Tombstone Film Fest Features Q & A With John Wayne's Daughter

The Tombstone Film Festival this year will feature a screening on January 31 of John Wayne's last movie, The Shootist (1976).

Following the screening, a Question & Answer session with daughter Marisa Wayne will take place.

According to the Arizona Daily Star:

The Tombstone Film Festival is returning for its fourth annual celebration starting Jan. 29, bringing Western films to the famous Wild West town.

This year’s festival features 10 short films and two full-length feature films, including a 50th anniversary screening of John Wayne’s final film, “The Shootist.” The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Wayne’s daughter, Marisa Wayne.

The 2026 festival also introduces a new segment called the pitch competition, where aspiring filmmakers pitch a film for a chance to receive $20,000 to bring it to life.

The festival is being held at Schieffelin Hall in Tombstone throughout the weekend, wrapping up with an award ceremony on the evening of Feb. 1.

To read more, go here. 

7 Playfully Peculiar Towns In Arizona

Above, yours truly with two residents of Oatman, Arizona. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

For those who have a desire to do some travel exploring, the following is an idea. 

World Atlas has posted an article listing seven "playfully peculiar" towns in the the state of Arizona. I have been to several of them over the years and have found them to fun, educational and just plain interesting.

They begin with:

Peculiar is not necessarily positive. Add "playfully," however, and you get some unique towns in Arizona. Rather than repelling visitors with creepy locals and localities, as is the case with many peculiar towns across the country, certain AZ communities are playfully peculiar, drawing tons of tourists with gunfight reenactments, "energy vortexes," pink-hued buttes, Bedrock homes, haunted hamburgers, burro biscuits, and slopeside stairs. Learn where to find these amazing oddities in this am-AZ-ing state.

Above, Tombstone. Arizona's Allen Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Things To Do In Arizona

Above, the Bird Cage Theatre in historic Tombstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since vacation season is just around the corner, Travelbinger has an article on things to do and places to see in the state of Arizona.

Some of the places posted I have been to already and each are worthy of consideration during vacation plans.

They begin with:

Arizona has long held a reputation for being the wild and equally enchanting West. Being born in Arizona and having lived there for almost 40 years, I can tell you that there are plenty of beautiful destinations that this state has to offer.

Whether immersing yourself in one of its many hiking trails is calling your name, or perhaps delving deep into some of the west’s gold rush past, I’ve handpicked 33 of the best must-see attractions Arizona has to offer. 

In this article, we will cover everything from natural wonders to some of the State’s most historic landmarks. So keep reading, and get ready to start planning your next vacation! Arizona has an abundance of must-see attractions with your name on it, ready and waiting. 

To read more, go here. 

26 Bar Ranch and John Wayne

Above, the 26 Bar Ranch ranch house last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last year, while driving to Tombstone, Arizona for the spring clampout, I drove to Eagar, Arizona to see the 26 Bar Ranch. The ranch was once owned by actor John Wayne.

The official John Wayne posted the following about the ranch yesterday:

Happy Thanksgiving Pilgrim! We are thankful for you!

Duke is pictured with his 26 Bar Ranch partner, Louis Johnson. The 26 Bar Ranch was a big part of the Wayne family's life and is especially significant this time of year because they spent every Thanksgiving at the ranch for the annual cattle auction.⁣

John Wayne and his partner, Louis Johnson, owned more than fourteen thousand acres in the Casa Grande area, where the Red River Feedlot and ranch headquarters were. They also grazed cattle each summer on leased government land in the area around Springerville and Eagar, Arizona. Their operation also included growing twelve thousand acres of cotton in nearby Stanfield, Arizona.

The John Wayne: An American Experience Museum & Supply in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Texas, will be closed today in observance of Thanksgiving. We will resume normal operating hours tomorrow and will be open from 9am to 6pm.

Is It Camping When Staying At An RV Resort?

Above, at the Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When staying in a luxury RV in a full-hookup RV resort, are you camping? 

That is the question in a recent article in RV Travel. This has been asked many times before and will likely be asked in other venues.

The closest thing to an RV resort I've ever stayed at was probably the Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort in Tucson, Arizona last year during the clampout trip to Tombstone.

