EDITOR'S PAGE

EDITOR'S

ENCOURAGED BY THE SUCCESS of its initial series of special tours and seminars, the Friends of Arizona Highways-a nonprofit auxiliary organized several years ago to support the objectives of Arizona's official state magazine-has announced an expanded program that will begin in October.

"The tours are distinguished by the fact that well-known experts in a wide range of fields will be accompanying the travelers to various areas featured in the magazine," emphasized Shannon Rosenblatt, activities coordinator for the Friends organization. "Each of our 'Photo Adventures' will be led by a highly qualified professional photographer frequently published in Arizona Highways."

The following schedule of events has been approved by the Friends board of directors: October 13-16: Photographer Jerry Jacka and writer Lois Jacka conduct an exploration of the colorful, cliffguarded depths and intriguing ruins of Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto in northeastern Arizona. Protected as part of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, the photogenic canyons and cliff dwellings are within the huge Navajo Indian Reservation.

October 14-16: Popular outdoor writer Bob Hirsch leads a fishing expedition to Christmas Tree Lake, on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. Both experienced and novice anglers will be welcome, and Hirsch will instruct the latter in fly and lure fishing.

November 3-6: Photographers J. Peter Mortimer and Ernie Weegen direct a Photo Adventure in the Verde ValleyOak Creek Canyon area, with emphasis on seasonal color near Sedona and Jerome.

November 17: Tour participants visit the Tucson art studio of Greg Kyle and Amy Renshaw Kyle, then continue to the mission and garden at Tumacacori National Monument and the Spanish presidio ruins and museum at Tubac State Historic Park. Time will be allowed for browsing in Tubac's shops and galleries.

Buttes, hillsides, and canyons of the Sedona area will be targets of workshop members' cameras next November.

January 12-15: Photo Adventure, Imperial National Wildlife Refuge near Yuma. James Tallon and Wesley Holden, workshop leaders.

February 4: Cross-country skiing, White Mountains. Plans for future months include white-water rafting, excursions for bird-watchers and naturalists, scenic tours, wilderness hikes, cultural and historical seminars, and additional Photo Adventures.

For information and reservations for any of the tours or workshops indicated, write or telephone Shannon Rosenblatt, Friends Travel Desk, Arizona Highways, 2039 W. Lewis Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009; (602) 258-6641. The nonprofit tours and workshops benefit the Friends of Arizona Highways scholarship program for Arizona students of photography.

Additional recognition has come to Arizona Highways in recent weeks. The magazine was named Best Travel Monthly in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition sponsored by the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation. And our art directors were honored with an Award of Merit for design from the Regional Publishers Association. Both programs were judged by members of the faculty of the School of Journalism, University of Missouri. Our staff expresses appreciation to both sponsoring organizations. -Merrill Windsor