South West USA

Phoenix Arizona and Las Vegas are but two well known and visited destinations. However, in Arizona the biggest attraction is one of the seven Wonders of the World - the spectacular Grand Canyon. Photographs simply don't do this justice - the vastness must be experienced. The desert of Arizona is a harshly beautiful and seemingly peaceful place but it can be dangerous. Take care to be aware of scorpions and rattlesnakes. America's famous Route 66 travels through the scenic areas in northern Arizona, and the red rock canyons near Sedona are another attraction. Canyon de Chelly (pronouned SHAY) is another beautiful natural area.

While in the area stop at Flagstaff for dramatic views of the San Francisco peaks and explore the high country in a way that fast moving planes and cars miss. Watch for elk, cougars and other wildlife in the more sparsely populated areas especially.

While in Flagstaff drop over to Black Bart's steak house/RV park - plan ahead during the summer as the lines can be long. The entertainment while you eat with singing hosts putting on a show around you while you dine on wonderful dinners topped off with deep fried ice cream this isn't fast food! Expect to pay $15-30 for a dinner but you won't walk out hungry! There are tent sites available most of the time, weather permitting. Although Arizona has a reputation for heat (well deserved in much of the state!) the higher elevations of Flagstaff means snow, ice and wind can be a companion with times in the winter that the interstates are closed completely due to dangerous conditions.

Arizona is natural history, relaxed attitudes and heavy in Native American influence. If you have a car, take a trip west of Sedona to the small mining town of Jerome where there are amazing views overlooking the desert as it meets a more mountainous area. A state historic park and the Douglas Mansion, now a museum, are but a couple of points to stop. Cowboy poetry, science centers, music, desert and historical sites give an odd but interwoven mix of things to see and do in Arizona. Not surprisingly there are many gem, mineral and jewelry shows throughout the state. Travel to Tucson for an "old West" flair with jewelry shows only one of the activities that happens annually here.

If you travel north to Las Vegas stop in Kingman Arizona and fuel up! There is almost nothing for fuel between points and you will pay dearly at the one place that has fuel. Stop also and see Hoover Dam - which you will not miss between those two points. Vegas is known for bright lights, shows, gambling and 24/7. Home to the National Finals Rodeo as well as other activities this is a place you can and probably will see nearly anything. From magicians to musical entertainers to endless buffet lines and betting on nearly anything that can be bet on Vegas is unlike anywhere else in the US. While there is more to Nevada than Vegas the lion's share of the attention is on this location.