Thursday 1 May 2014

"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.

10 comments:

  1. Just great pictures John.. who are those two ol' boys at the bar?! :D

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    1. That's when we were looking good Tony….you should see the ones taken later on….not pretty!!

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  2. Wonderful visit and great commentary. My most memorable was ' Gunfight at OK Corral ' Keep the blog going you are both doing a great job. Dad


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    1. Glad you are enjoying the blog. It is really useful for us too. We have done so much in a few weeks that it really is so easy to forget when and where we were!

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  3. You two will really enjoy going back over these posts in years to come. What a great way to document your trip.

    Imagine being in Tombstone back in the day?

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    1. Hi Trobairitz thanks for your comments. Yes it would have been incredible (and dangerous) to have lived in Tombstone, but wow! What history. It was like going back in time.

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  4. Tombstone is a pretty neat little town. I expected a few photos from the graveyard though - a must visit.

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    1. Hi Canajun, thanks for your comments. Check out latest post for text and photo's from the cementary. Enjoy

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  5. Ah, you guys rode right by my house. Had I known I'd have stood by the freeway and waved or flagged you down and bought you both lunch. Anyway, excellent job on your trip report.

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