Trip to Silver City: April 2021

The first time I was in Silver City, I didn't find out about the significance of the WNMU Museum until after I had left town. The second time I was there, the museum was closed for renovation. For this trip, Mom and I were originally just going to Phoenix and Mesa, but I decided that it would be an ideal time to take a side trip to New Mexico.

Sunday, April 18

Catwalk Recreation Area

View from end of catwalk to final bridge:

View from bridge to end of catwalk:

Monday, April 19

Silver City, NM

WNMU Museum

AZ Hwy 78, Black Jack Canyon

Mt. Graham visible in distance (with clouds overhead):

Wednesday, April 21

Phoenix, AZ

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

First fire engine in collection:

Japanese Friendship Garden

Thursday, April 22

Mesa, AZ

Arizona Museum of Natural History

This place has more than just dinosaurs: there are also historical, cultural, and geological exhibits, including one of the best collections of indigenous basketry I've ever seen.

Mesa Historical Museum

The museum is housed in the third schoolhouse to occupy this site:

Replica of the original adobe schoolhouse:

Organ Stop Pizza

This restaurant is quite an experience, featuring a gigantic theatrical Wurlitzer organ, which rises at the start of the act from below stage, and swivels left and right before settling into place. At the close of the act, it swivels left and right again before descending. I don't have my camera along, but Mom takes this picture:

Although anti-COVID measures (masks, social distancing, etc.) are in place, it's still pretty close at times, and I'm glad to do this only once during the trip.