LETTERS & E-MAIL

Gene Perret Column I've received my January 2004 issue, and it tells me that "Gene Perret's Wit Stop" is online now and no longer in the magazine. I have to say that I feel sorry for the people who enjoy him but do not have access to a computer. Can you find room to put him back in the magazine please? Joan Wactor, Oakland, CA My secondary pleasure in reading involves my accommodations. The perfect chair, excellent lighting and pillows arranged just right. I was in my favorite chair when I eagerly opened to January's contents to find the page for "Wit Stop." I've already forgiven you a long time ago for moving it to the back of the magazine. So you see, it really didn't faze me when I couldn't find a page number listed for my favorite section. I just went thumbing through the magazine. There was no article. It was "online." You might as well have sent it to Mars. What were you thinking? Now, I have to sit on my husband's miserable desk chair surrounded by clutter only a low-yield nuclear device could clear, to say nothing of the lousy lighting, just to read a great story on a screen. Put it back the way it was.

By the way, I do like the magazine's new font style. It is easier on the eyes when I read what's left of the magazine. Deirdra Marsh, Edison, NJ "Gene Perret's Wit Stop" has a huge following, we know. By putting him exclusively on our Web site, we will run two of his columns each month instead of one.

Wildlife Refuges As author of the recently published America's National Wildlife Refuges: A Complete Guide, my thanks to Lori K. Baker for her wonderful descriptions of Cibola and Imperial national wildlife refuges ("Wild Refuges," January '04). The two accompanying portraits of snowy egrets by Tom Vezo are among the most magnificent wildlife photographs I've ever seen. Russ Butcher, Tucson In the story on wild refuges, Lori K. Baker writes that geese fly in a V formation to save energy. I also enlighten folks with that answer, which usually draws another question: "Why is there almost always one wing of the V longer than the other?" And the answer: because there are more geese in it. Norman B. Evans, Minoa, NY The poor old editor loves readers with a sense of humor.

Lost Legends I recently subscribed to Arizona Highways after an absence of several years and am enjoying themagazine. However, issues in the past always contained "Legends of the Lost," which were stories, most from before the turn of the 20th century, that related both the history and the mystery of the Southwest. I was disappointed to see that this feature has apparently been discontinued. Would you please consider reviving "Legends of the Lost" - even as reprints from issues long in the past? Bill Swaby, Unionville, IA Later this year, we plan to run a special section of lost-treasure stories. We've finally found some new ones.

Contented Visitor I saw my first Arizona Highways in a country school in rural Iowa in the early 1950s. I just love the history and beautiful scenery that Arizona affords. I'm in my second year as a snowbird, and look forward to many more. Every week is a new road trip and breathtaking adventure. Dennis Burrier, Cedar Rapids, IA Great Gift We recently gave Arizona Highways to a co-worker who lives in St. Louis. Wanted to let you know it was very well received. Sandra Turner, Gilbert About 100,000 persons give Arizona Highways subscriptions as well-received gifts. As a matter of fact, Arizona Highways has more subscribers outside Arizona than inside because once people outside the state see the magazine, they become confirmed readers.

Environmental Artist What a surprise and joy we felt to find a full-page story on our "ol' friend" George Brucha ("There's Fine Art in Nothing If You Look in the Right Place," "Along the Way," January '04). We have spent many hours visiting him and his beloved dogs. We treasure our Brucha paintings and wood carvings. George is a gentleman and a true environmentalist and deserves much recognition. Edgar and Lola Warner, Davis, OK Good Issue The January 2004 edition is the most beautiful yet. Daniel E. Kelleher, Gilbert Longshot Meeting Upon retirement, we moved to a small town in the middle of England. We return occasionally to Arizona to visit family and favorite places. We met a young man at the Grand Canyon on our last visit there. He told us he came all the way from England just to see the Grand Canyon and mentioned where he was from. He lives down the street from us. Donna Lynde, Nottinghamshire, England

ARIZONA HIGHWAYS

JUNE 2004 VOL. 80, NO. 6

Publisher WIN HOLDEN

Editor ROBERT J. EARLY Senior Editor BETH DEVENY Managing Editor RANDY SUMMERLIN Research Editor MARY PRATT Editorial Administrator CONNIE BOCH Administrative Assistant NIKKI KIMBEL Director of Photography PETER ENSENBERGER Photography Editor RICHARD MAACK Art Director BARBARA GLYNN DENNEY Deputy Art Director BILLIE JO BISHOP Art Assistant PAULY HELLER Map Designer KEVIN KIBSEY Arizona Highways Books WitWorks Books Editor BOB ALBANO Associate Editor EVELYN HOWELL Associate Editor PK PERKIN MCMAHON Production Director CINDY MACKEY Production Coordinator KIM ENSENBERGER Promotions Art Director RONDA JOHNSON Webmaster VICKY SNOW

Circulation Director HOLLY CARNAHAN

Finance Director ROBERT M. STEELE

Fulfillment Director VALERIE J. BECKETT

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