Eot’s move to new mexico,
opens up the wild west.

The Wild Bunch’s decision to move EoT to New Mexico in 2005, opens up the wild west's territory, to all those interested in some of its history.

Cowboys wanting to travel to EoT have a number of options available to them, and  to see some of the great history of the west. By now being located just east of Albuquerque, you are almost in the heart of Billy the Kid country, just outside LincolnCounty!

But first, let me outline some of the possibilities of making a great trip to EoT even better, by taking in some of the highlights, maybe before and after a great shooting event.

If you are a first timer, then you may want to think about some time in Los Angeles. LA is huge, with the greater LA area taking in half the Australian population, but getting around is easy. It’s freeway city, man, forget buses trains and taxis.. car city it is.

So, here’s a few ideas.

1)           Fly to LA and take in all or some of these attractions. Spend a day at Universal Studios; you can book on the net or just arrange from the Concierge of your hotel. You will be picked up and returned to your hotel. This is a really good day out; also on your list is the GeneAutryMuseum located close by to Universal Studios, but you would not be able to do both in a day. Separate all day tours these would be. The museum has one of the best Colt & gun collections and a spectacular array of wild west memorabilia.

2)         Collect your hire car the next day and head out to Anaheim, and take in  Disneyland. It’s not just only for kids, adults have a wonderful time too! You can pop into Walker 47, leave your guns with them buy some ammo etc. while you tour around. There are a number of other attractions around Anaheim if you want to spend another day.

3)         Then start to head east. Your freeway map will be your guide out; and across the Californian desert to Arizona towards Flagstaff. That’s about a days’ drive.

4)  From Flagstaff you have the choice of going up to the magnificent Grand Canyon, then still heading eastwards, make your way to Kayenta and visit spectacular MonumentValley. Home to many westerns, and John Wayne’s favorite spot. This is a must see, and take the afternoon tour from Gouldings Resort. You can stay there, but is expensive; plan on staying in Mexican Hat about an hour up the road taking in the red rock formations enroute.

5)         If your timing has been right then you should be heading to Cortez on a Thursday, and nominated in the Revenge of Montezuma shoot held the weekend prior to EoT. This is one of the best shoots I have attended, with extreme fun added!! The most fun you can have with a six-gun in your hand, flying round a mounted shooting course on a quad bike!! Driven by one of the lovely Huginkiss sisters. You haven’t met cowgirls like these, believe me, you will be for a surprise and a treat.

6)         From Cortez to Albuquerque is about 3.5 hrs drive, but before you head off, visit the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings only about 12 miles drive east of Cortez.

These are also spectacular and mystifying. and should be done in the early morning, before you head off, also maybe call in to 4 corners monument, the only place in the USA where 4 states meet in one corner.

        Of course there is plenty more to see around that area, Durango; Silverton; the train ride; the million dollar scenic byway etc. if you have extra time, or you may save it for a return visit in the future.

7)     Rather stay in East Albuquerque in Central Ave if you can, near the on/off ramp of the I40 Interstate and half hours drive from EoT. It’s handy with many restaurants nearby, Laundromats and shopping malls. Just up Tramway Blvd take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway where you will be higher than the planes landing at the InternationalAirport? Have dinner at one of the restaurants that have breathtaking views over New Mexico.
http://www.colorado.com

8) If you are not planning to do the warm match, the Tuesday is a day to head east to FortSumner and visit Billy's’ grave in the military cemetery. But his legend is alive and well at the Billy the KidMuseum. Here you will find 60,000 relics of the historic past, including his rifle, chaps and spurs, the original wanted poster and locks of hair.

9) Well from today is what your trip it is all about. EoT  in all its glory. Shoot straight and well, and above all have a ball.

10) Now the fun is over you spent all your ammo and    most of ya money, time to head home maybe. But still a few of the wild west's most famous landmarks. Those are the towns of Lincoln and Tombstone.

After EoT you could head down the 285 to Roswell & Lincoln, where time has stood still. The Billy the Kid National Scenic Byway will take you about 2 to 3 hours depending on stops, and Lincoln is one of the best preserved wild west towns, and has not been commercialized.

11) A small side excursion for those interested in UFOs. A little further east just off the scenic byway is the town of Roswell. I guess some of you would have been familiar with the Area 51, when Martians supposedly landed there. Well if you don’t believe, then you will believe after visiting the UFO museum there and see the little alien in the flesh!!