I have always been told to visit Jerome, but no one mentioned that it was up a mountain. I sure was surprised as we made our way up!

It is hard to visualize the number of people working at the mine up the mountain.

Old copper mine rail cars.

A nice view of the townsite.

And another view.

And yet another view.

Getting ready to check into the Haunted Hamburger for our lunch reservation on the patio with Cody. Is that a skeleton scaling the wall?

Yup, how can you not have a Bloody Mary at the Haunted Hamburger.

Food and drinks hit the spot.

The spirits have moved the bookshelf into the roof. Be sure to look around to see other spooky oddities.

The view as we enjoy our lunch.

Our campsite in Camp Verde is off in the distance.

Jerome Arizona:

https://azjerome.com

• It was a nice suppose to see how high up the mountain Jerome really is. The road is windy and switches back and fort and at parts you feel like the road is about to end. This drive is a must if you are in the areas. There is lots of shops to see and restaurants to eat at. Be sure to stop in at Haunted Hamburger for a Bloody Mary.

After seeing the cliff dwellers in Sedona, we wanted to see Montezuma Caste - the 20 ancient apartment showcasing the Native American culture and way of life back then.

It's truly remarkable how the people found shade, water and housing in such a harsh desert climate.

As you walk the ancient neighbourhood, you try to imagine what life was like.

The ruins clearly show where once walls stood to create rooms for storing food and living in.

A river runs very close to where the people lived, providing much needed water.

This is a model of what the castle would have looked like.

Montezuma Castle - National Monument Arizona:

https://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm

• $10.00 fee to access the National Monument or a National Parks Pass
• To access the monument, you need to pass through the territorial lands of the Yavapai-Apache First Nation

Leaving I17, you access the Yavapai-Apache Nation

Stopped to check out the famous Fry Bread

Jewelry and items made by the tribe are sold at this little roadside stop

Thanks Alesya for suggesting the Fry Bread with honey. It was very good.

Yavapai-Apache Nation:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yavapai–Apache_Nation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yavapai
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache


After a quick bite of Fry Bread we drove to Montezuma's Well

A nice and easy walk to the well from the parking lot

It's amazing to see such an oasis in the middle of the desert. I can't image how critical this spot was.

Darrel and Cody walked the perimeter of the well as I navigated the ancient stairs to make my way to the water well.

Many homes are still visible around the top of the well along with the caves down at the bottom.

The desert in Arizona is always breathtaking with its views.

As I walk down into the well, I stop to take in the screen view and realize how quiet things are. All I can hear is the babbling brook of water leaving the well and birds singing songs or praise for the abundance of food and water.

Slowing making my way down the starts. I stop to take a photo for Darrel as He is at the top and missing this viewpoint.

The area has an abundance of plants that offer food, medicinal properties and shelter.

The water source come up from a natural spring and replenishes itself continually, the water is not stale or stagnant.

Another dwelling at the bottom of the well near the water and natural canal where water drains out to a stream.

Water drains from the well under the rocks into a narrow canal or tube at this point.

A beautiful day to take in all the glory of Mother Nature.

Interesting architecture of a home that was constructed underground.



A roof has been placed over the structure to help preserve it. I wish there was a way to see inside.

Montezuma Well - National Monument Arizona:

https://www.nps.gov/moca/planyourvisit/exploring-montezuma-well.htm

• Free to access and beautiful to see

Cheese!

Look Daddy, I am a good boy at the table!

It was so great to reconnect with Alesya and spend time together planning on attending a festival or two and Vegas. Thanks Alesya for an amazing day, and for suggesting OHSO on E Shae Blvd for Cody to join us. Cody loved the dog bowl of water and his turkey burger. They also have some awesome dog cookies to take home with you. Good fun had by all!

Birthday Cake - On Cody's Bed

Why on Cody's bed you ask? Because we have no furniture left in the house. It was still great celebrating Darrel's birthday with both our Mom's and Cody. Yes, I made (well unpackaged) the mini angel food cakes and copped the fresh peaches. At no time was Darrel required to help prepare his Birthday Cake! Happy Birthday Darrel - Cody and I love you to the moon and back! Thank you for all that you do and we both can't wait to start our retirement journey this fall with you. Xo Xo Xo

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Please don't judge the sloppy tacos. As Mexico and our Mexican friends celebrate independence, we join the celebration and spend time together as I work on getting better and continue doing tests at the hospital. It has become clear that my family comes first and I need to start planning our Journey. We have decided to start downsizing and planning for Darrel's retirement and how that will look. Happy, healthy, exciting times to come. Thanks Mom, Courtney and Christian for all the love and support as we follow our dreams.