Once again, cows and astronauts shared the high desert landscape of Babbitt Ranches as NASA, assisted by geologists from USGS, tested equipment, conducted moonwalking drills and practiced geology in preparation for Artemis 3, a crewed mission to the dark lunar south pole region, anticipated for 2026. The cattle seemed untroubled by the slow-moving visitors in spacesuits, a recurring event throughout the last half century. “I smile when I think about my grandad, John Babbitt, a quiet, … [Read more...] about Promoting Space Travel with a Land-Use Ethic
Tourism
Wilderness Expert Cody Lundin Offers ‘The Survival Show’
With summer heating up in Arizona, survival instructor Cody Lundin is well aware of how quickly a day hike can turn into an emergency situation. Having taught survival skills to thousands of people – ages 7 to 80 – for more than 30 years from his Prescott-based Aboriginal Living Skills School, Lundin is “deadly serious” about survival. Along with his many courses, he now offers a playful, yet informative, variety show. Like a good daypack, “The Survival Show with Cody Lundin” is neatly packed, … [Read more...] about Wilderness Expert Cody Lundin Offers ‘The Survival Show’
Ramada Inn Chain has Roots on Flagstaff’s Route 66
Bill Isbell had a front-row seat to the founding of what became the Ramada Inn chain 70 years ago with development of a hotel at the crossroads of Route 66 and Highway 89 in Flagstaff. Isbell, now 88 and living in Phoenix, was a teenager when he made a small investment with his father, Marion, and other investors to develop roadside motels. That included the Bagdad Inn in Las Vegas, along with Flamingo, Sahara and Hiway House motels. But it was the Ramada name and concept that became a … [Read more...] about Ramada Inn Chain has Roots on Flagstaff’s Route 66
Grand Canyon Conservancy Hears of Grand Adventure
Award-winning photographer, filmmaker and author Pete McBride served as the keynote speaker for the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s (GCC) Grand Gathering 2024. Held at the Shrine of the Ages on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the event attracted members from around the country. They were treated to an informative and entertaining slide show by McBride, followed by a book-signing of his latest book, “The Colorado River: Chasing Water.” “It was an inspiring kick-off to the 2024 Grand Gathering … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Conservancy Hears of Grand Adventure
Cocodona Ultramarathon Tests Runners Across 250 Grueling Miles
A sliver of moon hid on the predawn horizon as hundreds of runners lined up in Black Canyon City for the start of the Cocodona 250 footrace to Flagstaff. It was windy and 40 degrees at 5 a.m. on Monday, May 6. Watches set, the pack burst out of the starting chute down a dusty trail, headlamps bobbing as they took the first turn. The well-trained runners then climbed the first of many hills on the way to Crown King, Prescott, Jerome, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Sedona, Munds Park, Walnut Canyon, … [Read more...] about Cocodona Ultramarathon Tests Runners Across 250 Grueling Miles
Lowell Leader, Stellar Researcher Jeff Hall Shines as Dark Skies Champion
In the nicest, most respectful and patiently persistent way, Lowell Observatory Executive Director Jeff Hall has been a “bullfighter” for dark skies on many different levels, say those in the astronomer world. “There’s a saying: ‘It’s not what you do, but how you do it that counts,’” said Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler. “And Jeff has mastered the skill of working through sometimes contentious issues with people who may see things differently and finding a solution that’s good for … [Read more...] about Lowell Leader, Stellar Researcher Jeff Hall Shines as Dark Skies Champion
FrameTec ‘Solving Big Problems,’ Creating 200 Jobs in Camp Verde
“Disrupting the construction industry,” may be what FrameTec touts as its motto, but this cutting-edge component manufacturing and building framing company is also on the verge of rocking the Town of Camp Verde workforce with the creation of 200-plus jobs. Making its move to Camp Verde in early 2023, the 120,000-square-foot high-tech manufacturing plant is FrameTec’s first facility and will employ human in-the-loop automation equipment and machinery that will manufacture roof trusses, floor … [Read more...] about FrameTec ‘Solving Big Problems,’ Creating 200 Jobs in Camp Verde
Big Splash: Award-Winning Sake Brewer Lands in Northern Arizona
Arizona winemakers have been gaining recognition and acclaim for decades with vineyards and tasting rooms in the Verde Valley, Willcox, Sonoita and Elgin that’s been coupled with a boom in craft breweries across the state. Now, a new player is 44-year-old Atsuo Sakurai, a Japanese immigrant. He is making a name for himself as a small-batch brewer of premium sake, also mistakenly known as rice wine. Brewing sake is far different from making wine from grapes but Sakurai’s Arizona Sake business … [Read more...] about Big Splash: Award-Winning Sake Brewer Lands in Northern Arizona
Nestlé Purina, Mother Road Invite Beer Lovers to Raise a Pint for Pets
With a taste of spring, Mother Road Brewing Company has created “Perpetual Joy,” an American pilsner with fruity notes designed to capture the bliss perhaps best demonstrated by dogs everywhere hanging their heads out of car windows. That image is now on Mother Road stickers and t-shirts, and that beer is only around until May 10, through a partnership with Nestlé Purina PetCare Flagstaff to raise money for High Country Humane. “Our quality manager is on the board for High Country Humane and … [Read more...] about Nestlé Purina, Mother Road Invite Beer Lovers to Raise a Pint for Pets
Flagstaff is a Pawsome Place
With temperatures rising and snows melting, it’s time to start planning summer vacations, but will furry friends be welcomed at vacation destinations? They will be in Flagstaff! A USA Today Blueprint study analyzed six data points to arrive at the most dog-friendly vacation destinations in the U.S. The data reviewed by the Blueprint team included the number per 100,000 residents of these dog-friendly categories: accommodations, restaurants, bars, vet offices, beaches within 50 miles (lakeside … [Read more...] about Flagstaff is a Pawsome Place