The Prickly Pear Cactus State

I first saw arizona when I was 10 years old. I have great memories of the grand canyon and the other natural wonders in the state, like the painted desert and petrified forest. I knew someday I would have to return for a better look.

Finally I got the chance many years later, in may 2000. Again we went to the grand canyon, but also for the first time visited sedona's red rock country and phoenix. We also took in some nostalgia on old route 66.

Then in march 2006, I returned to explore the sonora desert around tucson, see the old west, take in some sporting events, and even walk across the border into mexico. What a great state!

As a bonus, I got to go back in october 2006 as part of a trip around the southwest. This time we hit the northern parts of the state, including monument valley and old route 66.

And there's still so much more to see. I can't wait to go back again.

Read all about it with my writeups from these trips, and enjoy the pictures too! And here's a map of the routes: