We took some time to do some sight seeing today. First we drove south to Picacho Peak State Park. I found out that this was the site of the last battle of the Civil War and the South won! "What? In Arizona?", you ask.
It seems that a man named Sibley convinced Lee that a regiment of soldiers should be raised in Texas and sent to invade the New Mexico Territory and Arizona Territory. The plan was to meet up with Confederates in Southern California and, as a result, expand the Confederacy from coast to coast. The Confederate Army who had established strength in Tucson heard that Yankee soldiers were progressing up the Gila river to spy out Southern troop strength and positions. A group of Confederate soldiers rode North to the pass at Picacho Peak and engaged the Yankees in a one and a half hour battle. Some were killed on both sides and 4 confederates captured. When the northern leadership found about the troop strength in Tucson and realized their lack of supplies, manpower and the fact that they had no doctor with them they withdrew. Even though the Confederates won here, Lee was surrendering in the East and the Civil War was over.
That is your history lesson for the day. It was something new to to me. Each March there is a historic re-enactment of this battle here at the park.
After lunch at a nearby Dairy Queen we headed back north and stopped at the Eloy Airport where Skydive Arizona is located. Skydivers from all over the US come to this airfield to practice and compete in skydiving. Arizona has some of the best wind free skydiving days anywhere in the US. Two years ago when we were here we saw part of a college skydiving club competition. They were jumping out of the plane, making changing patterns by touching hands and feet in the air and then finally split apart and opened their chutes. It was amazing.
Today there were several groups practicing. There were about 10 to 12 skydivers jumping from each plane.
Most of the divers swoop down on the landing area and run along the ground to a standing stop.
Bring back any memories, Snookie??
Friday was a beautiful day for skydiving! We will never forget the day Snookie did this.
ReplyDeleteYeah, strangely enough I had this queasy feeling as soon as I read the title of the post. Then it all came flooding back.
ReplyDeleteIn fact this is the second time this week this has been brought up. Do you think its a sign I'm supposed to do it again?
NOT!