We love it when we run into a local amateur photographer who is excited to share their favorite place to photograph. Such as it was when we had lunch in Patagonia. "Have you checked out Gleeson?" Well, no, never heard of it. "It is my favorite place, especially the old jail." We were on the case, joined by Ann and Greg. Gleeson? It is in southern Arizona and it is on the map!
From the hill above the jail.
Across the highway from the old jail was another old structure we checked out.
This is an example of walking around to check out photographic opportunities and composition. From afar, this old building was just that. But on more careful examination it showed quite a bit of its true nature. Made of adobe, topped off with a more modern brick chimney and then . . . what is with those old tin cans?
Hmmmm. . . so that is where the roof is!
Peering through dirty glass . . .
We were told that this was once a saloon. I suspect this painting was behind the bar. The tree in the painting sure has grown up.
A local, waiting for the mailman, told us that before the jail was built, or if it was too full, prisoners were tied to this old tree.
The mailman told us that this was called Tiffany Mountain. All of the turquoise has been extracted and the mine is no longer active.
People from miles around come here for their mail. It is, in a way, a community center. The mailman suggested we check out Ghost Town Trail, a dirt road just several miles more down the highway. "Has some old buildings you may find interesting."
Another old jail, we think. This one is along the Ghost Town Trail.
This old jail does not appear to be on private property and is not maintained.
Another ruin along the Ghost Town Trail was at one time the general store for a small nearby mining community.
We completed the Ghost Town Trail. Drove through Elfrida and then on to Bisbee to have lunch at the Bisbee Breakfast Club. Food and service worth going back for.
After lunch we all split up to explore Bisbee for just one hour.
Ann wanted to check out the steps that this hilly mining town is known for.
Love that high heel shoe
Bisbee is a great place to photograph. I hope we can return after Christmas when we return and camp in Benson.