Flagstaff

This Land: New Mexico

So… planning for the Arizona visit, we acquired gear for Grand Canyon hiking: waffle stompers, wicking shirts, loose shorts, and a camelbackpack for emergency provisions. Also, we did some cursory research looking for a moderate difficulty day-hike, instructions on how to get to the trailhead, and a checklist of what to expect.

The plan was to do the hike, write the Arizona post in the Flagstaff mall food court. After that, give the Colorado Springs peeps a heads up as we were planning to head back to Hays via Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, then the home stretch, with Hays arrival in the last week of October.

Well… as they say about the best laid plans… some minor changes and a couple lessons learned:

LESSON #1: It became apparent the Flagstaff mall was not going to allow overnight parking, so we did some Flagstaff-specific Googlin’ and discovered the wonders of Cracker Barrel. A bit off the beaten path, but OMG, Boondocker’s heaven. We did kinda know that already, but wow, so nice to be able to sleep assured the 2:00am parking lot security knock wasn’t coming. As a gesture of gratitude, we made a point to patronize their business leading to another OMG moment. Cracker Barrel is the MASTER of “comfort food.” And there we have it, another option for 24/5 PF towns.

LESSON #2: The Fila waffle stompers turned out to be stealth “cruel shoes”. He kinda got that notion on the Grand Canyon “Bright Angel” hike, but it all came crashing into awareness like the Kool Aid man on the New Mexico hike. Oh, by the way, the itinerary changed, slightly. We took a detour to New Mexico before heading back to Colorado. Once landing in Albuquerque, we decided to take on an intermediate trail (Embudito) and take it all the way to the peak summit. Did we make it? Hell to the no. Did we give it the ol’ college try? Sure, and this is where Ronnie FIRED the Filas. His pinky toes, both of them, were screaming for 6 of the 8 miles we managed to cover. But no shame… it was a semi-challenging hike, and toward the end, Ronnie’s knees (those whiny little punks) were singing harmony with the pinky toes. He resolved to engage the shoe experts at REI in order to replace the cruel shoes with trail hikers a little less inclined to torture the wearer. We’ll see, but not today… still recovering. 

Anyway… New Mexico, a state known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers a unique blend of experiences.

THE GOOD: New Mexico is home to numerous natural hot springs, many of which are publicly accessible. Some of the most popular include Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, Ten Thousand Waves, and Gila Hot Springs. These geothermal wonders offer relaxation, rejuvenation, and therapeutic benefits. As for higher learning, NM boasts several excellent small to medium-sized colleges, providing quality education and a more intimate learning environment. New Mexico also has a rich literary heritage, with several famous authors and literary landmarks. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, and the Bandelier National Monument, where author D.H. Lawrence once lived, offers a glimpse into the region’s history and natural beauty.

THE SUPER GOOD: New Mexico is widely praised for its diverse landscapes, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, the arid deserts, and the enchanting forests. The state’s rich cultural heritage, influenced by Native American, Spanish, and Mexican traditions, is also a major draw. Additionally, New Mexico’s friendly and welcoming people, as well as its affordable cost of living, make it an attractive place to live and visit. For example, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an underground wonderland featuring a vast network of interconnected caves, including the iconic Giant Dome, which is one of the largest stalactite formations in the world. And New Mexico has produced many famous figures throughout history, including artists Georgia O’Keeffe and Billy the Kid. Other notable individuals include author D.H. Lawrence, scientist Albert Einstein, and astronaut Neil Armstrong.

THE BAD & UGLY: Isolation, some parts of New Mexico can be remote, with limited access to amenities and services. This isolation can be a challenge for those seeking a more urban lifestyle. As for the weather, New Mexico enjoys a pleasant climate for most of the year. That said, the state can experience extreme weather conditions, including hot summers and cold winters. Additionally, the state is prone to droughts and wildfires.

And the economy? New Mexico’s economy has historically faced challenges, with a reliance on industries such as oil and gas, tourism, and government. The state has been working to diversify its economy and create more job opportunities. Overall, New Mexico offers a unique and rewarding experience for those seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. While the state has its challenges, its many positive aspects make it a desirable place to live and visit.

Onward through the fog… R.H.

