The best preserved and first proven meteor crater on earth is in Arizona. Just outside of Flagstaff you can get a taste of a piece of the stars…
The meteor crater museum
One of the most impressive meteor craters in the world is in Arizona. It’s new by scientific standards (5,000 years old) and because Arizona has so little weather, it’s very well preserved. In some parts of the world a meteor could hit and it would just become a lake. But we have so little water, animals, and plants here that this crater looks almost like it did when it was formed.
The meteor crater is just a few minutes from Flagstaff. You take the 40 out of Flagstaff towards Winslow and it comes up on the right in about half an hour. You’ll see the signs.
Visitor's Center
The visitor center and museum is pretty cool. They have pictures and stats on every meteor impact of note anywhere on earth, and more than you could ever want to know about our own meteor crater.
This is about as close as you can get to outer space without actually leaving the planet. It’s pretty neat to realize you’re standing next to a rock that has travelled through space across all sorts of unknown and possible Star Trek-like stuff.
Not of this world
If you keep on going down the 40 you’ll get to the petrified forest. I didn’t keep going because I’ve been there… and it was not as cool as I hoped. It’s a lot of flat ground and not a tree for miles. There’s some rocks on the ground. I’d stop to see it if I was driving by, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.
As for the meteor crater, it’s so close to Flagstaff that it’s a cool thing to do while you’re over there. Make it part of a day trip when you’re tired from hiking. It’s open until 7pm, so it’s easy to fit into a day up north.
The Sail Inn is a great spot, and Dan Tedesco is awesome live!
Dan Tedesco and band
I was supposed to be with my family Friday. But they ditched me, so I went to the Dan Tedesco show at The Sail Inn by myself last Friday. All I can say is; they’re sorry they missed it!
The Sail Inn spent some time as Trax recently, before going back to being called The Sail Inn. While it was Trax, it underwent some very nice re-modeling and all of that is still there. There are plush couches, mirrored walls, and lots of nice places to chill. There are still two rooms inside and a big bar, and there is still a huge outside area with lots of tables and chairs.
Main Room
In better weather, the show would have been on the outdoor stage. But of course, this is summer in Arizona. So the show was on the smaller stage inside. (Which was just fine for Dan and his band.)
The Sail Inn filled up fast. The crowd was, as always, more diverse than at any other bar or venue I go to. There were people that looked barely 21, and people who looked like they could be grandparents. That has always been one of the nicest things about The Sail Inn. Anyone can go there and feel welcome. It’s not easy to find, and it’s literally on the “wrong side of the tracks” from Mill Avenue. But if you find your way to 1st Street and Farmer and you find The Sail Inn, you will feel welcome no matter who you are.
Lounge Area
Dan Tedesco is a Chicago native who I met when he was attending ASU. At the time, he was a one-man-show. He had a lot of funny lyrics blended with uplifting rock n’ roll. After some time in Los Angeles and a pilgrimage back to Chicago, Dan has a whole band behind him now and a much bigger collection of songs.
His songs are still infused with his quirky sense of humor, and they are still good old rock n’ roll. But the music has really filled out with the band behind him. It has room to become more complex, and more rich and enveloping.
I have always had a hard time describing Dan’s style, because to me, it’s rock n. roll. But these days, people don’t believe in rock n’ roll anymore. They want to hear a complex genera description like “alternative-metal-rock” or something. I have explained other music as fusions of various genres. But in the case of Dan Tedesco, the music can’t be described as anything other than pure rock n’ roll.
Think vocals that are kind of like Tom Petty, but a little less stoned and more passionate; and then rock music with some Jimmy Hendricks-like guitar solos. That’s the best I can do. But you can hear it for yourself on Dan’s web site or on his Myspace, and in this case, that might be best.
Overall, it was a good night. The Sail Inn is still a fun place to go, and Dan is still a great musician to go check out.
Isle of Essence has a great new direction, and I found a new great songwriter named Robin Lore.
The bar from outside
Copper State Tavern is on the north side of Bethany Home Road, just before the intersection of 51st Ave, Grand Ave, and Bethany Home Road (So don’t miss it, because then you’ll have to go though a six way intersection and turn around.) Drive into the parking lot slowly, because the speed bumps are huge.
Unfortunately, there is no sign that says Copper State Tavern on the building. It’s the only building in the strip mall with neon, so you can spot it that way. The decor in minimal and classy southwest, and the tables are amazing (some kind of lacquered collage.)