According to their website, their amenities are:

Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort offers all the amenities KOA campers have come to love such as a fully stocked camp store complete with firewood and propane, Kamp K9, two outdoor pools, and WiFi. Whether you are joining with us for an extended stay or visiting us overnight on your way through Tucson, you'll find something fun to do. Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort also features unique amenities including BBQ Rush Restaurant, a 9 Hole Putting Course, Mini Golf, Solar Power Parasols, Pet Sites, and a Workout Room. Our NEW Activity Room is ideal for your kiddos in tow, complete with a climbing wall, movies for the whole family, magnet wall, and more.  See the front desk for the Recreation Station schedule of planned activities.

The article begins with:

Today’s question in Campground Crowding prompted us to wonder, what do you consider “camping”? If you’re parked at a luxury RV resort with pools and tennis courts and spacious lots between you and your neighbor, is that camping? Or is camping only when you’re at state park campgrounds, among tenters, and just staying for a night so you can fish in the nearby lake? Is that even camping?

Has the definition of “camping” changed so much with our fancy RVs and parks that we’ve forgotten how to define it? Well, you tell us!

The responses from readers are interesting to read.

To read all, go here. 

2023 Highlights

Above, at the Crystal Palace Saloon in Tombstone, Arizona
 during the Lost Dutchman Chapter's Spring Clampout.

As we're only days away from 2014, I thought I would take a look back on 2023.

The year wasn't too bad for me personally. Health and general living were fine and dandy, but I do have to keep watch on my blood pressure. My cardiologist says the best thing to do is to keep active and exercise (a lot of walking).

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I with U.S. Mint Director Ventris
 C. Gibson at the National Money Show in Phoenix, Arizona.

The first quarter's highlight was going to the American Numismatic Association's National Money Show in Phoenix, Arizona. I flew to Phoenix and met Mitch Geriminsky there. I was amazed at how big the city of Phoenix had grown. We had a good time perusing the dealers's displays of coins. We met U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson at the show. I joined the American Numismatic Association while there. 

The second quarter's highlight was the Spring Clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus in Tombstone, Arizona. Over 300 clampers attended. On the way there, I stopped by John Wayne's former ranch, the 26 Bar Ranch in Eagar. It was a nice drive along the eastern third of Arizona. The clampout was enjoyable and I took part in the ritual of the initiation rites. I hadn't been to Tombstone since the late 1980s, so it was nice to be back. The plaque dedication was at Boot Hill Graveyard. 

Above, yours truly at Old Tucson Studios.

After the clampout, I headed to Tucson to pay a visit to Saguaro National Park and Old Tucson Studios. I had never been to either before, so it was a good opportunity to see both.

I attened the Lions Club Rodeo in June.

Above, cousin Maria and Fred stopped by for a quick visit at the Flying J in July.

In August, the Gallup Gun Show returned to Gallup for the first time since before the pandemic. I attended the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial at Red Rock Park, including its rodeo. 

Above, Ethan Wayne, John Wayne's youngest son, and I with my donation
check to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation near Ridgway, Colorado.

In September, I returned to Ridgway, Colorado for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation "Grit Series" marathons. This time I volunteered to help man a water station for the runners. The weather was a little brisk and my allergies were giving me fits, but I toughed it out. Before leaving after the marathons were over, I handed Ethan Wayne a donation to the cancer foundation. 

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I with the birthday present
 painting by Asya Lipovetckaia. Photo by Dwight Kuntz.

In October, the annular eclipse's path went directly over my home in Jamestown, New Mexico. I took some photos of it from Barking Spider Acre.

Above, waiting for the annular solar eclipse to start.

Also in October, I attended friend Mitch Geriminsky's 70th birthday party in Lake Havasu. I gave him a commissioned painting by Asya Lipovetckaia, which he and the other attendees loved. While in Lake Havasu, I shot skeet for the first time and enjoyed it. Afterwards, I bought a Remington 870 Express shotgun in Lake Havasu.

Above, yours truly with the new shotgun.

I wasn't done with Lake Havasu. I went back for Christmas with the Geriminskys and did some more skeet shooting with the new shotgun. 

Hopefully, 2024 will also be a good year. 

10-Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

Above, TheTravel article covers Tombstone on Day 2 of their road trip itinerary. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Arizona must be on the mind of TheTravel as this is their second article on the "Grand Canyon State", the first was covered here.

They have posted an article on a suggested 10-day Arizona road trip itinerary. 

