MILEPOSTS

Celebrate the Grape, Listen to Jazz in the Park, Hike to Great Views, Enter a Fishing Derby CHRISTOPHER CREEK CAMPGROUND

One of the most popular spots to experi-ence Arizona's great outdoors is Chris-topher Creek Campground, nestled among towering ponderosa pines below the Mog-ollon Rim along State Route 260. One rea-son the place ranks high with fishermen after rainbow, brown, and brook trout is that Christopher Creek runs right through the campground, offering convenient fishing during the daytime and a burbling serenade to sleep by at night. By the way, the area's named for Isadore Christopher, a French settler whose sad funeral turned bizarre when the "deceased" turned out to be a skinned bear burned up in a fire set by Apaches. To in-quire about the campground, contact the Payson Ranger District, 1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541; (520) 474-7900. Chamber of Commerce, (520) 536-4331. A donation of $1 per person is suggested. - Janet Webb Farnsworth.

VISIT THE FLAKE HOUSE

The James Madison Flake house in Snowflake, open to the public weekdays year-round from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M., re-minds one of an era when both houses and families were large.

Flake, a son of one of the original founders of Snowflake, built the three-story, 16-room, red-brick Victorian house between 1893 and 1895. His first wife died sud-denly before the house was completed, leaving nine chil-dren. He married again and fathered 15 more children.

Master carver Ralph Ramsey created a large horseshoe and a life-size horse head to dec-orate the front gable of the house. Inside, you can still see Ramsey's beautifully carved stair railings, door frames, and wood trim. Murals by Hopi artist Homer Cooyama deco-rate several walls, and the house is furnished with heir-loom pieces and such homey touches as quilts and dishes. A widow's walk, where dances were once held, adorns the top of the house.

The Flake house sits at the corner of First East and Second North in Snowflake. For a tour outside normal hours or for more information, call (520) 536-2228, or the Snowflake

BICYCLING IN TUCSON

Hiking enthusiasts will ap-preciate a whole new way to see Tucson, ranked as "one of the top three cities for spin-ning your wheels." Three dif-ferent bike routes following well-paved paths, bike lanes on major streets, and scenic bik-ing trails are outlined in the "Tucson Summer Vacation Planner," published by the Metropolitan Tucson Conven-tion and Visitors Bureau. Cy-clists can choose an easy ride out to Mission San Xavier del Bac the exquisite "white dove of the desert" a more challenging trek through Sa-guaro National Park West, or another mild cruise along the Old Spanish Trail Roadway to Colossal Cave.

For information on these and other Tucson activities, obtain a copy of the free 92-page guidebook by calling toll-free 888)ליל( Tucson.

HUMMINGBIRD BANDING

The Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO) offers a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at those tiny birds that flit about red feeders. Hummingbirds have turned the winding green course of the San Pedro River into a migratory super high-way and inspired the popular post-meridian banding sessions held at San Pedro House.

Banding is the standard meth-od used by biologists to iden-tify individual birds so they can study their lifespans, migrato-ry habits, and other aspects of bird life. During the free band-ing sessions, you'll get a look at the details of hummers such as the black-chinned, rufous, and broad-tailed varieties-everything from body structure and plumage to unusual features. For instance, you'll see where their tongues attach to the tops of their skulls.

The organization conducts weekly banding sessions from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M., April to early June and then July through September, at the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area's visitors center. The site is seven miles east of Sierra Vista on State Route 90. For more information, call SABO at (520) 432-1388. Carrie M. Miner

OLD TRAILS MUSEUM

Ranching memorabilia from the notorious Hash Knife cattle outfit highlights displays at Winslow's Old Trails Museum, along with memen-tos that recall the railroad days, the Harvey Girls, and Old Route 66. You'll also find Anasazi artifacts from the Homolovi Ruins State Park. Other popular exhibits include the Old Corner Drugstore, com-plete with a soda fountain, and the Classic Glass of the Old West display. The museum, lo-cated at 212 N. X Kinsley, is open from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call (520) 289-5861. -Janet Webb Farnsworth

ANDY'S MUSEUM IS JUST "DEVINE"

Folks who fondly recall cow-boy movie sidekick Andy Devine will head straight for the exhibit honoring him at the Mohave Museum of History and Arts in Kingman, the gravely-voiced late actor's hometown. But there's plenty of other stuff to browse as well.

One exhibit features polished turquoise found in the area, and another holds old photos, gold pans, and other artifacts from the area's early mining days. A video called "Five Generations of Ranching in Mohave County" uses cowboy poetry and in-terviews to relate the history of the cattle industry hereabouts. Other exhibits include por-traits of presidents and their First Ladies by artist Lawrence Williams, kachinas, Navajo rugs, and a collection of 750 arrowheads.

