While in Tucson we took a step back in time with a day trip to Tombstone, AZ , and it was like walking straight into a Wild West movie set—only it’s all real (well, mostly 😉).

The citrus tree in our site at the KOA in Tucson was in full bloom, so we were lucky enough to have an amazing citrus blossom smell! We also had a TON of bees. The bees didn’t bother us at all during our two week stay, even as we walked by and under the tree. Steve even washed the RV one day and they did not bother him!

The bees were just busy collecting pollen to take back and feed the hive. So interesting to watch!

We stayed at the LazyDays KOA in Tucson which is a very nice park! And just LOOK at the sunsets - Arizona does not disappoint in that regard!

After leaving Alamogordo, we headed west, making a stop at a Harvest Host on our way to Tucson, AZ. Touted as “The West’s most authentic ghost town”, there aren’t really ghosts at Shakespeare Ghost Town in Lordsburg, New Mexico. But you will find the amazing story of an abandoned mining town and the generations of a family that have worked tirelessly to preserve and upkeep the physical town as well as keep the stories of the old west alive by sharing this amazing piece of history with the world.

We ventured up to Cloudcroft, NM , which sits at almost 9000 ft in elevation, high in the Sacramento Mountains and Lincoln National Forest, just east of Alamogordo. This old mining town is a really neat place to visit and offers many activities including skiing, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, golfing, shopping, and dining.

How to celebrate - Thank the military members in your life or ones that you meet! After all, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

Alamogordo has some really great public art. In 2024, they opened an art alley, which is just off Main Street. Unfortunately while we were there, the alley was under construction, so access to some of the artwork was limited. My (Kate) personal favorites are the butterflies created by @taylorojedacreations and @truly_warpedbeautyart

Do you love pistachios? These people do! Pistachioland in Alamogordo, NM has approximately 90 acres of pistachio trees and almost 14 acres of grapes. The climate here is perfect for growing pistachios - hot, dry, and windy! It is also the home to the World’s Largest Pistachio ! This was definitely a great stop - make sure to take the tour and get some of their homemade pistachio ice cream if you visit!

While on our Ranger led sunset hike the wind really picked up. This video shows the sands moving in real time - easy to see how the dunes can move up to 8 feet per year!