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Arizona's Civil War battle

Sunday March 11th. What a fun day this was. With our picnic goodies loaded in the Jeep we left for the day at Picacho Peak State Park which is just 21 miles South East of us. With a smell of camp fires and the smoke of battle, these members of the Federal Army's 1st New Mexico Volunteers Company A advanced on Confederate infantry during a re-enactment of the Battle of Picacho Pass.

The most significant Civil War battle in Arizona took place near Picacho Peak on April 15, 1862, when an advance detachment of Union forces from California attacked a Confederate scouting party. The battle lasted for 1-1/2 hours, and three Union soldiers were killed. For more info: http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/history_culture/44094.php

Several hundred re-enactors and their families set up a campsite for the weekend. This year the weather was perfect, wishing we had taken the Harley down to this instead of the Jeep.

Joining the Patriot Guard Riders, 1st Ride

We assemble to ride to honor a Veteran. The man in the center with his back to us is me in front of our bike with the large flag fastened to the back.

2nd picture, bikers lineup with American flags at the cemetery to honor the Veteran.

I have attended my 1st Patriot Guard ride. One month ago the Patriot Guard rode for the funeral of Army Sgt. David Staats who was killed in Iraq. About 2 weeks later I attended his father's funeral, who was a Veteran. The father was beaten to death when he stopped his bicycle to ask a women if everything was OK as a heated argument seemed to be going on between the woman and a man. The "man" was upset that someone was meddling in his business and beat Mr. Staats almost to death. He died later in the hospital. azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0206wvservices0206.html

I was one of about 200 motorcycle riders who rode in the funeral procession that Thursday. Almost all had American flags flying on the back of our bikes. We rode approx. 15 miles. I saw several Americans along the road, standing with their hands over their hearts as our very long procession passed by. I wanted to say thank you to them for being Patriotic American Citizens. The unfortunate death of the Sgt. and then the senseless death of his father are just heart breaking, but having so many Americans show up to show their respect and support was heart warming.

First Holiday in our new home, Christmas 06

This was the first holiday in our new home here in Casa Grande, AZ. Since we bought last spring, we have been here only a few months. Most of last summer we headed out in our motor home to cooler weather. Then a month in Mazatlan, an RV rally or two and how the time flies. This is my attempt to catch up a little and provide a snapshot along the way.