The article begins with:

America is truly a land of never-ending possibilities as far as epic road trips are concerned. Over the years, specific scenic routes have become popular for road trips across the country. However, travelers can always chart new courses on a map to serve their road trip aspirations, and each state has unique attractions and destinations that will attract road-trippers.

Arizona is not just another gorgeous state in the U.S.; it is the home state of the Grand Canyon, the Antelope Canyon, and many others. It is also where the Petrified Forests, Giant Cacti, and Lake Powell have attracted millions of visitors over the years.

This 10-day Arizona road trip itinerary with epic scenic stops hits all the highlights of the Grand Canyon State and will make you want to stop reading and start packing travel gear items for your next adventure.

To read more, go here.

Why Time Flies Faster With Age (and How To Slow It Down)

Above, at Tombstone's Crystal Palace Saloon back in April.

The other day, Larry Lucier and I were musing about how fast this year has gone. I mentioned that it is hard to believe that the clampout in Tombstone, Arizona I attended was way back in April and here we are already in October.

We mentioned that it is said that time seems to go by faster as we get older.

Obviously, we weren't the only ones thinking such. It has been the subject of studies, including some of different age groups. The old saying, "Time flies when you're having fun" actually has some validity.

WebMD has an article on this that should pique one's interest. 

It begins with:

April 18, 2023 – Time can feel like a roll of toilet paper – it unrolls faster and faster the closer you get to the end. 

Psychologists and social scientists know this -- that time goes faster as we age -- but why is that so? 

It's not just an academic inquiry. Our time perception has real effects on our mental health. The feeling of time going faster is linked to anxiety, while slowing time down – through mindfulness, for example – can help us feel less stressed and more relaxed. 

The topic has drawn particular attention lately, thanks to the pandemic, when many people – more than 80%, according to a recent U.K. survey – felt time moved differently during lockdown. 

But scientists are still unraveling the mysteries of time perception. Some say it’s related to how long we have lived – a 5-year-old feels a year is long because it makes up 20% of their life. Others point to changes in the brain. A 2019 research paper suggests our ability to process visual information slows with age; we perceive fewer mental images, and time feels like it’s speeding up.

To read more (if one wants to take the time to do so), go here. 

5 of Arizona’s Best National Parks

Above, a cactus at the Tucson Mountain District (TMD)
 of Saguaro National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Arizona border is only 40 miles west of my home in New Mexico. Understandably, I have made frequent trips into the state. Most recently, was in Willcox, Tombstone and Tucson. On that same trip, I visited the Tucson Mountain District (TMD) of Saguaro National Park near Tucson.

Arizona has a number of national parks and forests. Signals AZ has posted five of them.

They begin with:

Arizona gets the reputation as a hot, dry desert. But did you know the the state of Arizona is the top 5 of most biodiverse states in the United States? From the southern Sonoran desert to the northern mountains, Arizona sure has it all. But to truly take in the stunning natural landscapes across Arizona, we recommend these 5 national parks.

To read more, go here. 

Memorial Day Weekend

Above, yesterday at home with the Winchester.

Another Memorial Day weekend is upon us.

Although today's Flying J gasoline price for unleaded regular ($3.299) is a dollar less than last year's price ($4.399), I am not venturing out to be among the hordes of people out on the road. 

The weather has been nice and sunny in the 70s. 

I will be barbecuing a nice t-bone steak tomorrow. It has been a few years since I last used my barbecue and it has been over a month since I last had a steak, which was at the clampout in Tombstone. Since my heart attack in 2018, I rarely have steak (and red meats in general), so it is a treat for me to have one. For the past several days, my meals have consisted of chicken and shrimp scampi.

So I will be hanging out at home this weekend, likely just driving the Jeep in and around Six Mile Canyon.

To those out on the road, stay safe!

John Wayne Imagery In The West and Southwest

John Wayne may be gone (died June 11, 1979), but his image can be seen in many places around the West and Southwest. I can't think of any other movie star who has been so honored, except Elvis Presley.

In my travels, I've seen several of those images. I'm sure they don't even scratch the surface.

Naturally, the main place is the John Wayne: An American Experience museum at the Fort Worth Stockyards in Texas. I visited it a month after it opened.

