Category Archives: Arizona

Travel Daydreams: The Finale

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As I wrap up this three-part wander through the “40 Trips Every Woman Should Take Before She Dies” list, I’m still amazed at how many of these adventures I’ve already checked off—or at least dreamed about. This last batch brings back some big memories and sparks a few new ideas too.

Grand Canyon

#27 – The Grand Canyon (Again, and Worth It Every Time)

We’ve talked about the Grand Canyon before, but honestly, it deserves another mention. If I were ranking this list, it would be sitting proudly at #1. I’ve been twice, and the second visit was every bit as jaw-dropping as the first. Even with my adrenaline-junky streak, I still have zero desire to take that mule ride into the canyon. Watching from the rim suits me just fine—plenty of awe without the saddle sores.

#32 – A Weekend in Las Vegas

I’ve spent many weekends in Las Vegas, but not for the reasons most people go. The casinos don’t tempt me at all, but the shows? Absolutely. Still, if I return, I’d rather trade the neon lights for the fiery glow of Valley of Fire State Park. Those red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs are calling my name. And if you’re already in the area, a side trip to Hoover Dam is well worth the time. I’ve done it, and it’s every bit as impressive as the postcards suggest.

#33 – Leaf Peeping in the FallFall leaves

Living in Taunton, MA puts me right in the heart of leaf-peeping country, so this one feels like home. One of my favorite fall memories is riding the Kancamagus Highway on the back of my brother’s motorcycle—no car windows, no distractions, just pure color exploding around every curve. The list also recommends the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, and honestly, that would be spectacular in any season.

#34 – A Road Trip on Route 66

Ah, Route 66—the Mother Road. Not all of it survives today, but the stretch I explored in Arizona near the Grand Canyon still carries that nostalgic charm. Vintage neon signs, old-school diners, quirky souvenir shops… it’s a living postcard from America’s road‑tripping heyday. You can almost hear the hum of classic cars cruising by.

The Ones I Skipped

Wine-tasting tours from California to France didn’t make my personal list—I’m not much of a drinker. And the shopping trips to NYC or the Mall of America? Also not my style.

 

I’ve been to New York City, but I went for the history and the sights: Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Museum of Natural History… and of course, a Broadway show. And ever since 9/11, no trip to the city feels complete without visiting the 9/11 Memorial. It’s a powerful, solemn place that reminds you how deeply the city—and the world—was changed.

A Final Thought

If I were adding to this list, I’d say any relaxing Hawaii trip should include a stop at Pearl Harbor. It’s a beautiful, solemn memorial and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.

So now I’m curious—what do you think.
Which trips did these professional travel writers overlook. Check out the full list here
Do you have a favorite getaway that always calls you back.
And how many of their 40 have you crossed off.

 

Marvels of the Ancients and Wonders Closer to Home

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The Treasury, Petra, Jordan

Dreaming of Distant Civilizations

Every now and then, I find myself drifting into another trip down memory lane—this time not to places I’ve been, but to the astonishing achievements of ancient civilizations. I watch those TV specials all the time, the ones that showcase the impossible feats of early engineers and builders. It’s hard not to marvel at Egypt’s colossal monuments, from the timeless pyramids to the Avenue of Sphinxes stretching toward Karnak.

Then there’s Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a temple complex so vast and intricate it feels like something out of a dream. And China’s Great Wall—recent discoveries reveal it spans an incredible 13,171 miles, far more than we once believed. These are the kinds of wonders that make you stop and shake your head in disbelief.

Chances of me ever visiting any of these sites are slim to none, at least in this lifetime. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t found marvels of my own, closer to home.

A Surprise in the Arizona Desert

One such wonder was Montezuma’s Castle in Arizona. I hadn’t planned the visit; it was simply something to do on vacation. But sometimes the unplanned moments become the most memorable.

Montezuma’s Castle

Walking along the curving path, I had no idea what awaited me. Then I rounded a bend—and there it was. A five‑story cliff dwelling tucked into a limestone alcove, impossibly high and impossibly well‑preserved. It may not have the heart‑stopping grandeur of the Grand Canyon, but as a man‑made marvel, it holds its own.

Built by the ancient Sinagua people, the structure’s rooms, balconies, and stonework speak to a level of ingenuity that still inspires awe. Visitors can no longer climb the ladders to explore the interior, but standing at the base was enough for me. It was a moment of quiet appreciation for the people who carved out a home in the cliffs long before our modern world existed.

