The Thing?
Texas Canyon - Dragoon, AZ
Between Tucson and Willcox
there's not a lot to see. I think it's because everything's hidden
behind an endless series of billboards, demanding you discover, "What Is
The Thing?".
The Thing? is a living
example of the grand tradition of tourist traps. If you just tell
travelers enough times that they should, they MUST, discover the answer
to that mysterious question, they will pass by other gas stations and
convenience stores. And it would seem the strategy works, since
the place was packed during my visit.
Plunk down $1 (in addition
to the t-shirt and bumper sticker you will buy) for admission to
the "museum", pass through a door, then follow the path. You'll
walk through three metal sheds that are home to various "exhibits", like
the one above, featuring an un-restored 1937 Rolls Royce. Be sure
to notice the disturbing mannequins inside the car -- they will probably
appear again in your nightmares.
You'll probably walk right
past most of the seemingly random items on display, but you'll
definitely stop in wonder at the "Ancient Methods of Torture" display.
Why the @*#:&! would anyone create an ancient torture exhibit? The
sign explains that it's a "very special exhibit" by artist Ralph
Gallagher and is likely "the only one of its kind in the world".
No kidding.
After asking yourself,
"Why did I pay $1 for this?" you're finally reminded of that other
question, the one that lured you from the interstate. What is the
Thing?
Right, like I'm going to
tell you.
Drive on to
Willcox and
reserve a room for the night. Don't worry, the day isn't over yet!
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I remember my unsatisfied curiosity
whenever my Stepfather would pass all of "The Thing" signs with
his usual "we haven't got time," and "it's probably just a
stupid lizard, or something, anyway." It wasn't until 1970 that
my sister and her new husband both said "yeah, let's stop there
-- the curiosity's killing me!" We weren't disappointed -- we
all found it both interesting and amusing, regardless. It's
worth stopping there just to stretch your legs. Glad to see "The
Thing" is enduring the test of time!
-Dave H. |
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Day 6
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