Well, we're well on our way to providing a website that will truly knock your socks off. After living in Arizona for more than 30 years I've decided to provide the resource: http://www.discoveringarizona.com/ for everyone searching for information regarding the Grand Canyon State. As of this writing I am almost finished with the first posting and I know that after I'm done you'll be able to find the most comprehensive site with the BEST links to all that Arizona has to offer.
I love it here. The scenery is absolutely spectacular for those who venture outside the metropolitan areas such as Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff- and it doesn't take much. When driving anywhere, it still is very "sudden" when you realize that you are quickly traveling through the desert or mountains apart from the busy urban areas. Being originally from the Midwest, it seemed as though you would drive quite a while before you were "alone." Don't get me wrong, our cities have an incredible list of things to do and see. But Arizona has some of the most striking scenery that I know of. Many people travel from all parts of the globe to see the Grand Canyon. But few know of the thousands of other scenic marvels such as Antelope Canyon where the light reflecting on sculptured sandstone walls create a picture that Ansel Adams might surely exploit if still around. Or Kartchner Caverns, a once very tightly held secret hidden beneath the southern Arizona desert that now reveals an incredible specimen of what cave exploration for the masses should be. Painted Desert and Monument Valley are also places where normal city dwellers can experience the vastness of the Arizona landscape. Places such as monumental Hoover Dam, San Xavier del Bac, Sedona Red Rock country, seemingly endless coves of Lake Powell, tranquil trails of Sabino Canyon, the lush forests and picturesque mountain lakes in the White Mountains, the wonderment of Meteor Crater, the history of Tombstone, the peacefulness of Greer, and believe me the list goes on.
I've spent the last 3 decades exploring the state of Arizona always finding something new. It seems that the farther into the landscape you go, the more interesting the people become. Stories from the old west are disappearing with our oldest citizens but the heritage remains and is stronger than ever. Visit one of many Indian communities throughout the state to get ancient folklore. Talk to ranchers and (yes) working cowboys and you might hear the real stories of the old west. Visit any of the hundreds of museums that are like no other in reporting a states proud history.
It seems obvious that I favor Arizona and have for some time. I have vacationed in such incredible places Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, California, Texas and Nevada. Every State has its own certain splendor, but Arizona has a lifetime of things to do and see with a uniquely spectacular lifestyle and its where I call home.
Welcome to this blog and I hope that you will share your stories of traveling throughout Arizona so that others can also experience our great state through your eyes.