 

A Glimpse of Ancient Mexico

Leaving the Southwest behind, I think back to one of my rare trips outside the U.S.—a short cruise to Mexico with my friend and fellow explorer, JR. We docked in Cozumel and were quickly herded onto a tour bus bound for Tulum.

We weren’t in Mexico long enough to soak in the full flavor of the country, but Tulum made every minute count. Ancient structures perched above the turquoise sea, their weathered stones whispering stories of the Aztec world. The combination of age, beauty, and mystery was almost too much to take in at once.

The Joy of Remembering

I may never stand beneath the pyramids or wander the halls of Angkor Wat, but revisiting these memories—both near and far—reminds me that wonder doesn’t always require a passport. Sometimes it’s waiting around a corner on a desert trail. Sometimes it’s a day trip from a cruise ship. And sometimes it’s simply found in remembering where we’ve been and imagining where we might go next.

 

🌍 Hidden Gems & Internet Shenanigans: My Accidental Travel Checklist

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Surfing the Web, Stumbling into Wanderlust

One of my guilty pleasures since being forcefully retired (yes, I’m still salty) is cruising around the internet. It’s a rabbit hole of weird and wonderful discoveries—and we all know if it’s on the internet, it must be true, right?

I especially love lists. Bucket lists, travel lists, “best of” lists—I devour them like popcorn. I scroll through to see what I’ve done, what I’ve missed, and whether I agree with the writer’s take. Recently, I stumbled across a list of “Hidden Gems.” I expected obscure spots I’d never heard of, but surprise surprise—I’ve actually been to a few!

❄️ Leavenworth, Washington: Alpine Charm Without the Prison

The list kicks off with Leavenworth, Washington—a mountain village with alpine architecture, festive vibes, and wintery fun like sleigh rides and snowshoeing. Sounds magical… if you like snow. I, however, am a blanket-loving, cold-avoiding creature. Sleigh rides? Maybe. Snow? Hard pass.

Oh, and just to clear up a common misconception: the infamous Leavenworth prison is in Kansas, not Washington. So no need to worry about bunking with inmates on your holiday getaway.

🏖️ St. Augustine, Florida: History with a Sea Breeze

Now this one I have visited. St. Augustine is described as “old world elegance meets coastal calm,” and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a dream for history buffs and beachcombers alike.

I wandered through the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (Ponce de León sightings: frequent), and explored Castillo de San Marcos—the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. It looked nothing like the northern forts I grew up with, and that made it all the more fascinating.

Castillo de San Marcos – Photo Credit Deb Neumann

🏜️ Village of Oak Creek, Arizona: Sedona’s Serene Sister

Been there, done that—and I’d do it again. Oak Creek is often overshadowed by Sedona, but it’s a gem in its own right. Rich red rocks, peaceful vibes, and spa-worthy stays make it a haven for nature lovers and photographers. I’ve visited more than once, and each time feels like a fresh discovery.

Red Rocks –photo credit Deb Neumann

🏞️ Eureka Springs, Arkansas: Victorian Whimsy in the Ozarks

I haven’t made it to Eureka Springs yet, but it’s on the “maybe” list. It’s described as a quirky small town with Victorian charm, winding hills, and upscale cabins tucked into the Ozarks. Kayaking and underground tours sound fun… though my joints might disagree. Still, never say never.

🌊 Mendocino, California: Cliffside Calm and Coastal Cuisine

Now this one has my attention. Mendocino promises cliffside inns, local vineyards, and oceanfront escapes. Food, wine, and waves? Yes, please. I could definitely get into that kind of coastal calm.

✨ What’s Next?

There’s still so much to explore—new places to discover and old favorites to revisit. Maybe I missed something the first time around. Maybe I’ll find a new favorite. Either way, the journey continues… one internet list at a time.

 

Desert Wings & Coal Mine Shadows

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More Creepy Cryptids

Have you heard of the Van Meter Monster? Another flying menace. Is it similar to The Tombstone Thunderbird is Arizona? Could they be the same creature? 

🦅  The Tombstone Thunderbird vs. The Van Meter Monster

In the dusty pages of American folklore, two winged beasts flap their way into legend: the Tombstone Thunderbird of Arizona and the Van Meter Monster of Iowa. Though separated by over a thousand miles and a decade in time, both creatures share eerie traits—massive wings, bulletproof hides, and a knack for vanishing into myth. Let’s dive into their stories and explore what makes each cryptid so captivating.

🌵 The Tombstone Thunderbird: Wild West Wonder

Date: April 26, 1890
Location: Tombstone, Arizona
Witnesses: Cowboys and prospectors
Legend: A giant bird—possibly featherless, with leathery wings like a pterodactyl—was allegedly shot down by six men and displayed against a barn wall. Its wingspan? Said to be 160 feet. The photo of this event? Never found, yet many swear they’ve seen it in old magazines.

