Gila Bend

Gila Bend, located on I-8, was a stage stop along the overland stage route, starting in 1858. Then in 1879, it was a depot for the railroad. Gila Bend got its name because it was at the point on the Gila River where the river made a sweeping 90-degree bend to the west. This was noted by many travelers, who sometimes called it the Big Bend or Rinconada.

The real reason for mom and I traveling to Gila Bend was to eat at the Space Age Restaurant, which was built in 1963. It looks like a UFO landed on the roof. Inside the restaurant is a gift shop that sells the usual items such as coffee cups, t-shirts etc. The walls had pictures of fighter jets, astronauts, NASA photos of Apollo and shuttle missions. I would prefer a more kitchy atmosphere. The food was all right.

There was not much to see in Gila Bend but we did find the cemetery, which is the place Lulu looks forward to the most. This time two little dogs were enjoying the space as well.

In the Florence cemetery, I was surprised to see chairs at the gravesite; lounge chairs, kitchen chairs, bar stools etc. It was inviting. Pull up a chair, sit a spell, and contemplate. This was the first cemetery I have been too that had so many chairs. In Gila Bend, there was only one with a chair.

Space Age Restaurant and Hotel

 

  

  

  

The Pioneer Cemetery

 

  

  

The last headstone refers to the following:

Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.

If you realize that you have enough,
you are truly rich.
If you stay in the center
and embrace death with your whole heart,
you will endure forever.

Interested?  Click here to read more.