Cochise County:  Sierra Vista is its economic engine, Douglas, its main Port of Entry, Willcox, its breadbasket, Tombstone, its “Toughnut’ and Benson, its Cave City.  Bisbee, the county seat, is Cochise’s crown jewel.

Dewitt Bisbee, a mining executive, never lived in the town that bears his name.  ‘Tis a pity; he’d have probably loved it here.  Canyons can be hard places to live, if one is used to the wide prairies.  On the other hand, for those who like snugness and close proximity to one’s neighbours, a place like this is paradise, if in a rough way.  There are, to my delight, over a dozen lodging establishments, from the Bisbee Grand and Copper Queen Hotels, to Audrey’s Inn ( a bed and breakfast, which fills fast).  I chose the Canyon Rose Suites, in the center of the Bisbee Historic District.  It was exactly what I needed, to cast out my demons.

In order to give a sense of what a trip to Bisbee can offer the body, let’s climb some stairs to the water tower:

We pass juniper saplings.

One is reminded that it’s possible to DRIVE up the water tower road.

Parking is actually abundant, all over town.

Still and all, one gets much more from walking.  At least, I do.

This is what’s left of the old water tower keeper’s lot.

The tower itself, though, is still in service.

Next, I will feature Bisbee’s fine old buildings.