Monday, May 1, 2017, Tuzigoot NM and Jerome, AZ

Again, not far from our base camp at the Krazy K RV Park in Camp Verde, AZ, on the outskirts of Clarkdale, AZ, was Tuzigoot National Monument. Tuzigoot was the Apache word for "crooked water" and sounded good to the archaeologists who first studied the ruins. This sprawling complex was once a thriving metropolis for the Sinagua people between 1000 and 1400.

A total of 87 ground floor rooms have been uncovered on the 120-foot high hill overlooking the Verde Valley. In the Visitor's Center were a few pictures taken in the early 1900's when excavation first started. It appeared to be nothing more than a barren hilltop.

Now, every time I see a hill that appears to be a pile of rubble, I wonder what might be hiding beneath.

The interesting thing to note about their architecture - almost all of the rooms had no doors or windows (two rooms were found to be the exception). Access to each room was believed to be through a hole in the roof using a ladder. I'm going to play archaeologist and guess maybe that was to keep out the wild animals at night.

Heading up the Black Hills towards Mingus Mountain we visited the quaint little town of Jerome. We were here a few years ago with our friends, Loren and Sharon.  Not much had changed - still mostly small galleries with pricey artwork. Since our interest is limited to looking, expensive and unique is the best kind of art. It was too early for lunch, so we drove out to the old Gold Mine and Ghost Town first.

We drove up the Forest Service road above the Ghost Town. The view included a mysterious azure blue pool (I assumed was related to mining) and smoke on the horizon that seemed to be in the direction of our campground (apparently, it was a controlled burn that was well beyond our "home.")

Back in Jerome, we stopped in the World's Largest Kaleidoscope shop, the Nellie Bly. This shop is our favorite and an absolute "must see" if you are ever in the area. If we hit the lottery and have a nice sticks and bricks home again someday, the garden planter kaleidoscope will be ours.

This is a very hands-on store.  Touch all you want, they encourage it.  They even offer "make your own Kaleidoscope" classes later in the year.

The Garden Kaleidoscope is my favorite!  These are made by Bob Anderson and will set you back $3,900.00.

The bowl turns and makes a mesmerizing display!

This kaleidoscope is called "Whirling Fantasies" ($3,600.00) made by Steven Gray.

This beauty, the Whirling Fantasies, is the first time I've seen a linear display.

Steve Failows makes magnificent kaleidoscopes using minerals and driftwood as the base.  This one is "Cacite from Brazil."  This work of art will set you back $1,200.00.

Failows' scopes not only create the center ball, but they also have the periphery interest.

Another Garden Kaleidoscope filled with cacti! (Bob Anderson - $3,900.00).

I should have taken a video!  Why didn't I think of that?  Now we need to go back!

This lowrider truck was parked outside a bar.  I was hoping nobody was going to be concerned with Joani leaning in to take pictures.

What a work of art!  I love this lowrider 1938 Ford pickup truck.  So much so that I took 36 pictures!!!

It is so unique and had the Jerome plate, so I deduced it was owned by a local.  I also assumed I might find more information on the internet.

I finally hit pay dirt when an artist painted its likeness. The bicycle is always in the truck bed making it easy to spot.  The painting gave me the "38 Ford" and adding keywords "Jerome AZ truck" led me to a youtube video posted by "Rat Rod Addiction."

This truck does not show up in the video until minute 6:06 (thru 6:34) and then again at 9:05 (thru 9:10).

The video has a great shot (from a drone) of Jerome starting at minute 8:20 and it ends above Jerome at the Ghost Town.

Up the hill, we had lunch at the Haunted Hamburger. A dog-friendly patio, beautiful view and excellent food capped off another nice day of exploration in Arizona.

I had the best burger of my life at the Haunted Hamburger!  Cooked to perfection and topped with bacon, cheddar, swiss, mushrooms, green chilies, grilled onions and guacamole.  Just ask for the "Haunted Hamburger." You're welcome.