Mileposts/Events

MILEPOSTS Day Trips Guide

A free booklet available from the Prescott Chamber of Commerce recommends several side trips for visitors to the picturesque mile-high community known as "Everybody's Hometown." After indulging in Prescott's many attractions, visitors can then head for a nearby ghost-town-turned-artists'haven (Jerome); a "city of the future" (Arcosanti); an ancient Sinagua ruin nestled high in a cliff (Montezuma Castle); a year-round recreation mecca (Flagstaff); a fantasyland of red rocks (Sedona); one of Nature's greatest accomplishments (the Grand Canyon); and an old mining town with restored historic buildings (Wickenburg). To obtain the guide, contact the chamber at P.O. Box 1147, Prescott, AZ 86302-1147; (520) 445-2000 or toll-free (800) 266-7534.

Eagle Watch

More than 20 breeding pairs of bald eagles can be seen in the Verde Canyon from November through June. Seen, that is, by folks aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad on one of its 20-mile excursions from Clarkdale to Perkinsville. The stretch, mostly privately and federally owned, is otherwise inaccessible to casual visitors. On a recent four-hour train ride through the canyon, passengers and crew spotted 36 eagles in the protected wilderness. To ask about excursions, contact Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 85324; or toll-free (800) 2937245.

The Travelers Reservation Land Information Center in Lake Havasu City provides lodging recommendations and reservations (camping, RV sites, budget motels, resorts) along with general information on what to see and do in the home of the world-famous transplanted London Bridge. The center calls itself a "one-stopshop" for information about the area's recreation (golf, water sports, fishing, boat tours, jeep treks), wildlife, history, shopping, and culture. To inquire, contact the center at 1350 McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403; (520) 6805544.

Historic Trading Post

Built in 1916 on a bluff overlooking the spectacular Canyon of the Little Colorado, the historic Cameron Trading Post houses a huge collection of Indian artwork, blankets, and jewelry, and attracts droves of visitors, especially those on their way to and from Grand Canyon National Park. The trading post is on the Navajo Indian Reservation, 54 miles north of Flagstaff. It also offers a number of tourist amenities: a motel, market, restaurant, gift shop, RV park, feed store, and a gallery with historic Native American artwork for sale. To inquire, contact Cameron Trading Post, P.O. Box 339, Cameron, AZ 86020; (520) 6792231 or toll-free (800) 3387385. Stuart Rosebrook

DeGrazia's Moving Mural

Don't call the art patrol. The Desert Medicine Man, a six-by-eight-foot mosaic mural by Ted DeGrazia that fronted Tucson's Sherwood Medical Center for some 30 years, isn't missing it's back where it belongs: DeGrazia's Gallery in the Sun on the Old Pueblo's North Swan Road. The mural is displayed outside at the gallery not far from the grave site of the famed Arizona artist who died in 1982. The mosaic mural, created by DeGrazia from one of his oil paintings, is a colorful interpretation of a Papago (Tohono O'odham) healer with his feathers and fetishes, attending a sick Indian under a mesquite ramada as others look on. Badly deteriorated by weather and time, the mural was reclaimed by the DeGrazia Foundation, moved to the gallery, and faithfully restored. Contact the gallery at (520) 299-9191. Ron ButlerOn cool winter mornings at Phoenix's Desert Botanical Garden, the brightly colored tubular flowers of the aloe plants attract a variety of birds, including hummingbirds. And for bird-watchers who particularly fancy these tiny winged creatures, here's a tip: early in the day, stake out the fountain at the garden's Weise Shade Island. That's where the hummers gather to drink. Visit on your own or share the experience on docent-led walks offered Mondays at 8 A.M. For information, call (602) 941-1225.

Birds in the Garden Children's Book

The Same Sun Was in the Sky, by author Denise Webb and illustrator Walter Porter, is the kind of book that pleases kids and parents: youngsters (age five and up) like it because it's a good story; parents give it four stars because it's also a lesson in history and perspective that makes kids think about their own place in time. The 32-page hardcover book follows the adventures of a boy and his grandfather exploring Hohokam country. As the old man talks, the "Ancient Ones" come alive for the boy, who perches on a hill where he can see in every direction. Thanks to Grandfather, he gets a good look at the past and a peek into the future.The book costs $14.95 and is available from the magazine. To inquire, telephone toll-free (800) 543-5432. In the Phoenix area or outside the U.S., call (602) 258-1000.

