Guessing you're a True West Fanatic too? Don't know why I don't have a lifetime subscription to that magazine. Very cool since Bob Boze Bell bought it.

My tattoo artist moved back to Biloxi then got Katrina'd out of business and is somewhere up around Ft. Bragg now.

My son-in-law, a Tucson cop of many many years, gets his work done at the Black Rose in Tucson...don't know the artist though.

Ironic, my father was stationed at Hill AFB when he came back from North Africa in War 2. He was a fighter pilot and they put him to flying a desk for a while before they made him an instructor of instructors. My parents married in Ogden and honeymooned at the Washington Hotel downtown...think that's the name of it. Visited Hill and the air museum there a few years ago.

If you like that gunfighter and old west stuff don't forget the Pioneer History Museum off of I-17 north of Phoenix. Authentic old western buildings...the real stuff relocated. And I'm sure you know about Old Tucson...and think the movie set for one of the Tombstone movies is still up around Benson.

If it fits your new schedule the Flagstaff Highland Games are 7/15&16.

And don't forget Williams and the Grand Canyon railroad from Williams to the Grand Canyon...think the old west bad guys board and rob it.

And Fort Verde in Camp Verde, an old cavalry post is still open. As is the one I can't think of the name of in North Tucson....

Tombstone is pretty commercialized, but good stuff is still there. I do so love that high grassland around there...beautiful country.

If you like the real old stuff don't miss Tumacacari Mission and San Xavier south of Tucson. The most western battle of the Civil War was fought at Piccacho Peak on I-10 north of Tucson. The state park there is worth the visit both for the beauty of Piccacho Peak and the story of that battle.

If you like old west garb, Wild West Mercantile in Mesa has a huge selection. They're on the web. Maybe you'd enjoy a stop in Cave Creek to visit the True West Magazine offices.

If you're looking for a scenic route north consider route 67 to Payson then on just past Clint's Well take forest road 2 (paved) past Mormon Lake and Lake Mary into Flagstaff. Fantastic view of the San Francisco Peaks.

Downtown Flagstaff is a jumpin' place on weekends these days.

Lots of great stuff up this way.

Ron