Southern Arizona's Birding and Nature Festival - August 5th - 9th, 2009
Thursday July 9, 2009
Late summer is a wonderful time of year in Southern Arizona. The rainy season is usually in full swing, bringing with it spectacular thundershowers, cooler afternoon temperatures, and lush vegetation. It's also an excellent time to observe hummingbirds, butterflies, and flocks of migrating birds. In this birder's paradise, budding naturalists can participate in field trips at the 17th annual Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival, August 5-9. The festival is based in Sierra Vista, 70 miles southeast of Tucson, at the center of one of the finest birding areas in the United States. Article: Top Birding Destinations in the SouthwestPhoto Credit: Tucson CVB
Indian Ceremonial in Gallup - August 12th - 16th 2009
Sunday July 5, 2009
Every August Gallup, New Mexico plays host to Native Americans from across the United States in a massive Inter-tribal ceremonial. The Indoor and Outdoor Marketplace and the Ceremonial Showroom present the country's most complete and varied displays of genuine Indian fine arts, including Navajo rugs, katsinas, jewelry, pottery and basketry. There are socials, rodeos and parades.This year the 2009 Ceremonial takes place August 12th - 16th. Full Article and Intertribal Information for 2009.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose
All Aboard! Great Rail Trips to Enjoy in the Southwest U.S.
Thursday July 2, 2009
All aboard! Enjoy scenic and historic train rides in the Southwest. We have selected some great excursions for train buffs and sightseers alike. Some are short trips and others can be made into a train lovers vacation. On some trips you may see an eagle soaring high above. On others you may be robbed by a band of desperados on horseback. No matter which trip you choose, you will enjoy a trip on the rails. Full Story - See the Southwest Via RailPhoto Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Grand Canyon Railway Steam Engine
Day Trip from Vegas - Visit Hoover Dam and the Cool Blue Colorado River
Wednesday July 1, 2009
Hoover Dam is amazing. If you are in Las Vegas, it's certainly worth a side trip. I recently drove across Hoover Dam from the Arizona side. As I came over the crest on Highway Highway 93, I was awestruck. There was the blue-green Colorado River and this immense feat of engineering. But what also amazed me was the sight of a bridge being built 900 feet over the Colorado River. Two feats of engineering in one place. Well, you just have to go! Full article on Visiting Hoover Dam.Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose - Hoover Dam from the Arizona Side
Santa Fe International Folk Art Market July 11th - 12th, 2009
Monday June 29, 2009
I can't make the Folk Art Market due to a schedule conflict but folks in Santa Fe say it's a "must-see." Not only will you have an opportunity to purchase great folk art at reasonable prices, you will be able to do good with your purchases.Ninety percent of the artists’ sales go home with the artists, many of whom grapple daily with political, social, and environmental challenges in their home countries. Proceeds have helped to build schools, wells, and health clinics. They have brought food, clothing, and medical care to Sudanese refugee camps, AIDS support in South Africa, financial independence to Afghan women, and much, much more. Find out more about the Folk Art Market.
Photo Credit: Santa Fe Folk Art Market
Native American Treasures to be Found in Gallup, New Mexico
Saturday June 27, 2009
It's been a while since I had the pleasure of meeting Norbert Peshlakai, award-winning Navajo jewelrymaker. I was traveling along the Ancient Way Arts Trail and found his studio. The windows and door were covered so I wasn't sure the studio was open, but I knocked and entered and was glad I did.Peshlakai is well-known among collectors of Native American jewelry and art. He was very gracious and took time to explain his work to me and how he selects stones to enhance the silver and gold work. At the time he was working on some special orders. I enjoyed my visit with Peshlakai and purchased "Goatees," this specially-named pin by Peshlakai. I recently added him to my Native American artists' gallery.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose
100 Degrees and Humidity Doesn't Stop Walkers in Dallas
Friday June 26, 2009
We just had the last Dallas area walk for our national walking convention. The Dallas Morning News thought we must be crazy, several walkers succumbed to the heat, but, overall, we had a great time. The AVA Walking Club convention was based in Richardson, Texas right on the DART line so we took the light rail to our events and to our socials. We walked early in the morning and tried such nifty things as Neck Buddy Coolers to help us cope with the heat.One of the sights we saw while on our downtown Dallas walk was the Cattle Drive bronzes in Pioneer Plaza which were absolutely magnificent. The 130% size sculptures showed an entire cattle drive thundering through this urban park.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose
Try Northern New Mexico's Rail Runner Express
Friday June 26, 2009
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express, which is a new light rail system running north and south through the Albuquerque metro area, is now running from Belen through Albuquerque to Santa Fe. The trains have bike storage areas for easy transport and will soon have WiFi for business commuters. Day trips to Santa Fe have never been easier and visitors are enjoying the inexpensive $8 per day ticket. Learn more about times and service to Santa Fe online Photo Credit: ABQ CVB
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico Offers Breakfast for Bat Lovers on July 18th
Tuesday June 23, 2009
This sounds like fun. When the bats return to the caverns after a night of hunting, visitors to Carlsbad Caverns will have the opportunity to see them swarm into the cave. It's at dawn so a breakfast is the ideal way to sustain yourself while you wait for the bats to return. The event takes place of July 18th, 2009. This is an annual event. Here's more on the Breakfast for Bat Lovers.Photo Credit: National Park Service
A Train Buff's Dream - Ride the Rails in the West or Across the World!
Monday June 22, 2009
We've been on some fantastic railway trips in the Southwest. But there is more. A great railway collection, which is a joint effort from About.com's Travel Guides leads you to exotic destinations where where you can live out your railway fantasies. So All aboard.... Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose