Just February

 February 1 - 28, 2026

Tombstone - Apache Junction, Arizona

A planned week with Maggie in Apache Junction is the anticipated highlight of the month. The two days we end up having are great fun.

Maggie is in AJ for several weeks and I'm excited to have one of them with her. We have a long list of daily afternoon adventures. Her mornings are booked so I have a few hours of me-time which is also good stuff.

Prior to this trip I had a couple modifications done on PJ's hitch lay-out. Just getting everything hooked up was stupidly difficult so I'm very happy with the changes RV City did for me - now it all makes sense and is very simple. Wren (the Maverick now has a name) tows like a dream, and by 1:00 I'm parked and hooked up at Sundance Village just across from Maggie's 5er. It's one of many, many parks in the area with tight sites, but it's clean and safe and mostly quiet.

Maggie's house across the street!

In addition to her good company, Maggie also has gift cards she's been wanting to use so we eat dinner for "free" for two evenings. Our first dinner is at Outback which I haven't been to in years. It's wonderful getting caught up with her over appetizers and a cold beer. I can't believe we haven't seen each other in over a year!

Day One we head to OdySea in Scottsdale. We spend several hours enjoying all the sea life here, and save our Butterfly Experience (same complex) tickets for later in the week. 

Why is this view unique?

Because it's the view over the sinks in here!

One of a few non-sea creatures, the sloth looks comfy doing sloth things.

After seeing My Octopus Teacher and reading Remarkably Bright Creatures, I'm a big fan of the Great Pacific Octopus. So getting to see this beauty up close (the staff person tells us she's rarely out from behind the rocks) is such a treat!

The rays' little "faces" always make me smile.

I was never a fish tank person, but have always thought a jelly fish tank would be wonderful.

Without a doubt these American Paddlefish are the weirdest creature I've seen.

There are several types of shark, all beautiful.

After all that walking we head back to the park for naps and feet up. Turns out we're both ready to call it a day and stay home.

Day Two we plan to meet at the Musical Instruments Museum rather than Maggie driving all the way back to pick me up and go back to the same area she's coming from. It's cloudy with a chilly wind, a perfect day for indoor activities.

I have no idea what to expect of this specialized museum, but I'm definitely not expecting the size of the place! Although we arrive with a few school buses full of school-age people we don't see any of them after the first two exhibits.

Included with the admission is a Bluetooth headset that connects to the plethora of music to be experienced throughout the gazillion exhibits. 

Included in the Guitar Gallery with many historic and famous pieces is the oldest full-size guitar in existence - the Baroque Guitar made by Belchior Dias in 1590.

A collection of unique instruments includes the Stroviol made by Augustus Stroh, combining a violin and a gramophone for amplification.

"Player" pianos are fascinating - both how they're made and the huge variety of size and intricacy.

This hand-crank organ from the Netherlands with 162 pipes is nothing like the usual "organ grinders" small enough to hold in two hands.

Artifacts from music events.

Instruments used by solo artists and groups.

Most displays include music plus costumes, awards and other artifacts.

Maggie and I are both Prince fans, she's prepared to play his piano.

Music and instruments from various indigenous cultures.

I especially like the Kukeri dancers with their large bells worn house to house to scare away evil spirits. They can stand up to 9 feet tall!

After a few hours we haven't even started the exhibits from countries all over the world - it's easy to believe this place has the largest collection in the world. Rather than rush through the rest to accommodate our fading stamina we opt to purchase a Day Two ticket at the reduced rate. 

Dinner is very good at Lucille's BBQ on the way home. Conversing with Maggie about interesting topics is one of my favorite activities and we hang out for another hour. Once back to our rigs we say an early good-night.

Day Three doesn't happen. My morning begins with a call from Jeff giving me an update on what's been happening back at the house over the last 24 hours. I clearly need to pack up and head back. 

After giving Maggie the bad news, I pack up, hook up, grab a last hug, and pull out of the park. I'm glad she thinks to get my unused tickets to give to someone who will appreciate a freebie.

Back home there's new changes to sort out, and I'm grateful that Jeff made the call.

Local trips still happen in between, so Rebecca, Vicky and I enjoy the theater again. Before getting to the theater we take a walk around the historic courthouse grounds, and the gem and mineral museum in the same building. It's beautiful and I will definitely be back.

 Mormon Battalion Monument commemorates their march through Tucson in 1846.

The beloved Pima County Historic Courthouse, built in 1929, served the county 86 years.

Vicky catches up with her daughter at the Clement Fountain - a lovely and peaceful spot.

Fun to find a healthy Crested Saquaro behind the fountain.

This massive quartz crystal greets us at the gem museum.

The collection here rivals the Smithsonian!

Local mining history is included.

Ain't Misbehavin' is a delightful two hours of song and dance and fabulous costumes. The cast of five with live band put on an energetic and fun show! 

The Arizona Theater Company is a new venue for us and we all really like it. Our great seats are front row of the balcony.

Love having an unimpeded view!

Life goes on regardless of changes. 

Elliott and Ezra building their snow family.

Maximus takes Dad on a hike.

Magnolia and Mom make a Penelope sandwich.

Oliver's happy about his yummy treat.