EDITOR'S LETTER

Although it's not easy to get to, West Clear Creek is well worth the effort. To see more of “nature's version of the Emerald City,” turn to page 22.

NOW I KNOW HOW Katie Couric must have felt. Regardless of where she'd been or what she'd accomplished in her career, there was no way she could have anticipated the magnitude of sitting in a seat once occupied by Walter Cronkite. She might have imagined, but she couldn't have known. I can relate. I'm not Katie Couric, and I'm certainly not Walter Cronkite, but Arizona Highways is the state's equivalent of the CBS Evening News, and as I take my seat in the editor's chair, I'm in awe of what came before me.

Even my desk is impressive. On eBay, it wouldn't fetch much-maybe as much as a vintage Farrah Fawcett poster-but from a historical perspective, it's the magazine's version of the Round Table. At least I think it is. So far, no one has been able to confirm it, but I've been told my desk is the same desk that was used by Raymond Carlson. Yes, that Raymond Carlson. For those of you who don't remember or weren't around, Mr. Carlson is regarded as the editorial godfather of Arizona Highways. He edited the magazine from 1938 to 1972, and during that time, he transformed it from a bland collection of black-and-white pages into the spectacular, award-winning publication you see today.

Of course, he had some help along the way. Photographers named Ansel Adams, Josef Muench and Barry Goldwater showcased their work on the pages of Arizona Highways. Likewise, the magazine featured some of the best writers in the Southwest. The same is true today. Gifted photographers like Jack Dykinga and Gary Ladd, and superb writers like Chuck Bowden are frequent contributors. Their work, and the excellent work of dozens of others, helps make this magazine the best and most respected magazine in the state and beyond.

Whether you're looking for a fly-fishing hole in the White Mountains, a dose of Old West history or a sunset stroll through the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona Highways is the place to turn. It's been that way for more than 80 years, and this month, the tradition continues. As always, we feature a photo portfolio that'll take your breath away. This time, it's West Clear Creek, which, according to photographer Steve Bruno, is “nature's version of the Emerald City.” As you'll see, he's right. His photos are going to make you want to test the water, and even though West Clear Creek isn't easy to get to, it's an adventure that's well worth the effort.

Adventure can also be found in places like the Bradshaw Mountains. That's where writer Lori K. Baker headed when she wanted to jump off a cliff. No, it's not what you think. Lori was one of several women who signed up for a weekend camp to learn the nerve-wracking skill of rappelling. There are more than 80 of these camps held around the country every year, and each one focuses on teaching women how to survive in the great outdoors.

Lori's rappelling lesson took place at Friendly Pines Camp just outside of Prescott, and as she writes in “Learning to Lean Back,” “Rappelling is the ultimate metaphor-a complete education on trust, self-confidence and taking the plunge.” Needless to say, Lori lives to tell her story, and so do all of our other writers, who write about everything from a historic military expedition to the Grand Canyon to a scenic drive through Hannagan Meadow. Like every issue of Arizona Highways, this one is filled with stories that are enjoyable and informative, credible and reliable. In the words of Walter Cronkite, that's the way it is, and that's the way it'll always be.

Robert Stieve [email protected]