July 1
We headed to Bisbee, AZ to visit the Copper Queen Mine, arriving after about 73 miles and 1 ¾ hours. On the way we passed the inactive, open-pit Lavender Mines. These are 800 feet deep pits lined with spiraling access roads and beautifully colored rock layers. After getting our tickets at the Copper Queen Mine, we had to don a yellow slicker-type jacket, a helmet, a leather belt and a lamp. We got aboard an authentic, small mining train, straddling them just like the miners did, and headed into the 47 degree mine. The train rumbled along the tracks through narrow passages. At a few stops we got off the train and the guide explained all about the mine. We heard some interesting anecdotes about the miners and learned a lot about the mining process, its tools, and how they evolved for the better. Many miners used to die of silicosis by the age of 45. Silicosis is a disease of the lungs brought on by the constant inhalation of silica dust. While the mine was in operation from 1877-1975 it produced over 8 billion pounds of copper, lots of gold and silver, and many other metals and minerals. The boys had fun as they had never been inside a man-made mine, just lots of caves.
We drove another 25 miles to historic Tombstone, AZ, “the town too tough to die”, and the site of the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This shootout with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday has been the subject of numerous Hollywood movies. One can watch one of the several reenactments of the gunfights. We just walked up and down the historic street, stopped in a few touristy shops, and bought some ice cream cones. We saw two truly strange, old guys dancing and singing in very bizarre attire.
The Davids' Cross-Country Trip 