Day Two - Getting on Base, Lost on Base, and Buffalo Soldiers

 Sierra Vista, AZ   High 78  low 44

One of the main reasons we wanted to visit Sierra Vista is because it is home to Fort Huachuca (pronounced  wuh-choo-kuh). Pat had watched a show about the fort and thought it would be really interesting. She was right.

We had breakfast at the hotel but it seemed to me that the breakfasts are getting skimpier with fewer offerings. I'll be curious to see what is happening at hotels that I stay at this summer.

Anyhow, back to the story. We headed for the base about 9:00 a.m. Went to the wrong gate the first try. The guard checked our car in and then gave us directions to the correct gate where we were directed to the parking lot of their security check office.

Visitors entering the fort who do not have a DoD id card, are subject to a background check before you can enter the grounds.  You must have a REAL ID and an Access Request Form which you can download and print from their website. 

Marilyn had printed the forms for us and we thought we were ready to go. Marilyn discovered that she had left her Access Form back in AJ. We weren't sure we would be allowed in but we forged on. There were a few people ahead of us and it's an honor system about who's next in line. 

We sent Marilyn up first because if she was turned away we would leave. He got her Passport and Driver's License, asked her some questions as he filled out the form and then took her picture and printed off her pass. Next was Pat and she sailed through with flying colors. Got her picture taken and her pass and it was my turn. Things started off fine. Gave him my driver's license and form. He noticed that I had checked retired civil service. For some reason that meant I got asked about twice as many questions as either Pat or Marilyn. I have no idea why. Things like jail time? did you retire or get fired? Finally he took my picture and gave me my pass. Then we noticed that Marilyn only got a six month pass and Pat and I have ones that are good for a year. It must be because she didn't have the Access Form.

Fort Huachuca was originally set up as a outpost in 1877 to secure the San Pedro and Santa Cruz Valleys from Apache raiders. The fort has been home to horse soldiers, foot soldiers, Buffalo Soldiers and WW2 Infantrymen. Engineers were trained here during the Korean War. Today it is used for technical and intelligence development and Soldier training, and the world's largest unmanned aerial systems training center. 

 It is also over 70,000 acres and I'm pretty sure we saw most of them because I got lost. There are 18,000 people working on the base and we couldn't find one outside. We did hear gunfire off in the distance but I tried not to wander too close to that area. 

Finally saw a tiny little sign that said museum with an arrow. Believe me, they do not make it easy for you to find the museums. We finally found the Buffalo Soldier Museum. Thank goodness.

It's a really informative small museum. We took our time looking at all the exhibits and visiting the gift shop. There is a handout about the Buffalo Soldiers that was extremely informative. Early in the 17th century, African-Americans fought along their white owners to defend against Indian attacks. Around 5,000  fought in the American Revolution but in 1775 when the Continental Army was formed, Congress excluded blacks from service. Despite the fact that they continued to make real military contributions in the War of 1812 and in the Civil War, it was not until after the Civil War that blacks were accepted into the regular Army. 

In 1892 the first black regiment arrived at Fort Huachuca. Other troops arrived throughout the next few years. until 1900. They were first called Buffalo Soldiers when the name was given to them by the Indians of the plains who likened their hair to that of a buffalo.

The handout is full of fascinating information but I've gone on too long as it is. We discovered while we were there that the second museum we wanted to see had been moved.  It is the U. S. Army Intelligence Museum. We never did find it and by now it was time for lunch. First we have to figure out how to get off the base. Had no idea where we were. We finally found one lone guy outside and he was able to give us directions to the gate. 

 

We do need to make another trip down here. Lots of things we didn't get to see.

Unmanned Aircraft

 

 I'm going to make another post for the rest of this day and day three of our journey. 

 

 

We Are Off Again

 AJ, AZ - High 81  Low 52

 First of all I want to discuss this winter's weather. It's just plain messed up. The Midwest, Southeast, and East Coast are buried in snow with absolutely frigid temperatures. Meanwhile The West and Southwest are breaking heat records. I am not complaining because I am in the Southwest enjoying 80 degree days. But I do worry about what the summer will bring.

Now back to the fun stuff. The Three Musketeers (Marilyn, Pat and I) were ready to roll again. This time we are headed to Sierra Vista in southern Arizona. Our first stop was at the Tom Mix Memorial - The End of a Legend.

Tom Mix was a cowboy hero back in the 20s and 30s and quite the ladies man (had five wives). He and his horse, Tony, performed their own stunts. Kind of like an old timey Tom Cruise. He performed in 291 movies but could not make the transition from silent movies to talkies.

The Memorial we stopped at is located on Highway 79 south of Florence, AZ where he died.

His death is an interesting story. He was driving a yellow Cord Phaeton sports car as he came down the highway, and he did not see or failed to heed the signs warning of a bridge washed out. The car swing into a gully and Tom was hit in the back of the head by a heavy aluminum suitcase that was in the back seat. The impact broke the actor's neck and he died instantly. 

From there we headed on down to Sierra Vista, grabbed some lunch and checked into the hotel. We didn't have much time before our next adventure, so we headed right back out after checking our rooms. 

We climbed into the car and headed north to Benson and beyond.  I had discovered a donkey rescue a few miles north of Benson. If you have ever been to Gammon's Gulch you were almost next door to the donkeys. 

