As we drove to the Tucson last week, I read that Cochise County, just SE of Tucson is one of the top 12 undiscovered up and coming hot spots in the world to visit. How “they” come up with these lists is beyond me, but they may have hit their mark with naming Cochise County as an amazing place to visit. The area has historical significance in that it was one of the places that the Spaniards under Cordoba came through, had heavy presence of Apache Indians, much colorful “Western” history and amazing geological formations. In addition to the rich history, the area is becoming quite the Arizona vineyard and wine tasting destination. There is SOOOO much more to see in this area! We missed the infamous Tombstone!
Kartchner Caverns (February 23): Incredibly pristine State owned caverns discovered in the late 70’s and developed for visitors in the 90’s and opened in 1999. No photos allowed on the tour.
Sierra Vista (February 23): Tom’s long time co-worker, Van Semmon, retired on the hillside out of Sierra Vista. He filled us in on the illegal immigrant traffic in the area and it’s reduction over the past few years, pointed out the wall that has been built in this area over the past 5-10 years and told us about the heavy electronic deterrence that is present in the areas that can’t support the building of a wall, which we saw as we drove to Coronado National Memorial and over the Montezuma Pass. I missed taking a photo of Van on his veranda-like porch overlooking Sierra Vista and the views.
Coronado National Memorial (February 23): Recognizes Coronado’s expedition to the New World in search of gold starting 1540. It is thought that Coronado and his crew may have traveled over Montezuma Pass. We drove up and over Montezuma Pass, which over looks the San Pedro Valley and provides an amazing view of Mexico from high above the border. The black line across the photos is the “Wall”.
Chiricahua National Monument (February 24): Volcanic rock has been eroded into pinnacles, spires and rocks balanced in odd formations.
Fort Bowie National Monument (February 24):
The Apache Indians lived throughout much of Arizona and New Mexico. Apache Pass was a formerly Pony Express route that peacefully traveled through the area over many years. Eventually relations soured and Fort Bowie was built to provide safety and support for Apache Pass. I felt that we were in the middle of a 1960’s Western movie!
End of the day…wine tasting in Wilcox, AZ (February 24):
The Traveling Lounsburys 