I remember driving by/through Cochise Natl Forest but I dont remember seeing Cochise Stronghold. I totally missed Chiricahua National Monument, we didn't quite make it that far southeast. My journey to the southeast ended at Bisbee before turning around and heading back to Round Valley. We spent too much time seeing the tourist attractions in Tombstone I guess. I even saw "the worlds largest rose bush" in Tombstone ... not exactly on my list of amazing sights. My aunt used to give me a subscription to Arizona Highways magazine every year ~1970-1990. Between the high quality pictures in AZ Highways, the rock and petrified wood she sent, I've been fascinated by the beauty of AZ since childhood.
I've found a few dozen arrowheads here in Maine. I thought they might be plentiful in the southwest. I'd have a blast on an ATV in AZ! Yes, if I was born in the southwest, I'd probably be a desert rat too! I don't care for the city life. I have a 4 season camp in the Western Mountains of Maine, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, rafting, ATV trails, ponds, lakes and streams abound. My camp is at the base of a 3700ft mountain (that's tall here, lol!), very small annual population there. Winter low temps can hit -35F. Unfortunately the mosquitos and black flies try to carry you away in the spring and summer. That is the only downside - and another feature I loved about AZ, very few annoying flies. I haven't seen much of Colorado and have never been to Utah (other than a 4 Corners visit.)
Okay, let’s try this again! Sorry for the delay.
Yessir, good ol’ Tombstone. Arizona’s cheesiest attraction, but it has to be done. Probably more hangovers caused by that place than anywhere in the state.
I would imagine Arizona Highways magazines have found their way into every country in the world. If you ever come across the early black and white issues it’s a good idea to look through them real good. Lots of info in them about places that they don’t really want known anymore. Kinda like the old Popular Mechanics magazines.
Funny, while as a youngster I was fascinated with the Northeastern states due to books like the Last of the Mohicans, and one I (still) can’t remember of a boy who lived on his own in the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes area. Never have made it to the Northeastern tier states. Amazing that Maine is still such an untouched place. Must be paradise. Sounds a lot like Alaska bug and temps wise! Also sounds like a lot of fun otherwise!
You’ll definitely want to check out Utah and Colorado someday. Central and western Colorado along with central and southern Utah in particular. Spectacular geography to feast the eyes and soul on. Tons of outdoor activities to be had in both states.
Cochise Stronghold is a cool place. A big granite dome there with monster sized boulders at the base that form these alcoves that the Apache would hide from the Army in. It could be a hundred and ten degrees out, but in the alcoves it’s in the seventies. The approach to them were deadly to those that tried. The dome has a Half Dome like climb on it. Two pitches of very exposed wall. The decent is two ropes in length, with one being mostly all air until the next belay having just a one bolt anchor. Highly recommend if you’re into climbing.
Lol, I think that’s about all I had in my lost reply!
I think my climbing days are behind me at my age. Maine has many lakes, ponds, streams, rivers. Mountains a mile high, 3200 miles of jagged coastline, dense forest, fields, the best seafood in the world, 4 seasons of fun. There is always something to do.
Someday Utah and Colorado. I watch a lot of 4wd YT videos from that area (and AZ) so I have some idea of the back country there. Moab looks challenging! I think the most beautiful state in the Union is AZ.
Lol, yeah my climbing days are over as well. It was fun and exciting while it lasted, but it wrecked my knees and shoulders after a while. Moab is an area we went to a lot. Some of the scariest climbs I’ve ever been on. Long runout routes with sketchy old bolts in sketchy old sandstone. Cracks for miles requiring a fortune in cams and chocks. The invincibility of youth has long left this old man. Give me wheels! Moab is definitely a must. You have the river to run, the four wheel’n and side by side trails, mtn biking, hiking, climbing…that is if you can find the time for it between taking pictures and observing the daring deeds of others. Last I checked the average age of Moab was 24. From Moab you’ve got to take state route 128 up the Colorado River towards Grand Junction. Mind blowing geology!
Dammit! I wrote a good reply and lost it! I’ll have to get back to you later….dammit!
That happened to me too a couple replies back! Very frustrating.
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