Table Top
It’s a little small place, and it’s packed when there are 40 people inside. There is a big screen TV above the bar, and when I took a picture of the crowd there was a fast food commercial on. So, check out the amazing hovering cheeseburger.
The bar packed
First on the stage was singer/songwriter Robin Lore. This woman has a beautiful voice and some very catchy tunes. I really enjoyed her, and you should check her out.
Robin Lore on state
The band I was really there to see was Isle of Essence. I feel terrible that I haven’t seen them in a few years. And, since they were kicking off a national tour, I thought I’d better check them out again.
Isle of Essence
I remember Isle of Essence as a rock and roll band. I remember them as being good, but kind of raw. I was not at all prepared for what I saw at the Copper State Tavern. Isle of Essence has become a wonderful, jazzy, sort of funky rock band with a sophisticated and original sound. It’s not easy to put into words, but it really is a great sound. They’re still a lot of fun to see too. They really seem to have fun on stage.
The singer Jeremy
Having recently signed a distribution deal, you should be able to find Isle of Essence in stores like Best Buy very soon. But they will still play local shows when they get back from their tour, so make sure to try and catch them.
Northern Arizona has a lot to offer anyone heading out of town.
Jennica on a rock
I apologize for the picture quality in this blog. I forgot my camera at home, and had to buy a disposable camera on my way up. I forgot how bad the pictures are from those.
In the forest
Hiking in Northern Arizona is beautiful any time of year. It’s particularly beautiful in summertime to me because I love ferns and the sound of aspen leaves in the wind. I took my friend’s daughter hiking just outside Flagstaff in Snowbowl, which is a ski resort in the winter, but in the summer it’s criss-crossed with wonderful hiking trails.
The two of us
We did a moderate trail, and we didn’t run into any people. It was very peaceful and quiet. I would definitely recommend Snowbowl for hiking.
Jennica and her dad
After I returned a very tired Jennica to her dad in Cottonwood, I headed back to Phoenix. My favorite stop was always Sunset Point, but it has been closed for years. I was excited to see it open again, and completely remodeled.
Sitting area at Sunset Point
There are observation decks, spacious bathrooms, and places to relax and sit. They really did a wonderful job with Sunset Point, so make sure to stop there the next time you head north.
Summer fun in the Valley can include rollercoasters and cotten candy!
Castles N' Coasters
I often forget about the water parks, miniature golf courses, and amusement parks we have here in Phoenix. I guess it’s not the sort of thing a person does every day, so it’s easy to forget about. Still, it’s summer and that’s the time of year to grab some cotton candy and go on a log ride, right?
With that in mind; check out Castles N’ Coasters near Metro Center Mall in west Phoenix.
Castles and Coasters is ideal if you have small children because it’s not overwhelming large, so they can’t wander far. It’s also centrally located, so no matter where you are in the Valley, it’s not too long of a drive.
As always, please remember sunscreen. This is Arizona people! I see too many of you with killer sunburns after a day floating down theSalt Riveror out on one of our many lakes. Remember sunscreen, and remember to re-apply it often.
Visit the Scottsdale Civic Center sometime for some free fun checking out art and elaborate water features.
Library Pond near parking garage
The Scottsdale Civic Centeris one of my favorite places to go for a walk, and I have dragged friends and family alike to check it out many times over the years. There are several varieties of flowers and trees.
Roses at Sunset
There are also several fountains, which are loud enough to tune out the city noise and be really relaxing.
One of the many fountains
There are several pieces of public art to check out as well.
Public Art piece
You can even play chess (if you bring you own pieces) at one of the many tables in a secluded courtyard.
Chess area in courtyard
But best of all, it’s near Sugar Bowl ice cream shop, so after a long walk, you can cool off with a bowl of ice cream from the oldest ice cream shop in Scottsdale. Yum!
If you’re looking for somewhere nice to walk around that’s less than two hours from Phoenix, Payson is the place for you!
Rim Country
Payson and the Mogollon Rim country in general have always been favorite hiking spots of mine. Just the drive from Phoenix to Payson is beautiful. As you come up onto the tops of the hills, the sky gets bigger and bigger. The world seems to fall away and become nothing but clouds.
I try to find the spots near water for hiking, because that’s where you find the best plants and the coolest shade. To that end, I have done many hikes into the Tonto Natural Bridge (now closed to the public) and into Fossil Creek (which is thankfully still open!)
