Arizona Monsoon Season 

Its an Annual Meteorological Event

 

Arizona residents have come to expect the monsoon each and every year.  In many ways, most Arizonans welcome the season, as it brings in heavy rains, high winds, and awesome lightning.  The Monsoon can create dangerous conditions, however,  it brings our state cooler afternoon weather, much needed rain, and some spectacular sunsets (when it's a light storm).  Here are some things you might want to know about the Monsoon, if your new to the southwest or just visiting:

 

What is a monsoon?

The term "monsoon" comes from the Arabic "mausim" meaning "season" or "wind shift".  Moving into the Summer months, huge upper air subtropical high pressure cells move northward and the intense heating of the desert creates rising air and a surface low pressure.  These meteorolotgical changes cause winds to shift to a southerly to south-easterly direction.  Moisture then streams north from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, thus producing change in moisture conditions statewide.

 

What are the characteristics of a Monsoon storm?

The Monsoon can create dangerous conditions, including some of the following: Gusts of wind, heavy rain, dust storms, flash floods, tornados (very rare),  lightning and thunder.

 

When does the monsoon season occur?

Summer months, typically beging in late June or early July and continues through September.  A Monsoon storm  typically occurs in the late afternoon and may continue through the night.

 

Safety Tips:

 

Lightning:  When lightning is occurring, get inside a house, a large building, or an all-metal (not convertible) automobile. Do not use a telephone, except for emergencies.  Get off or away from open water (canals, lakes, etc.) or area of isolated trees or cactus.

 

Dust Storms and Heavy Rain:   Monsoon storms can cause very dangerous driving conditions.  Avoid driving in dust storms or heavy rain as they greatly reduce visibility.  Quickly find a place to pull over until conditions improve.  If your on a highway, seek the nearest rest stop or pull off to the side of the road as far as you safely can and turn off your car.  DO NOT keep your foot on the brake pedal.  Drivers may come up quickly behind you assuming that you're still in motion.

 

Flash Floods:  Again, Monsoon storms can cause very dangerous driving conditions.  Do Not cross flooded roadways, especially where signs are clearly posted ("Do Not Cross When Flooded") forbidding vehicles to cross during floods.  The water may be very deep and have a powerful current that can easily carry your vehicle and all occupants down stream.  This has been a serious issue in Arizona can make you subject to the "Stupid Motorist Law," which requires drivers to reimburse the state for the cost of rescues.  Crossing flooded roads is dangerous and can cost you your life, don't do it!

 

Power Outages:  Because of occassional power outages, keep batteries, a working batter-powered radio or television, flashlights, and candles handy.

Clean Canyons & Forests, Inc.
 

Working Hard To Keep Our Forests Clean

 

Interview with Ed Preston, Clean Canyons & Forests, Inc

February 4, 2005

 

What can you tell us about Clean Canyons & Forests and your website?

Clean Canyons & Forests has been a long journey . . .  and we're just getting started!  We've spent almost 3 years building and promoting the website, getting approval from all of the necessary state and federalagencies, and getting our 501(c)3 status with the IRS.  We are now in the process of getting grants and raising money.

Mission Statement

"Clean Canyons & Forests, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded for the sole purpose of removing trash from public lands in the Southwest and educating the public about low-impact recreational use of these lands. The founders and supporters of the corporation have undertaken this mission in order to restore the land to a more pristine state, giving residents and visitors to the region a safer, more scenic experience of these national treasures.  The organization partners with various government agencies and the business community to identify areas needing cleanup and to bring together the diverse resources necessary."

What is your overall goal?

Our experience is that we will be able to remove approximately 650 lbs of litter from public lands for every $100 we raise.

Our first major clean-up projects in Colorado will take place this summer. We also plan to adopt some additional sections of highway in Northern AZ.

How can more people get involved with what you are doing?

By the end of 2005 we anticipate that we will have a calendar of upcoming projects for 2006 posted on our website.  That will allow both residents and out-of-state visitors who want to volunteer some of their vacation time to participate.

ADOT allows "contract cleaning" thru their Adopt-A-Highway program, which we plan to merge with our website.  Businesses will be able to adopt a section of highway and have their name placed on the highway sign. CC&F will do the clean-up for them AND provide them with advertising space on our site.

However, we anticipate that most of our projects will be conducted on National Forest, BLM and Navajo Reservation land.  Eventually, we want to have a paid coordinator in each of the 4 states whose job it will be to work with the above agencies, help maintain that state's section of the website, and organize the volunteer effort.

Last but not least, we intend to exchange ad space for donations of necessary supplies such as trash bags, labor, fuel, and lunch for the Volunteers.

Clean Canyons & Forests, Inc.
PO Box 2875
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970-264-1915
 www.southwest-vacation-travel.net

Amusing Arizona
 

Theme Parks May Be Coming To Arizona

May 31, 2005

State lawmakers recently gave their approval on a $3 billion venture that would put theme parks in Phoenix, as well as the northern Arizona city of Williams.  The parks could possibly bring the state $75 million to $150 million in new state tax revenues annually by tapping into the millions of tourists who visit the Arizona.

The plan would include a 1,000-acre theme park in Williams and a 60-acre amusement park in the west end of Phoenix, next to Cricket Pavilion.  The 60-acre park would be built under an interactive dome and feature roller coasters, as well as an indoor water park.

The 1,000 acres in Williams would include roller coasters, a concert pavilion, a Navajo Learning Center, as well as a strip of shops and sock hops that take you back to the famed route 66.

The group heading the project is calling itself the Grand Canyon Northland Amusements and Entertainment LLC.  Members include Gary Scaramazzo, the Navajo Nation, and Broker, Mike Morgan.  Major theme-park operators like  Paramount Studios, Universal Studios, and Cedar Point of Ohio have expressed interest in this project.

Nothing is final just yet, because investors must come up with $500 million before bonds can be issued.  Also, a developer must be found to handle the project.

Mesa Arts Center Set To Kick Off Inaugural Season

 

Coming Soon

www.mesaarts.com

Outback Safari Company
 

Where The Pavement Ends, Outback Begins 

This month, we also begin with Outback Safari.    

Eleven years ago The Outback Safari Co. set out to elevate and perfect the existing standards found in the off-road touring market; insisting on only the best in equipment, guest service, safety and enjoyable recreation. Needless to say the challenge for such improvements were met with enthusiasm and success tenfold. Outback has obtained privileged access to National Forest lands by carefully maintaining their designated areas, keeping them free of debris and damage. This attention to the environment has earned them the distinction of being the longest permit holders in their industry. The Sonoran Desert is our backyard and no one respects or loves it more! says Outback Safari.
      
All at The Outback Safari Co. have a deep appreciation of Arizona's southwestern picturesque beauty and diverse wildlife. These attributes are greatly magnified by a rich heritage and colorful history. Founded by native Arizona residents, they strive to pass their knowledge and excitement on to each and every one of their guests. Outback's outfitters exhibit the same enthusiasm, while sharing their extensive information about the desert's indigenous vegetation, unique terrain and truly incredible wildlife.

Safety is something else Outback Safari finds invaluable. Their outfitters inspect every piece of equipment prior to touring. Maintaining their vehicles to the highest factory standards is imperative. Each outfitter is certified in CPR, First Aid and desert survival. For the Outback Safari, returning their guests safely is a priority second to none.

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Arizona Roundup.

 

The Outback Safari

Phone:  480-987-8335
 www.theoutbacksafari.com

 

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