Mileposts/Calendar

ileposts One Big Icebox

It's midsummer and the perspiring shorts-clad visitors pull on long pants, woolly sweaters, and earmuffs. They're getting ready to slip through a hole in the ground about 18 miles north of Flagstaff to explore the Lava River Cave, a three-quarter-mile-long "lava tube" formed 700,000 years ago by an erupting volcano. Inside the well-insulated tunnel, it's a chilly 35° F. to 45° F. year-round. All kinds of people visit the cave, but it's not a good idea for small children, couch potatoes, or claustrophobics. There are slippery rocks to negotiate, and while some areas have a 30-foot ceiling, tighter spots require "squat walking." For the reasonably fit who are appropriately dressed and toting flashlights or lanterns (it's DARK inside), the cave offers a fascinating look at Nature's artistry: "flow ripples" on the floor look like a frozen river; and "splashdowns," rocks that fell into the flowing lava, seem to float in the stream.

For more information, contact Peaks Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004; (602) 526-0866.

Bisbee's Beginnings

In Bisbee: Urban Outpost on the Frontier, Carlos A. Schwantes, the author of several books and articles on the American West, points out that except for mine tours and brochures describing self-guided rambles through Old Bisbee, tourists are pretty much on their own when it comes to exploring the history of the once rip-roaring copper mining camp. Through a series of essays, compiled with the help of Tom Vaughan, curator of archival collections at the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, and other experts, along with maps and 100 historical photographs, Schwantes presents visitors with a picture of Bisbee from its turn-of-thecentury heyday through decades of growth, survival, and problems, notably the "infamous" 1917 deportation of suspected Wobblies.

To order the oversize softcover book ($19.95 plus shipping and handling), telephone Arizona Highways toll-free at 1 (800) 543-5432. In the Phoenix area, call 258-1000.

Buffalo Soldier Trail

Interested in a ride into Arizona's past? Then follow "The Buffalo Soldier Trail," a section of State Route 90 between Interstate 10 and historic Fort Huachuca that the State Legislature has renamed in honor of the black soldiers who fought and trained in Arizona. Follow the "trail" to the fort through the rolling grasslands of the San Pedro Valley and the rugged Whetstone Mountains, which the Buffalo Soldiers proudly patrolled during the wars with the Apaches. For more information on the Buffalo Soldiers, contact Fort Huachuca Museum at (602) 533-5736. Stuart Rosebrook

EVENTS Eagar Daze

August 5-6; Eagar Folks in the high mountain valley town of Eagar offer up a celebration "with something for everyone." Friday kicks off with free swimming at the town pool, a dance for teens, an ice-cream social, and live bluegrass music. Saturday morning visitors can stoke up on pancakes at an al fresco breakfast in Ramsey Park, then watch the big parade down Main Street. After that they can

Edited by Rebecca Mong

choose between logging contests, kids' games, arts and crafts, a concert, softball and volleyball tourneys, a vintage car show, and an evening concert. One of the most popular events is the "Rambo Run" obstacle course for kids. Admission and most activities are free. Information: 537-1074.

Wine Festival

August 6-7; Sonoita The hamlet of Sonoita, about halfway between Tucson and the Mexican border, hosts the Harvesting of the Vine Festival. Besides tipping a glass or two to celebrate the state's growing wine industry, visitors can attend seminars on wine and cooking with wine, watch a grape-stomping contest, enjoy live music, and partake of a lunch from food vendors that's not included in the admission price of $10. Information: 455-5553.

Payson Rodeo

August 19-21; Payson This 110-year-old PRCA-sanctioned rodeo is a tribute to the cowboy's belief that there's not a bronc that can't be rode and the four-legged critter's certainty there's not a cowboy that can't be throwed. What with the bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and steer wrestling, there's sure to be action aplenty. There'll even be some bullfighting, but don't worry, nobody's gonna draw any blood at this event. The big rodeo parade gets under way Saturday, August 13 at 9 A.M. Cowboys and wannabe wranglers can kick up their boot heels at dances Friday and Saturday nights (there will be admission charged). Admission to rodeo performances is $4$12. Information: 1 (800) 6729766.

Raptors - birds of prey such as hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls - are federally protected from harassment, harm, or capture.

Sources: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Salt River Project, and Arizona Public Service.