Chloride, AZ.

We recently visited Chloride, AZ. on our way home from a weekend in Bullhead City. My mom had heard about Roy Purcell's murals and thought it would be fun to go check them out. I'm so happy we made the trip, not only were the murals really cool but the small town of Chloride totally stole my heart!


To get the murals you have to drive through town and out down a dirt road. There are all sorts of cactus and wildflowers along the way and a bumpy road that the kids enjoyed.


The murals were painted in 1966 and they were so colorful and pretty! It turns out the morning is nice time to visit because it's cooler but the sun was rising and shining on them which made it difficult to photograph. Next time we visit I'll wait until late afternoon to take pictures.


I'll be listing that purple kaftan I'm wearing in my shop this week. I thought this location would be the perfect place to model it.


As we headed back to town I spotted several juniper trees and made my mom stop so I could cut some to bring home. The smell is heavenly and we got home I made a couple smudge sticks with my clippings.


I also managed to snap a few pictures of some local birds. A couple roadrunners and my absolute favorite, quails! They are quick and wanted nothing to do with me. They had all their little babies scurrying behind them, a sight that makes me squeal with delight!



There are wonderful old buildings and homes along the main street and what appeared to be some fun shops. It was early in the morning so nothing was open yet but I'm sure I would have found many treasures in the Cactus Cowboy antique store.


We walked across the street to check out Digger Dave's and were greeted by friendly Dave and couple other locals.


The bar/cafe was just opening and Dave made us feel right at home. He got the kids an ice cream and my mom and I an ice cold beer. We sat down and Dave came over to the jukebox and put on "Thank You" by Led Zeppelin. He said the song was dedicated to a new woman in his life, a beautiful blonde who had bought the lot next door. He knew they were meant to be together when he first shook her hand and looked in her eyes. He was filled with love for her and it showed. My mom and I were so moved by his sweet words that she started crying and I was tearing up as he walked away.



We could have sat there all day listening to the jukebox (which was filled with the best music) and drinking beer but unfortunately we had to get going. After all, we had three rowdy kids with us which meant one beer only and leaving before they got too wild. I will definitely be returning to this gem of a town and next time Ruben will be with me.


So, if you're ever driving through Arizona and love dusty old mining towns and amazing bars like Digger Dave's then you need to stop off in Chloride!

♥ anne