Mileposts/Events

PICACHO POPPIES

The area is of interest to history buffs as the site of a Civil War battle, but Picacho Peak State Park also is a great place for wildflowers, especially Mexican gold poppies. If there's been enough winter rain, spring (probably about the end of February hereabouts) blankets the slopes along the peak's foothills and hiking trail with the bright yellow blooms. And those who make the difficult climb to the peak's 3,374-foot summit find an additional reward: a stunning 360°-view. The park is 40 miles north of Tucson off Interstate 10 (Exit 219). To find out if the poppies are blooming and to ask about hiking and overnight camping, call (520) 466-3183.

ABOVE IT ALL

A “City Lights” tour of Tucson is one of the bird's-eyeview excursions offered by Papillon Helicopters. The company also offers Tucson flights that encompass the surrounding Sonoran Desert and pineclad mountains as well as such attractions as Biosphere 2, the 35-acre campus sof the University of Arizona, the recreation wonderland of Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and world-class resorts and golf courses. Flights focussing on the Grand Canyon, Phoenix, and the Superstition Mountains also are available. Tours range from 30 minutes to all day, and some include ground activities. To inquire, call (520) 573-6817.

THE HOUSE THAT GUM BUILT

Tours of the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix offer a glimpse of the elegance of a bygone era. An exquisitely detailed rotunda, the original dining room with its huge carved doors, hand-painted gold-leafceilings, and pegged oak floors are among the highlights of the National Historic Landmark. Built in 1929-31 by chewing gum magnate William T. Wrigley as a gift for his wife, the California Monterey-style estate now is a private membership club.

Tours run Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 A.M. and 3 P.M., and last 45 minutes to an hour. The cost is $10.70 per person; free under 12. For reservations, call (602) 955-4079.

FORT THOMAS' MYSTERIOUS SPIRE

Distractions are few as U.S. 70 wanders through the Gila Valley in eastern Arizona. But on the western edge of the small community of Fort Thomas in a small park with picnic ramadas, a 50-foot spire rises from the flatlands and causes passersby to wonder why it's there. The answer is on the cement slab next to the spire. It's there, the inscription says, to honor Melvin Jones, a native of Fort Thomas who founded the Association of Lions Clubs, later to become Lions International. Fittingly, the monument was erected by the Safford Lions Club and dedicated in 1965. Sam Lowe All living things have a special place they call home. So where do Arizona's mountain critters go when work is done for the day or night? With his trademark simplicity, humor, and warmth, author Craig Brown takes young readers on a delightful tour of wildlife abodes in Animals At Home, a nearly wordless picture book.

LIVING LIKE ANIMALS

Each of the secret hideaways, shelters, resting places, and nurseries is illustrated with two views that teach and amuse with minimal text. Bringing the tour full circle, the book ends with a human home and a peek inside a typical young boy's room. The 32page paperback costs $6.95 and is available at bookstores or from the publisher: Roberts Rinehart, 5455 Spine Road, Boulder, CO 80301; (303) 530-4400. Richard G. Stahl

A LITTLE-KNOWN NAVAJO MUSEUM

Few visitors to the vast Navajo Indian Reservation in northern Arizona ever make it to the community of Tsaile and its Navajo Community College, site of the Ned A. Hatathli Center. And that's too bad because the center, an imposingmultistory building shaped like a hogan, houses a museum on its fourth floor that's well worth a visit. The museum's attractions include beautiful Navajo rugs and 2,000-year-old ceramics left by the Anasazi Indians who lived in the long-abandoned cliff dwellings in nearby Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto. On the center's first floor, books written for and by Navajos can be purchased at reasonable prices. Most of them are not widely circulated, and some can't be found elsewhere. To inquire, call (520) 724-6653. -Sam Negri

HER HIGHNESS NEVER SLEPT HERE

Besides a missing “d” in the name, what's the difference between Winsor Castle in far northern Arizona and Windsor Castle in England? Well, the English one probably has more scandal associated with it but the Arizona one can hold its own with history.

Named for its first superintendent, Anson Winsor, the old Mormon fort and ranch was established on the lonely Arizona Strip in 1870 in expectation of a Navajo attack that never came. Today it's Pipe Spring National Monument, and its historic structures are open year-round for tours, as are the re-created orchard and garden. In summer, ranger talks and demonstrations of pioneer and Indian life are scheduled. For a wonderful view of the Strip, hike the half-mile loop trail up the cliffs behind the structures. There's a visitors center, bookstore, and cafe.

FRIENDS' MEETING

The annual meeting of the Friends of Arizona Highways Magazine Foundation will be held at 3 P.M., Tuesday, February 11, 1997, at Arizona Highways magazine, 2039 W. Lewis Ave., Phoenix, Arizona.