Fossil Creek
On my last hike, I was searching for something else. I hadn’t been there in years. It’s the kind of spot where teenagers go to get in trouble. It was off the Beeline Highway, and it was a long road that wound to cliffs with deep, clear pools of water below them. I had been there several times with friends back when I owned a truck and did a lot more camping, and I wanted to find it again.
End of the public road
I took a right on what I think was Flowing Springs Road, just outside Payson but not yet into the town of Pine. It’s not a long drive to the end of the road. All of a sudden you reach a place with huge signs that say “Private Property” and “No Trespassing, Keep Out.”
I was devastated when I got to the end, because I had been sure it was the right road after driving past several things that I thought were familiar. I wanted to leave the car at the end of the road and keep walking, but I was with Rob, and he is one of those people who only break the laws he doesn’t like (and the trespassing law is not one of the ones he doesn’t like.) I can only assume I was on the right track and the land beyond what was public had been sold. It always makes me sad to find public land turned private and opportunities for exploration cut short.
Muddy Water
But we got out and walked around anyway, and the part that you can still walk around is nice. The water isn’t clear anymore. It’s been damned up to make fishing holes. But it’s still pretty country, and there’s nothing quite like the sound of a babbling brook to sooth a person’s soul. I always feel like I didn’t even know I was holding my breath until I get up to the rim and let it out. *Sigh* What a great place!
The Local lizzard "Horney Toad"
So if you get the chance, head up to Payson. It’s still hot there, so bring lots of water and don’t expect it to be chilly. It’s Arizona in the summer, and it gets hot. And please, if you are a smoker, bring something to put your butts in. As Arizona becomes more well-traveled and crowded, I have been sad to see cigarette butts on a lot of my favorite hiking trails. So, as the guy in Jurassic Park says: “Hold onto your butts.”
The Japanese Friendship Gardens in PHX are a far cry from the ones in other major cities, but they are peaceful in an arid desert kind of way.
The Japanese Friendship Gardens, PHX
I have been to Japanese Friendship Gardens in several cities, including the ones in San Diego and in San Jose, both in California.
My grandpa used to take me to the Japanese Friendship Gardens in San Jose, because he enjoyed the atmosphere. He was in the navy in World War II, and he stayed to help re-build Japan after the war. I remember the Japanese things he kept; ink sticks for grinding to write, good luck charms, and scrolls. He said the purpose of the garden in San Jose was to remind people of San Jose’s sister city in Japan that had to be re-built after we destroyed it in the war. He said there were gardens in most big cities to remind us.
House for tea ceremonies
When I went to the Phoenix Japanese Friendship Gardens, there was a plaque from Phoenix’s sister city in Japan. But, it didn’t say anything about WWII. It felt oddly sanitized, as though the Phoenix designers thought it would be good to show friendship for Japan, but not good to tell our kids why it’s so important we do this.
I know why it was important to my grandpa. He said we destroyed Japan in ways the country would never recover from. After the US occupancy the geisha districts where transformed into places for… less savory women in less clothes. And we changed their government, cultures, and attitude. Maybe it was for the better, and maybe it was for the worse; but my grandpa said the important part to remember was that it was changed forever, and we couldn’t take what we did back.
Water Lillies
The Phoenix Japanese Friendship Gardens are pretty. They have nice bathrooms, and a house for tea ceremony and other Japanese traditions. They have koi ponds too, like most Japanese Friendship Gardens. But I guess we have a shortage of Japanese people in Arizona, because the gardens are not maintained by Japanese gardeners, and the fish aren’t even trained to come for food like they are in most cities. In San Jose you lightly clap your hands and all the koi hear the sound and come swimming from the many connected ponds. Then you feed them and they jump out of the water in excitement. The koi in Phoenix don’t come until you start feeding them, but they figure it out eventually.
The Koi
Another thing that makes the Phoenix gardens different is the complete lack of Japanese plants. It’s not their fault- of course. We are in Phoenix. As a gardener myself, I have full appreciation for the fact that when a plant is rated for “full sun” they mean full sun in Washington or something. Full sun in Arizona kills everything but a rare few plants, and so those few plants are what are cultivated in the Japanese Friendship Gardens. The gardens really are very pretty, all things considered. But the water is murky and they sun is hot, and they close in the summer because it’s simply too miserable out. I would say the gardens are worth checking out. But for the real experience, go to the Japanese Tea Gardens in San Francisco or the Japanese Friendship Gardens in San Jose. I suggest this for the same reason I would not suggest eating Chinese food in Rocky Piont, Mexico. It’s just not going to come close to the “real experience.”