In 1886, the Tombstone Epitaph (Arizona) published a ...

internet

 

Sensory Snapshot: Imagine the dry desert wind, the scent of gunpowder, and the awe of seeing a creature larger than a blue whale sprawled across a barn. The tale is stitched with Old West bravado and a hint of false memory syndrome—where vivid imaginations conjure images never truly seen.

🕳️ The Van Meter Monster: Coal Mine Cryptid

Date: September 29–October 3, 1903
Location: Van Meter, Iowa
Witnesses: Town doctor, banker, teacher, and other respected locals
Legend: A nine-foot-tall creature with bat-like wings, a glowing horn, and a sulfurous stench terrorized the town for several nights. Bullets bounced off it, and it emitted blinding light. Eventually, two creatures were spotted near an abandoned coal mine and sealed inside.

The Van Meter Visitor Greeting Card

Internet

Sensory Snapshot: Picture a quiet Midwestern town jolted awake by beams of unnatural light, the acrid smell of sulfur hanging in the air, and the thud of shotgun blasts echoing through the night. The Van Meter Monster feels more alien than avian—part devil, part dragon, part mystery.

🔍 Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Tombstone Thunderbird Van Meter Monster
Wingspan Claimed 160 feet (likely exaggerated) Large bat-like wings
Appearance Pterodactyl-like, featherless Half-human, glowing horn, red eyes
Bulletproof? Allegedly shot and killed Immune to bullets
Smell Not mentioned Overwhelming sulfur stench
Setting Desert frontier Small-town coal mine
Legacy Photo legend persists Annual festival celebrates sightings

🧠 Folklore or False Memory?

Both legends thrive on the tension between belief and skepticism. The Tombstone Thunderbird’s tale is tangled in memory distortion—many claim to have seen a photo that likely never existed. The Van Meter Monster, meanwhile, boasts multiple eyewitnesses and consistent descriptions, yet no physical evidence remains.

🎪 Cryptid Culture Today

Van Meter hosts an annual festival celebrating its monster, complete with games, paranormal talks, and themed treats. Tombstone, ever the theatrical town, keeps its Thunderbird alive through ghost tours and Wild West reenactments. Both creatures have inspired books, podcasts, and cryptid merch—perfect for curious collectors or folklore fanatics.

Whether you’re drawn to the desert drama of Tombstone or the eerie glow of Van Meter’s visitor, these legends remind us that mystery thrives in the margins. They’re not just stories—they’re invitations to wonder.

 

Winged monster in the Wild West—legend or nightmare come to life?

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The Tombstone Thunderbird Mystery: 

In the dusty town of Tombstone, Arizona—famous for its Wild West history—there’s a legend that continues to spark curiosity: the Tombstone Thunderbird. The story goes that in April 1890, two ranchers encountered and killed an enormous, birdlike creature near the Huachuca Mountains. According to reports, the creature had leathery wings resembling those of a bat, a body stretching nearly 20 feet long, and an appearance more like a prehistoric pterosaur than any bird we know today.

The tale gained traction when a local newspaper, the Tombstone Epitaph, allegedly published an article describing the capture. Some versions even claim that a photograph existed, showing men standing proudly in front of the creature with its wings stretched across a barn. This photograph has become one of the most enduring pieces of cryptid lore—people swear they’ve seen it, but no verifiable copy has ever surfaced.

 

Tombstone Thunderbird - True West Magazine

Photo True West Magazine

Skeptics argue that the story is pure folklore, born out of the era’s fascination with tall tales, frontier adventures, and the discovery of dinosaur fossils. Without physical evidence—bones, feathers, or that elusive photograph—the Thunderbird remains firmly in the realm of mystery. Still, the legend refuses to fade. It resurfaces in books on cryptozoology, TV documentaries, and late-night campfire stories told across the Southwest.

Fact, Folklore, or Something In Between?

Why does the Tombstone Thunderbird captivate us so much? Maybe it’s because it touches on something primal: the human desire to believe that the unknown still walks among us. In a world where satellites map every corner of the globe, stories like this remind us that mysteries can linger just beyond the edge of history.

Whether you see it as a piece of forgotten journalism, a tall tale, or a glimpse of something extraordinary, the Tombstone Thunderbird remains one of Arizona’s most fascinating unsolved mysteries.

Legend or Lie? The Tombstone Thunderbird

Legend or Lie