The museum is at 400 W. Beale St.; (520) 753-3195. Except for major holidays, it's open weekdays 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.; weekends, 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Admission is $3, adults; 50 cents, age 12 and under. Janet Webb Farnsworth

MIGHT AS WELL START AT THE TOP

A moderate 8.3-mile loop hike south of Jerome pays off with splendid views of Chino Valley, Prescott Valley, and the Bradshaw Mountains. The route begins at the top of 7,743-foot Mingus Mountain and follows Woodchute Trails No. 102 and 103 past Wood-chute Tank and into Martin Canyon, a rich riparian haven where the contrasts in the land-scape and vegetation are hard to beat, according to Pat Baillie and Kathy Wingert, the authors of a hiking guide called 40 More Prescott Trails. The guide can be found at Prescott-area bookshops and outdoor recreation stores.

EVENTS Yaqui Easter Ceremony

Through April 4; Tucson Visit the Old Pascua Village at Grant Road and Interstate 10 to join in this annual event combining Yaqui Indian traditions with Christian beliefs in observation of the Lenten sea-son and Easter. Holy Week, the last week of the event, marks the culmination of the celebra-tion that began Ash Wednesday, February 17, and ends with Palm Saturday, Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday services. There is no admission charge. Call for details. Information: (520) 791-4609.

Arizona Book Festival

April 10; Phoenix Nourish your mind and soul with a few hours in the park dedicated to the joys of reading. Acclaimed authors Rudolpho Anaya, Barbara Kingsolver, and James Welch will be among those who show up at Margaret T. Hance Deck Park to read from their works and autograph books. The event, which runs from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M., also will showcase more than 100 book-seller booths, interactive sto-rytelling and other activities for children, music, dancing, and "savory ethnic fare" for munching. Admission is free. Information: (602) 257-0335.

Waila Festival

April 17; Tucson This Historical Society event celebrates Tohono O'odham social dance music, also called "chicken scratch." Several bands will perform, and Tohono O'odham artists will demonstrate crafts such as fiber and wire basketweaving, the making of pottery, oil painting, and pencil drawing. You also will have the chance to try traditional O'odham foods. Call for information on the location and admission charges. Information: (520) 628-5774.

Blessing of the Vine

April 17-18; Elgin Five local wineries will participate in this 15th-annual festival in Arizona's "Wine Capital," a tiny community on the bank of the Babocomari River in the southern part of the state. In addition to learning about locally produced wines, you'll also get to savor Southwestern fare or try something baked in an Indian-style oven. Non-culinary attractions include Western riding, as well as mariachi, ballet folklorico, and country western music performances. Hours are noon to 5 P.Μ. each day. Admission is $10 per person. Information: (520) 455-9395 or -9309. April 17-May 15; Greer

Fishing Derby

This angler's competition, based at the Circle B Market & Motel in Greer, offers the opportunity to spend some time in the beautiful White Mountains area. The derby features fly-fishing and spin-casting instruction, and there'll be prizes for those who catch the big guys. Plus, your $3 entry fee puts your name in the hat for free overnight accommodations,

Photo Worksho EXPERIENCE AN INDIAN POWWOW AND ANCIENT RUINS

Powwow! The word captures the imagination, evoking images of Native Americans in brilliantly colored traditional dress dancing to ancient drum rhythms and haunting chants. Follow photographer Leroy DeJolie, September 11 through 15, as he leads a Friends of Arizona Highways Photo Workshop through Canyon de Chelly to the 53rd annual Navajo Nation Fair and then on to the hidden wonders of his homeland. Photographer Jerry Sieve will guide Photo Workshop participants through premier archaeological sites in northern Arizona and New Mexico, September 15 through 19. Follow the path of the Anasazi through Canyon de Chelly, Montezuma Castle, and then to exquisitely built multistoried masonry pueblos in Chaco Canyon, the magnificent partially subterranean kiva at Aztec Ruin, and on to Mesa Verde's arching sandstone caves, which once sheltered the "ancient enemies."

For more information about these trips and a complete schedule of Photo Workshops, write the Friends of Arizona Highways, P.O. Box 6106, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6106; or call (602) 271-5904.

Here are Photo Workshop dates for April through June, 1999:

dinners, clothing, and various other prizes. Information: (520) 735-7540.

(602) 930-2960; events hot-line, (602) 930-2299.

Glendale Jazz and Blues Festival

April 23-25; Glendale You'll love the smooth jazz and easy blues performed by local and regional bands - all set in Murphy Park at 58th and Glendale avenues in the middle of the historic downtown. Friday night enjoy the Best of the High School Big Bands jazz performances. Seating is picnic-style, so bring a blanket. There will be food booths and merchandise vendors to browse. Admission and parking are free. Information:

Route 66 Fun Run

April 30-May 2; Seligman area Join in or just stop to watch as participants from through-out the country and around the world drive their classic cars - and brand new jalopies 135 miles over historic Route 66 from Seligman, about 70 miles west of Flagstaff on Route 66, to Topock, near the Arizona-California border. Each town along the way welcomes participants and visitors with street dances, barbeques, balloon rides, and car shows. Watching is free. Information: (520) 753-5001.