The Friends are volunteers who assist the magazine by conducting Photo Workshops and Scenic Tours. Subscribers interested in becoming active with the Friends are invited to attend. For additional information, telephone (602) 271-5904.

Admission is $2; free, 16 and under.

Contact the monument at HC65 Box 5, Fredonia, AZ 86022; (520) 643-7105.

THE HOTEL . . . SOMETHING OR OTHER

It was a wonderful vacation, but you can't recall the name of that great bed and breakfast you thought you'd never forget or the address of the couple you met hiking and promised to keep in touch with. If this sounds familiar, check out the Vacation Getaway: A Journal for Your Travel Memories ($6.95, plus $2 for mail orders). The expandable purseor glovecompartment-size journal helps keep a record of your travels with 28 pages for recording trip highlights; 15 pocket pages for storing receipts, brochures, ticket stubs; and an expense log. Check your favorite bookstore or contact Blue Sky Marketing, P.O. Box 21583-C2, St. Paul, MN 55121; toll-free (800) 444-5450.

EVENTS Hoop Dance Championship

February 1-2; Phoenix The prestigious Heard Museum hosts the 7th Annual Native Amer-ican World Hoop Dance Cham-pionship (10 A.M. to 5 P.M.), attracting top danc-ers from throughout the U.S. and Canada. In-dian, Mexican, and American food plus crafts for youngsters round out the day's highlights. Admission is $1 to $3. Information: (602) 252-8840.

Walk Old Fort Lowell

February 8; Tucson Self-guided afternoon (1 to 4 P.M.) walking tours of one of the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhoods in the Old Pueblo begin at Fort Lowell Park, stopping at prehistoric Hohokam sites, ruins of the old fort, and the Arizona Historical Society's Fort Lowell Museum. In a bow to Tucson's rich cultural legacy, organizers say there'll be plenty of Mexican music and food on hand. The tours are free. Information: (520) 885-3832.

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

February 13-16; Tucson The Tucson Convention Center is the site of this 43rd annual internationally lauded show. Spectacular mineral specimens from top museums and private collections attract droves of aficionados, including fine jewelry gemstone buyers from around the world. Other highlights include displays of gems, jewelry, lapidary, and fossils; along with an array of exhibits, lectures, and demonstrations by artisans. Admission is $5 plus a 50 cent convention center fee; Age 14 and under, free. Information: (520) 322-5773.

Arabian Horse Show

February 14-23; Scottsdale This kick-off event for the Arabian horse industry show season attracts about 350,000 equine fanciers, including some Big Spenders from around the globe. In addition to more than 2,000 of the world's finest Arabians and riders competing for more than $200,000 in prizes and scholarship money, highlights include two show arenas with simultaneous classes in halter, park driving, English pleasure, liberty, trail horse, cutting, working cow horse, hunter, jumper, show hack, and dressage. And several hundred commercial vendors fill two huge tents with exhibits everything from clothing and jewelry to art and "horse-wares." Admission is $5 to $10. Information: (602) 951-1180.

Scottish Highland Games

February 21-23; Mesa This popular annual event, which draws visitors and participants from across the U.S. and Canada, begins with a Celtic concert Friday evening featuring Scottish balladeers, fiddlers, a harpist, and dancers. Held at Mesa Community College, the gathering also offers continuous Celtic entertainment, dance and pipe band performances, massed pipe bands, ancient athletic competitions for men and women, a British dog show and trials, Gaelic heritage exploration, kids' activities, and vendors.

Call for concert and weekend activities' admissions. Information: (602) 431-0095.

Lost Dutchman Days

February 28-March 2; Apache Junction It's not likely that anyone will discover Jacob Waltz's lost gold mine during this annual event, but they'll sure find plenty of fun, including: a professional rodeo, carnival, arts and crafts, continuous entertainment, gold panning, and a parade. Call for admission. Information: (602) 982-3141.

Gem and Mineral Show

February 28-March 2; Phoenix More than 100 cases of lapidary displays are among the exhibits of the 48th Annual Phoenix Gem and Mineral Show, held at the Phoenix Mountain Preserve Conference Center. There'll also be demonstrations of rock tumbling, faceting, inlay, and rock carving; as well as try-it-yourself gold panning. Activities begin at 10 A.M. daily and end at 6 P.M., Friday and Saturday; 5 P.M., Sunday. Admission is $3.50. Information: (602) 939-0038.

Information, including dates, fees, and activities, is subject to change; telephone to confirm before planning to attend events.

For a free Arizona travel kit and a calendar of events, telephone the Arizona Office of Tourism, (602) 230-7733.