HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR ARIZONA AREA
Part III

This page last updated: January 2, 1999



More than just a hot, isolated, desert.........

It doesn't take long to go from the plain, desert scene to the lusher, greener areas of our state.
 
 
Question:  How many national forests are in Arizona?

Question:  What Arizona forest is relatively devoid of foliage?

Question:  How many "life zones" are represented between Yuma and the top of Humphrey's peak? 

Most visitors don't realize the number of lakes and "green" areas we have in Arizona.  Below is a perfect example of this, as depicted at Lake Powell on the Arizona/Utah border.


 
 
Question:  What Arizona river begins in Mexico and flows northward?

Question:  What sort of vehicle was the General Jessup?

Question:  How many miles of lakeshore does Lake Powell claim to have?

And yet, just another turn to the right, then to the left, and so on, takes you to what seems to be another world.  Below is a perfect example of the Painted Desert adjoining Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona (photo of Bryce NP which is very similar--as soon as I find actual picture of Painted Desert it will be inserted here).  Some say they feel like they've gone to the moon.  Actually, it's very similar to the Badlands of South Dakota.



If we go south from our area, towards Tucson, we will find Mission San Xavier del Bac, which was built in the 1700s.  Tours and a museum are available, as well as regularly scheduled church services.

During a recent drive to Tucson, we had time for a short visit at the mission. Additionally, we were able to take a few photographs, which are now included on our site. We hope you will have time, if you're ever in the vicinity, to stop in at the mission for a glimpse into the past. (Go here for pictures.)

This mission is a perfect example of the Spanish influence that continues to thrive, even today, when you look around our metropolitan area (churches, homes, businesses, shopping centers).


As we return home to the Phoenix metropolitan area, we are reminded of the beauty of our state.  We can travel through many different landscapes and seasons, all within one state.
 
 
Question:  What was the number of the US highway that called itself "The Main Street of America?"

Question:  What rock spire is supposedly a clue to the whereabouts of the Lost Dutchman Mine?

Question:  What  modern city calls itself "The Old Pueblo?"

And, yes, we even get snow in the high country area.  The following picture of the Monument Valley area in northeastern Arizona, demonstrates this fact.  And, as you're probably aware of if you've surfed any of our site, we have moutainous areas which cater to the needs of winter skiing and snow activites.


 
 
Question:  What has been Arizona's principal farm crop for much of the 29th century?

Question:  How wide is Arizona at its widest point?

Question:  Waters north of the Mogollon Rim flow generally inwhat direction?

In the month of December, during the Christmas holiday season, the Valley area comes to life with numerous light displays.  It's not surprising to drive down a street and see all the cactus and native trees filled with strings upon strings of Christmas lights.  As I sit here preparing this little tour, I am unable to locate a definitive example of this (if I do, it will be added at that time).  So I will do the next best thing and give you two peeks at our "natural light display."  The first is the setting sun behind a Saguaro cactus (more info on these in the future).  People go to all sorts of extremes to decorate these majestic cacti, all in an effort to add the holiday spirit to their own little part of the world.

And finally, we have the Joshua tree, a normal occurrence in numerous landscape designs within our area.  These sometimes towering trees look beautiful at night, all lit up with hundreds of Christmas trees lights.  Try to imagine this as you view the following picture.

Visit the archives to view historic black & white photographs of the "early days" in Arizona, especially the northern part of our state. This archives is sponsored by Northern Arizona University Cline Library and includes photographs of The Grand Canyon and surrounding areas already discussed above.

Come again, soon.  And, thanks for your visit :-)

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OH!!!  I almost forgot......the answers to the Arizona question boxes!
Go here to see all the questions summarized and answers.

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