town Too Tough To Die…" - Tombstone

Tombstone, Arizona - what an amazing place, real living history, and so well preserved.  When we were planning our road trip Tombstone was at the top of my "bucket list" and it has not disappointed at all.  We both grew up in the era of cowboy films and one the greatest all time movies (in my opinion) is the 1993 film called "Tombstone" starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer so to come here has been a real thrill.

You have to remind yourself that you are in a real town, which was founded in 1879 (which is not that long ago) and you're not walking around a Hollywood film set or studio!  You are actually walking where some of the most famous and notorious western cowboys and lawmen lived, ate and worked - incredible!

The 'stage' pulling into to town

Our motel was built in the 50's but has been brought right up to date inside but has managed to keep externally all of its original charm. The best thing it's a 2 minute walk from Allen Street. 

The bikes parked right outside our room.  No worries.

All quiet on Allen Street as the sun was setting, that's because everyone was in one of the many saloons having a cold one, or several as in our case.

You need a BIG draught beer after a long days ride, and these were  big 20 oz glasses.

Morning has broken in Tombstone….not a cloud in the sky…perfect, we were just too hung-over to ride. Oh well we just had to stay another day and night! 

The original "Oriental Hotel" where Wyatt Earp and his brothers, Virgill and Morgan set up their 'Faro' card game gambling business….. "You gonna do something or just stand there and bleed….!"

Culture and sophistication were alive and well in Tombstone back in the day.

Original gun-shot bullet holes in the ceiling from some over excited cowboys way back in 1880…!  Wow, just brilliant.

Three times a day Tombstone erupts with the re-enactment of the famous gun fight at the O.K. Corral.  All the actors are so convincing - here are the 'Earp Borthers' and 'Doc Holliday'  getting ready.