Greetings!
We've been pretty busy this past 9 or 10 days. And not all in a fun way.
The dogs soiled our bedding not once but twice since we arrived here in Cottonwood, Arizona. So I have spent some quality time at the laundromat.
Mike's finger ended up getting infected after all, 2 weeks after the dog fight. So we spent all day yesterday at an Urgent Care & Walgreens, getting him taken care of and on the mend. 2 super-strength antibiotic prescriptions and 24 hours later and he's already improving. Thank goodness.
Mike has rigged the bedroom doors with latches this week and the bedroom is now puppy proof. YAY!
In even better news, we've enjoyed the pool and hot tub here at our campground. It's only open limited hours and is heavily guarded by the campground staff who are enforcing the rules swiftly and judiciously to keep everyone safe. But it's a gorgeous pool and we've enjoyed swimming again, after 3 months of prohibition.
We took a day trip to Sedona and beyond last week and enjoyed the unique Red Rock landscape. Unfortunately, our planning was off, and it was a Sunday, so we weren't able to get in at any of the river access points, which were all full. However, further investigations since have proven the river is bone dry anyway, due to drought, so we didn't miss much.
We took another day trip today. First to Jerome, where we visited the "ghost town." We feel a little gypped. It was the location of an old copper and gold mine, and there are old, delapitated buildings left over from when the boom passed. However, the current owner is a hoarder and is filling it up with anything and everything old and rusty. Don't get me wrong, it was an experience, just not the one we were expecting.
Next we headed along the switchbacks towards the Jerome State Park. Gorgeous views, terrifying turns and drops off the the of the road. You may be noticing a trend in who enjoys what in our little tribe.
We visited Audrey Headframe Park where the town of Jerome mined thousands of tons of copper between 1914 and 1938ish. They have grates over the mine shaft that goes 1920 feet into the ground. Which is taller than the Eiffel Tower, Crystler Building, and the Empire State Building. They even have a glass floor over the shaft in another spot (which I did walk across, with emotional support from Mike and Callie). Mike commented that the shaft was better than the "ghost town."
Our last stop today was to see Montezuma's Castle National Park. It was amazing. I love National Parks and ancient ruins. If you have the time, and there are any near you right now, the NPS has waived all entrance fees to everything, so check the websites before you head out, but go see a National Park. You won't be disappointed. And they are taking great care with all COVID precautions, so just make sure you bring your mask along!
I think we're laying low the next couple of days in order to prep for departure on Wednesday. Monday&Tuesday we have reservations at the Six Flags waterpark in Pheonix. So that will be an adventure for sure.
Ok, well, you're all probably headed to bed, if you aren't there already... and I need to cook dinner (723pm here...PST).
Stay safe, stay healthy, and we'll check in again soon!