Closing the Gap

Probably about 15 or so years ago Eli and I watched a television show together about a father and his son who went deep-sea fishing. It was fun-enough. Towards the end of the show the dad talked about closing the gap between him and his son. Since then Eli and I work on getting our gap closed every chance we get! We also work on getting our grub, drink and absurdity ON too! It's always a blast no matter what; but even funner when the boy is able to pay part of his own damn way! This past Christmas we put together a plan to do a little trip together that would include him doing some skydiving, and then us heading down to Bisbee, Arizona for an over-nighter, just being us. I had taken him down that way when he was probably about 10, and he just has the fondest memories of that gap-closer! We left the house Thursday morning and headed down to Eloy, the Drop Zone. Eli headed off to meet his buddies for some jumping and I went over to the Toltec Healing Arts Center for a much-needed massage. By the time my massage was over Eli had already made his one and only jump for the day, the winds were picking up and sissies weren't allowed to fly anymore! We joined some of his buddies at the Bent Prop Saloon for a couple of cold ones and some lunch, and then bid adieu to those fine folks and headed south! On I10, just on the other side of Picacho Peak there's the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch, a place that I've waited long enough to see. We paid our $5.00 a piece (we were already way into our budget after the morning at the Drop Zone, what the heck!) and went inside! Here we fed deer, ostrich and then some beautiful birds. The birds are called Rainbow Lorikeet. Too cool. Next up, we drove over to Big Nose Kates saloon in Tombstone, Arizona for a cocktail. Eli also checked out the Boothill Graveyard, not being one to pass up another chance to spend a couple bucks! They called it a donation. Then down to Bisbee, Arizona. Here we stayed at the Shady Dell trailer park. Eli and Amber had seen this place on the Travel Channel, and decided this was THE place to stay in Bisbee. Sorry Amber, maybe next time. So Eli books us into the Home Made for $45.00 a nite and proudly calls to tell me he's taken care of our lodging. I looked the place up and talked him into upgrading to the Air Float. A bathroom would be nice. Besides, the Air Float is totally birched-out! Of course I had to pick up the $105. Highly recommended joint for a romantic stay for two. After checking in and getting settled we headed into town. First a couple of drinks at the Stock Exchange Bar (sorry no pics/website). Here we met Wolf, a guy who looks like he lives in Bisbee, and as it turns out he does. He read our tarot cards where we found out that we're both a couple of home-bodies and should get out more! We couldn't wait to tell the girls! Turns out, Eli is a risk taker too! Well, 1 outta 2 ain't bad. Dinner at the Bisbee Grill. Then down for some nite-nite. The next morning we went down into Naco, old Mexico for the worst tacos I've ever had. Can't help myself, prefer the places on the street. Yuk. Funny thing was they charged us $6.00 for 4. But by then, we were into spending hard and fast! Eli was trying to find a different gel for Amber, to no avail. Amber, always wanting to be different. It's a love thing between those two! Anyway, unless you've never been to old Mexico, and you just happen to be down that way, don't waste your time in Naco. From there we headed over through Sierra Vista and stopped at Ramsey Canyon for a quick walk around their loop trail. There was snow! Nice little nature break and just about $6.00 more on account of my membership with the Nature Conservancy. And then around and down into Patagonia, one of my favorite places in Arizona. We sat down for $20.00 worth of sandwiches at the Gathering Grounds cafe. Great food, sure was nice to put something healthy on top of the taco from naco! Afterwards we decided to head home. There's nothing better than hanging out with your favorite son in southern Arizona; just a couple of days of letting go and enjoying each other and this world we live in. I won't post here how much the trip cost because it's always embarrassing, and sometimes my Cathy reads my blog. But, what kind of price can you put on closing the gap!