Forever Home Donkey Rescue and Sanctuary takes in donkeys who need rehabilitation and hopefully they are able to rehome the donkeys. Those that are too sick or not able to be rehabilitated will live their life out at the Sanctuary. 

They offer free tours (by appointment) because they believe education is key to ending donkey cruelty. An all volunteer organization with some of the most dedicated people I've ever met.

His ears are a little wonkie but he's such a sweetie.

 Our tour was a little different then other tours. The volunteers had been dealing with a donkey who had choked that morning and had gotten behind in their chores. Normally when people arrive for the tour, the animals are in their own stalls and ready to receive treats from the tourists. Well, because they were so far behind, the donkeys were wandering around loose all over the area. That meant we got to actually mingle with them and give them hugs.

 Had to be careful though, because they are like dogs and cats and they love to rub up against you. Which means us "older" women needed to be careful not to get knocked over. But it was so worth it. They finally rounded them up and we were able to take the tour. We were the only people there so we got to take the golf cart. The treats we were given to hand out to all the donkeys were animal crackers. They loved them.

 

The tours are usually about an hour long - ours was over two hours. We had such a great time. But we were getting hungry and it was an hour drive back to our hotel in Sierra Vista. We found a restaurant that was still open which was ok but we won't return. So on to the next part of our day.

The hotel we stayed in had only one access door to the elevators which was in the lobby. We were parked way back in the rear because it was late when we pulled in. They also tell you that you must back in to several parking spots. I don't like to back in during the day but especially not late at night. There was a door back there but it was access to stairs only. I do not do stairs especially not with luggage. But up we started to climb. Marilyn carried my luggage and Pat's luggage up for us or we wouldn't have made it. Needless to say, we were exhausted and headed straight to our beds. 

 The end of our first day. Next post - Day Two

  

A Final Summary of 2025 - Happy New Year 2026

 Apache Junction - Highs 68 to 78   Lows  mostly in the low 50s and up to 60s

I haven't blogged in so long, I'm not sure I remember how to.  

My legs are back to "normal". Even after x-rays and all kinds of blood work, we still don't have any idea what happened to me. So we are hoping it was a one time thing. I haven't been doing much. Still can't walk too far. Enjoying visiting with all the snowbirds.  Going to the temple. Loving the cooler weather with the beautiful sunsets. Missing my family. 

 

Lots of pictures of Elias

The Gurrs and McKnights have made me an honorary Aunt and included me in all their holiday fun.

Thanksgiving

Christmas - Pat was in charge of the program and she decided that we should have breakfast for dinner and all of us wear our pajamas. We then had a program of music and stories. Stucky decided I was his new best friend for the evening and I had the most enjoyable time with him snuggled up close to me. After dinner and the program, they set up for donuts and hot cocoa. They let people know that they will be handing out goodies as people drive though their parking area. They have done this for five years now. In fact, the first time we went Jim was still with me. It's a lot of fun and they have a huge turnout.

Pat, Marilyn and I decided we needed to have a much needed lunch break. Pat reminded us that a brand new state-of-the art library had just opened in Mesa and we decided to check it out. Definitely not how I remember a library. No more shushing. Little ones were exercising their vocal chords and people were visiting. 

They have several separate areas for teenagers or children with sensory issues or nursing mothers. They offer all kinds of programs such as Pixel Paseo which is an interactive digital art display and THINKspot where you can go to relax, reflect or problem solve away from daily distractions. 

 

You can check out a wide variety of non-book items such as bike tire floor pump, or cake pans, croquet sets, and plant seeds.

After exploring the library we went to Wildflower Cafe for really good soup and sandwiches. Our next adventure is being planned.

 

I had a couple of visitors. Jim and I met Key several years ago but I only get to see him occasionally. He was on his way to Florida but had time before his plane left to meet me for lunch. Always fun to catch up with old friends.

And Vaughn actually stayed for a week. I've talked about him before in my blog. He's been my friend for 55 years and used to live in AZ. So he got to look up some people he knew and we had enough time to do some much needed visiting. He lives in Montana and is now thinking he may need to come back down to get out of the cold. We went to breakfast with Wendy and Paul so he could meet some of my friends. Then I introduced him to Pat. 

Little did I know that he and Pat knew many of the same people because Pat used to live in Miles City, MT (many years ago) and knew members of the church in both towns. Sometimes this world gets really small. 

Several of our RVing friends were in Mesa and we all got together at Mesa Regal resort. (My sister used to have a park model there but sold it when they decided they were not coming back for the winters.) They were able to claim a couple of tables and it was so fun to visit with everybody. And I appreciated the fact that they included me. I was really glad my legs were better so I could walk somewhat.

Our park also had some activities to enjoy. Our welcome back dinner and Christmas Cookies everywhere.

The annual side-by-side parade through our park and I did not get one picture. We also had our golf cart parade.

So I've been staying busy having lots of fun times. Christmas can be a lonely time without Jim but it's amazing how much good friends can help you through those times. As 2025 leaves us, I want to say how grateful I am to be surrounded by so much love.

One of the Christmas presents I received was from 15 year old Hunter McKnight. He is a very talented young man and has a 3D printer that he loves. He gave me a printed Mesa Temple. It's so beautiful. 
 

HAPPY NEW YEAR