E-MAIL AND LETTERS

Back Road Enthusiast

I must agree with the "Unhappy Subscriber" whose letter ran in the October 2000 issue. I, too, was on the verge of not renewing my subscription because of the loss of "Legends of the Lost." I realize that there are only so many lost legends out there, and the next step would have been to start fabricating some of your own. Nobody wants that. However, "Back Road Adventure" did give me reason to renew. I have enjoyed the "On the Road" reprints of stories from the past. I am glad to see some real people showing up in the photos, but don't get carried away. The articles are good and so are the pictures, although "Humor" leaves a lot to be desired.

Contributions Appreciated

I just read your article on Herb and Dorothy McLaughlin ("On the Road," October 2000). I had the pleasure of knowing Herb and Dorothy in the early 1960s. When I first met them, I knew right away they were nice people. Words cannot describe the contribution these two have made to the art of photography and to the promotion of Arizona. Keep up the good work.

Oh, Deer

I was rereading the October issue for the third time and came across the photo on page 15 of two deer in the Chiricahuas identified as white-tailed deer. I'm afraid I must disagree with this identification. These are obviously mule deer, which are easily identified by their large ears and the black color on the tip of the tail.

Other than that, it's a great article about Cave Creek Canyon. I intend to visit it on our next trip to Arizona, which is one of our favorite destinations.

Gin Joints

In your October issue's "Mileposts" you suggested "an up-close lesson on how cotton is transformed from plant to fiber."

We visited the Glenbar Gin in Pima in October, during the ginning season, and would suggest it as a worthwhile guided tour. For those of us from the upper Midwest, cotton farming and processing is a new experience, and the people at the Glenbar Gin could not have been more helpful and welcoming.

We Said It

I have wanted to write and tell you how great Arizona Highways is and tell you what it means to me.

Reading the October issue, I came to a screeching stop on page 6. "On the Road" featured Gary Bennett, the "designer who set the pace for today's Arizona Highways." His paintings, especially Judges' Call, gave me "chicken skin," as we say in Hawaii, or goose bumps to you on the mainland.

I was stopped cold when I came to this part: "But readers don't usually recognize good design. They notice stories, photos and illustrations, but rarely do they recognize good design merged those elements into a comprehensive, readable package." THAT'S IT! I realized this is exactly what I wanted to say to you from the first taste of your fantastic and wonderful tours of Arizona that I have enjoyed with every issue. This really says it all.

At Your Service

As a young soldier in Korea in the early 1950s, I was sent, free of charge, copies of Arizona Highways. They were free because I was a resident of Arizona doing military service in wartime Korea. The magazine evoked many fond memories of my home state while I was so far away.

When I was done reading the magazine, it was handed down for others to read and appreciate. Eventually the magazine ended up in the communal Army latrine, where it received an even greater readership. Thanks for many years of enjoyable reading.

Converted Native

I was born in Bisbee in 1910, and left when I was 7 years old.

I never realized Arizona was so beautiful. My son started my subscription to your magazine last year, so instead of thinking of desert, I can dream of beautiful hills and forests.

ARIZONA HIGHWAYS