Cruising the Colorado

Narrated three-hour stern-wheeler excursions that depart from Fisher's Landing on Martinez Lake, about 35 miles north of Yuma, ply the Colorado River on an eightmile trip to Imperial Dam and back. Ron Embrey, one of the owners and builders of the Colorado King I, will point out blue herons and other birds that soar above the river and share fascinating facts about the history of the waterway and its dams and steamboats. The cruises run September throughMay. The 11 A.M. cruise offers an optional deli lunch. The 2:30 P.M. cruise includes a catered dinner. Costs range from $15 to $35. Reservations are recommended, especially for meal trips. Call (520) 782-2412.

EVENTS Arts and Crafts

November 4; Chloride The oldest mining town in northwestern Arizona hosts this third annual show featuring jewelry, pottery, porcelain dolls, and rocks and gems. Be sure to allow time to amble around town, and don't miss Sheps Store or Roy Purcell's brightly colored cliff murals a couple miles outside Chloride. Free admission. Information: (520) 565-2204.

Thunderbird Balloon Classic

November 4-5; Scottsdale Touted as one of the top five ballooning events in North America, the 21st Dimension Cable Thunderbird Balloon Classic & Air Show features some of the world's most colorful balloons and finest balloon pilots in four days of flying and competition, plus special events, including the "Desert Glow," a visual feast of 80 glowing tethered balloons. The event will be held at West-World, and tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate; call for prices. Information: (602) 978-7208.

Bluegrass Festival

November 10-12; Wickenburg In addition to the competition, the 16th Annual Four Corner States Bluegrass Festival and Fiddle Championship, the oldest such contest in the state, offers continuous entertainment by three bands, arts and crafts, and (new this year) special activities for youngsters in the Kid Zone. There will be an admission charged. Information: (520) 684-5479.

Fall Fiesta of the Arts

November 11-12; St. David Fine arts, entertainment, and good food at this annual affair offer another excuse to while away some time at Holy Trinity Monastery, a peoplefriendly cloistered Benedictine community with a beautiful chapel, a great museum, and a bird sanctuary. Be sure to walk the narrow path around the secluded pond to see the swans. Free admission. Information: (520) 720-4854.

Christmas Parade

November 18; Winslow It's worth the drive to this town nearly 200 miles northeast of Phoenix to see "the largest Christmas parade in Arizona," a procession of colorful floats, spirited horses, lively bands, and happy participants. Another bonus is that Winslow sits only 25 miles from Meteor Crater, 50 miles from the Petrified Forest, and just below the Navajo and Hopi Indian reservations. Free admission. Information: (520) 289-2434.

Red Rock Fantasy

November 22-January 12; Sedona When we visited this annual Christmas light display at the Los Abrigados

Gallery of Fine Prints: Winter's Blush in the Santa Ritas

The photograph on pages 28 and 29 showing the slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson lightly dusted by a winter snow is the latest offering from the Arizona Highways Gallery of Fine Prints.

The unmatted color print is produced by EverColor DyePrint's custom lab in California under the supervision of master printer William Nordstrom using the latest in digital technology. To order prints, call toll-free nationwide (800) 543-5432. In the Phoenix area, call (602) 258-1000.

The sizes and prices of the Bruce Griffin photograph are: #A99RT15: Approximately 14" by 17" $175 #A99RT25: Approximately 16" by 20" $225 #A99RT35: Approximately 20" by 24" $275 Resort, a light dusting of snow had us singing "Jingle Bells" as we oohed and ahhed over the twinkling extravaganza. We can't promise snow, but the folks who organize this event are vowing "One Million Lights or Bust!" for this fifth annual holiday celebration. Admission is free, but there may be a parking fee. Information: toll-free (800) 521-3131.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 23; Fountain Hills The only Turkey Day parade in the state draws folks out east of Scottsdale to the town famous for being the site of the world's tallest fountain (check your watch: it runs for 15 minutes on the hour). Free admission. Information: (602) 837-1654.

Indian Powwow

November 24-26; Tucson Members of 80 tribes from the western states gather for the Native American Month Social Indian Powwow held at the Amigos Indoor Complex at the corner of 36th Street and Fourth Avenue. Highlights include dancing, a market, and traditional foods. Admission is $4 plus the donation of a toy to be given to Indian children at Christmas. Information: (520) 622-4900.

Christmas Boat Parade

November 25; Parker Decorations on the boats in this light parade along the Colorado River are limited only by the owner's imagination: one year's winner was decked out as a stagecoach pulled by reindeer. The parade starts 17 miles north of Parker at River Lodge Resort, just below Parker Dam, on the California side of the river and ends at the Blue Water Marina. And you can expect to spot Santa Claus at any point along the route. Watching's free. Information: (520) 6692174.