Here are some images I've come across:

Above, Gallup's El Rancho Hotel lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, El Rancho Hotel dining room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Old Tombstone Western Town. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Boot Hill Graveyard gift shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Goulding's Lodge near Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside John Wayne's Cabin at Goulding's Lodge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall in Ely, Nevada. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, at the John Wayne: An American Experience museum in Fort Worth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Campsite Set-up Ideas

Above, dry camping in Tombstone, Arizona last month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After reaching a campground or RV park, it is time to set up the campsite.

There are things one can do to make the camping experience more enjoyable and comfortable and RV Life posted some ideas to make that happen.

They begin with:

Looking for campsite inspiration? Setting up an RV campsite can enhance your camping experience. A comfortable campsite setup provides everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some of our favorite campsite ideas.

To see what they are, go here. 

Boot Hill Photo To The Flatlander II

Once upon a time, there was an "unofficial" newspaper/newsletter of E Clampus Vitus called The Clamper. 

When that went belly-up, it was (more or less) replaced by The Flatlander Nugget. 

When The Flatlander Nugget also later went belly-up, it was replaced by the current newspaper/newsletter called The Flatlander II.

This morning, I sent The Flatlander II a photo for the next issue of Lost Dutchman Chapter's Noble Grand Humbug Michael Manning and the Mayor of Tombstone, Arizona, Dusty Escapule, at the plaque dedication at Boot Hill Graveyard on April 15.

The photo release is as follows:

Over 330 Clampers attended the plaque dedication at Boot Hill Graveyard in Tombstone, Arizona on April 15. Pictured above is Lost Dutchman NGH Michael Manning and Tombstone Mayor Dusty Escapule with the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tombstone Souvenir Photo Now In Den

The "wanted poster" photo I had taken at Madame Mustache Old Thyme Parlor in Tombstone, Arizona last week has a home. It is now framed and hung on a wall in the den/guest room.

I originally thought I would hang it in the living room, but decided against it. So it is now at its "final resting place" in the den. 

Silver Spot Price and ECV Challenge Coin

While on my clampout trip in Arizona last week, silver rose at or near $26/toz at one point about five days ago.

It has since settled back down and is currently at $24.83/toz according to Monex. 

On the subject of the clampout and coins, I picked up a Challenge Coin from the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. It commemorates the clampout in Tombstone, Arizona and the Boot Hill Graveyard, where we held a plaque dedication. It seems these "challenge coins" have become popular with some chapters. 

The accompanying photos are of both sides of the coin. 

What's a challenge coin, you may ask?

According to Wikipedia:

A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion, bearing an organization's insignia or emblem and carried by the organization's members. Traditionally, they might be given to prove membership when asked and to enhance morale. They are also collected by service members and law enforcement personnel. Historically, challenge coins were presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit. They could also be exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization.

Modern day challenge coins may feature popular culture attributes or organizational values. Modern challenge coins are made in a variety of sizes and are often made using popular culture references, including superheroes and other well-known characters in a way that creates a parody.

I have several challenge coins in my collection, but this is the first E Clampus Vitus-oriented coin I've purchased.

Clampsite Pictures

Above, the Lost Dutchman Chapter's store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The site of the clampout in Tombstone, Arizona was a big area of about five or so acres right in town. Allen Street was within walking distance of the clampsite (with some uphill hiking).

There were RVs and tents of all kinds and sizes. I took a few pictures of them and some Clampers.

Classic Rock Music Monday To Return Next Week

Above, yours truly at the clampout in Tombstone last weekend.

Since I was on the road from the clampout and Old Tucson yesterday, I couldn't get to doing the Classic Rock Music Monday to start this week. Frankly, I was close to being exhausted and I had to unload the RV and do laundry when I got home. I usually plan them days in advance. 

So, Classic Rock Music Monday will return next Monday.

However, to tide you over until then, here's Pan's People with Three Dog Night's "Joy To The World" from 1971:

Home Again!

After six days of travel, fun and frivolity, I made it home today around 2:00.

It was a long drive (356 miles worth) of mountains, deserts, ranchland and small towns. I left Tucson around 5:00 Arizona time. 

It was an easier drive than the one last Wednesday, but still tiring. I took route 77 through Show Low, Arizona up to Interstate 40 in Holbrook. 

I did make a stop at the Tee Pee Trading Post for some stogies. They expanded and remodeled their cigar room since the last time I went there. They are about 80% done, 

I was going to scan the photo I had taken at Madame Mustache's in Tombstone, but the matte is 11 x 17", too big for the scanning table. So I photographed it and have it below: