
My 50th state visited in 2008 was Arizona. That’s rather ironic because it’s simple to visit Arizona from San Francisco but I left the warm, easily accessible destination for December. Read about it at 50 States in '08: #50 ARIZONA. This year it doesn’t look like I’ll be in the Grand Canyon State – but who knows it’s only February and opportunities present themselves.
Arizona’s state flower is the saguaro cactus. Says it all about the climate, doesn’t it? As we are growing more fearful by the day about the serious drought in Northern California the arid climate of Arizona may inspire future landscape decisions. I’m not sure I can coax a saguaro to bloom in the fog of western San Francisco but I may be tempted to give it a try. Arizona boasts the highest monthly temperature at a scorching 105.0 degrees.* Yes, that’s just an average. Arizona’s population increased 584.5% from 1950 to 2000.* Sadly, they rate 49th in public education expenditure per pupil.* They rate last in ranking of classic movie theaters and drive-ins with only 10.1 per capita.*

Arizona has much to offer: Artsy Sedona has red mountains with spectacular hiking and more artists per capita than any palce else in the country. (I’m not certain what the criteria to be counted as an “artist” is but galleries fill the town.)
The majestic Grand Canyon beckons people worldwide. The Grand Canyon Railway sounds like a terrific way to visit.The new Grand Canyon Skywalk is not for those with a fear of heights. The 10-foot-wide, glass floored cantilevered walkway hovers three-quarters of a mile above the canyon bottom. I think I’d like to check it out. Maybe.
A less visited natural wonder is Antelope Canyon. Guided tours of the otherworldly slot canyon give you the opportunity to see it for your self: www.discoverynavajo.com
Baseballs spring training in Arizona’s Cactus League brings masses to Phoenix and Tucson.
Of course, I need to go to Tombstone someday. This wild-west outpost does it’s best to revere the legacy of past resident Wyatt Earp and sounds like a kitschy fun stop.
What about Mars-like Monument Valley and nearby Anasazi Canyon de Chelly?
I definitely see a substantial road trip in Arizona in my future. 2010 anybody?
*Statistics from State by State: A Panoramic Portrait of America by Matt Weiland and Sean Wilsey (2008 Trim Tables ISBN: 978-0-06-147090-5)
No comments:
Post a Comment