You got those speed bumps…
In Albuquerque…
They sneak up on you…
And you’re a turkey…
But please remember…
Browsing Taos Galleries…
Sometimes a rose is just a rose.

This Land: Arizona

Arizona is a diverse state with a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. Ronnie’s personal history with the state is mixed. There’s driving through the state to get to California, there’s a semi-regrettable period in his professional life where he was tasked to help establish a new branch office of architects and engineers for the firm he was working for in the early 2000s. And finally, there’s his October, 2024 trip to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.

Now, Ronnie wasn’t new to arranging IT resources for architects/engineers. He’d done it successfully in Salt Lake City. But he quickly found a drastic difference with the locals. The Utah folks earnest, straight forward, and basically, nice. The Arizona folks (Scottsdale), commonly transplants from all over the world. Ronnie encountered Scandinavians, Brits, New Yorkers, various Latinx mixes, cowboys, Native Americans, etc.. These people tended quite a bit less collective-minded and a lot more individualist. To the point of straight-up criminality. A couple examples occurred before the office was even furnished. To start, the firm’s designated office manager had two laptops stolen from him, one of those from the hotel room he was temporarily housed in, the other from the yet unfinished office.

The second example, and though not proven, was a suspected inside job where the still unfinished office was broken into with two flat-screen videoconferencing display panels lifted along with various other office supplies of relative value. One of the newly employed engineers had a boyfriend in the AV business. But hey! She wouldn’t dream of allowing her boyfriend to do something so brazenly felonious to her new employer, right? Well, the case went unsolved, and when the authorities were asked if they had any leads in the theft… the response was like a scene from the Big Lebowski…

Yea… they got us working in shifts.

This was just in the beginning phases. As time went by, it became apparent some of the project workers were using the firm’s resources to enrich themselves at the expense of the firm, demonstrating a pirate’s level of corporate loyalty. Needless to say, this was not Ronnie’s finest hour.

Anyway, Arizona, a land where the sun beats down like a vengeful deity and cacti stand guard like prickly sentinels. It’s a place where the Grand Canyon yawns like a cosmic chasm, a testament to the Earth’s ancient whimsy. But the beauty and awe-inspiring grandeur is only one side of the coin. This state is a microcosm of human endeavor, a place of both wonder and woe.

Imagine Flagstaff, a city where the air is so crisp it could shatter glass. Then picture Phoenix, a sprawling metropolis where the heat shimmers like a mirage. It’s like comparing a snow-capped mountain to a fiery furnace. Arizona is a land of extremes, a place where the delicate balance of nature is constantly being tested.

For the adventurous soul, Arizona is a playground. Hike through the canyons, fish in the rivers, or simply bask in the sun. But be warned, the desert can be unforgiving. It’s a place where the line between beauty and danger is often blurred.

As for the finer things in life, Arizona has plenty to offer. Colleges abound, their campuses a mix of ancient wisdom and modern innovation. Literary landmarks dot the landscape, each one a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find beauty in the most unexpected places.

But let’s not kid ourselves. Arizona is not without its flaws. The weather can be as unpredictable as a pirate’s mood. Water is a precious commodity, and crime lurks in the shadows. Traffic can be as snarled as a ship in a storm. And let’s not forget the ever-rising cost of living, which can make even the most hardened adventurer’s wallet weep.

Arizona is home to stunning landscapes, including the aforementioned Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Sonoran Desert, a variety of ecosystems, from alpine forests to cactus-filled deserts. If there was ever an example of contrasts, Arizona has it. There’s a stark difference between the environment of Flagstaff (where we are composing this post) and Phoenix/Scottsdale, where the abovementioned pirate raiders reside.

As you can imagine, Arizona can be a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and rock climbing. The state’s mild winters make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visiting Scottsdale in December was always a bright spot for Ronnie, when he wasn’t scrambling to retrofit an office recently burgled.

So, is Arizona worth it? Well, that depends on your tolerance for extremes. If you’re the type of person who thrives on adventure, beauty, and a touch of chaos, then Arizona might just be the place for you. Just be prepared for the unexpected. And maybe, just maybe, invest in a good security system.

Onward through the fog… R.H.

If you seek…
A land of contrasts…
Arizona…
Fills your rucksack…
And don’t you worry…
Nothing’s wasted…
Someone will find it…
While you’re gone.