The Charm of Tucson: A Day at Pauline’s
There’s something to be said about staying with family when you’re travelling. Not just the familiar faces, but the stories, the shared history, and the charm of making new memories together. That’s exactly what happened during our recent stay at Pauline’s in Tucson – a home away from home, and a place where a simple day turns into an unforgettable experience.
A Morning at Pauline’s: Waffles, Air Force Tales, and Unexpected Guests
After what I can only describe as a great night’s sleep at Pauline’s, we woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. By 7:30, Michele (my lovely wife) and I were already up and about, eager to start our day. By 9:00, we’d showered, dressed, and polished off a cracking breakfast. And what a breakfast it was – Pauline, bless her, had whipped up some homemade waffles topped with fresh fruit. Is there a better way to start a day? I think not.
Just as we were finishing our last bite, Howard, Pauline’s eldest son, popped in to say hello. Now, here’s the thing – I don’t remember ever meeting Howard before, and Michele certainly hadn’t. But as soon as he walked through the door, we hit it off. Family stories started flying left and right, and it turns out Howard had served in the US Air Force. The world is small, isn’t it? We ended up chatting about how we live just a short drive away from RAF Burtonwood, the airbase his father had served at in Warrington. Talk about a coincidence!
Hitting the Road: Tombstone, Cowboys, and a Scottish Hangman
As if our morning wasn’t already off to a brilliant start, Christine – Howard’s lovely wife – offered to take Michele and me out to Tombstone, the legendary Wild West town made famous by the likes of Wyatt Earp and his infamous gunfights. Now, I’m not one to turn down an adventure, so off we went! Tombstone is only about a 90-minute drive from Pauline’s, but as we drove through the Arizona desert, the anticipation of stepping into a piece of history grew.
Upon arriving, we were greeted by an unexpected but delightful sight: people dressed up as cowboys and ladies from the 1800s, re-enacting some of the famous gunfights. The whole town seemed to have been transported back in time, and we found ourselves swept up in the atmosphere of the Old West.
Of course, no visit to Tombstone would be complete without a bit of mischief, and I found myself in quite the situation. There I was, with my head in a noose, posing for a picture, only to be greeted by a cowboy who claimed to have Scottish heritage. “You’re English, are you?” he asked with a grin. “Well, I’ve got Scottish blood in me, so I’ll enjoy this one!” he joked, tightening the noose ever so slightly. Needless to say, I survived to tell the tale, but not before getting a snap of me in a coffin – because why not embrace the full Tombstone experience?
The Boot Hill Graveyard: A Haunting Reminder of Tombstone’s Past
After our near-death experience (kidding!), Christine took us to the Boothill Graveyard. Now, this wasn’t just any graveyard; it was the final resting place of countless souls who met their end during Tombstone’s wild and lawless days. As we wandered through the gravestones, it was a sobering reminder of the town’s bloody history – murders, gunfights, and all sorts of mayhem. Each grave seemed to tell a story of its own, some tragic, others downright bizarre.
Steak, Stories, and Good Company: Wrapping Up the Day at LongHorn
After our little excursion through the Wild West, we headed back to Pauline’s for a bit of a breather. But the day wasn’t over yet! Pauline, being the excellent hostess that she is, suggested we all go out for dinner at LongHorn Steakhouse – and who were we to say no? A good ribeye was just what we needed after a day of adventuring, and LongHorn certainly didn’t disappoint. Juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection, it was the ideal way to end a day full of excitement.
The evening wasn’t just about the food, though. We spent the rest of the time chatting away, sharing more stories, laughing about our day, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Pauline, bless her, seemed to be as delighted by the company as we were.
Reflecting on a Day Well Spent
As we settled in for the night, reflecting on our day in Tombstone and the stories we’d shared, it was clear that this visit had been as much about reconnecting with family as it was about exploring new places. There’s something truly special about staying with someone like Pauline, who makes you feel like you’re not just a guest, but part of the family.
Tomorrow, we’ll be hitting the road again, this time heading to Scottsdale near Phoenix. But for now, it’s time to rest, recharge, and savour the memories of a day well spent with family, cowboys, and a cheeky hangman.