Usually, I am gung-ho about everything Phoenix. Those who know me know that this City is my home, and that I always come back, no matter where I roam. But I am willing to admit to the limits us Phoenicians bear. We don’t have enough Asian gardeners, and we don’t have the environment for gardens. What can I say? The Phoenix Japanese Friendship Gardens are just not as nice as the gardens in other cities.
Do leave a prayer if you go to the Phoenix gardens though, as it never hurts to ask the Buddha for a favor.
A Single prayer (traditionally rolled up in Japan).
And look for the very peaceful spot in the back to meditate.
Sens Asian Tappas is awesome and out of my price range. But you should try it anyway, because it’s not just a place to eat, it’s an Experience, with a live DJ and a killer Sake bar.
Fate (now Nine 05) was a favorite restaurant of mine as soon as I tried it. It was in a run-down old house, and my first time there, the bathroom still had a shower, and a shower curtain. Over the years, my favorite back room for eating in was converted into more bathrooms and storage, and the house’s original bathroom with a shower was converted into a spacious handicapped bathroom. There were many other changes, and the city permits took years to go through. In the end, I find that I love it even more now with its improvements. (Although the first date I took Rob on we sat in the long-ago converted back room, and I do miss the privacy that room afforded diners.)
The house next door has become part of the whole Fate experience, and has a full bar. But alas, the best part of Fate was Johnny Chu, the devoted owner, chef, often hostess, and all-around energetic force behind the unique little spot. Now that Johnny is gone, it’s not quite the same…
I went to Johnny’s new restaurant, called Sens Asian Tappas on 1st Street just north of Fillmore. I had heard several months ago that Johnny moved on to something else, so I had to see what that something else was.
I’ve always liked Johnny. I used to work at a restaurant downtown that was also in a historic house like Fate, and Johnny came to check it out after it opened. The restaurant didn’t end up working out, but Johnny was supportive through the attempt, and I was always grateful for that. It’s been so many years (five, in fact) and I don’t see a glimmer of recognition in his eyes anymore when he sees me. The poor guy has too much on his mind, I suppose. Sens Asian Tappas is a place that requires a lot of work, because the plates are small and the prices are high enough that the quality has to be excellent for people to come back.
The $4 tofu dish
Now, the quality is excellent, I have to say. The fresh wasabi is amazing, and the duck was to die for in its citrus sauce (such a creative taste to pair with duck!) Still, as much as I would hate to give any restaurant Johnny owned a bad review, I do have to admit that Sens Asian Tappas is a little out of my price range for the moment. That’s not Johnny’s fault- it’s mine. I haven’t been able to land a full-time job with medical insurance since I graduated. And with another radiation treatment likely in my future, I would probably get fired anyway for taking too much time off. So, a $60 meal is an awful lot to me right now. If it was not, I would eat at Sens Asian Tappas often. The food was great! But the portions are very small, and Rob and I ordered five dishes to share just to fill up.
While Sens Asian Tappas is right next to the new ASU downtown campus, Johnny is not worried about students coming in. He said the downtown crowd was enough to sustain Fate, and so it should be enough to sustain Sens as well. The students would be a bonus, but that’s all. Fair enough. It’s a bit too classy for drunken college kids.
Sens is definitely worth seeing for yourself, with its nifty wall designs and classy atmosphere. There is a DJ mixing hip music and the sake bar is full of tasty treats (they do have a full bar though; not just Sake.)
And as with the first time I visited awhile ago, it’s good for a snack. If you just want to grab some tofu on the way to class, this is the place to go. The tofu is filling, and only $4.
I just wanted to write a brief note on the Origins Symposium at Arizona State University yesterday. The goal of the day was to bring together some of the most famous and cutting edge scientists, and have them discuss life, how it began, its place in the cosmos, etc… It was really amazing and I hope they do it again.
I just wanted to write a brief note on the Origins Symposium at Arizona State University yesterday.
First, ASU in the spring time is nice. If you don’t beleive me, check it out:
Spring Blooms
Anyway, the goal of the Origins Symposium was to bring together some of the most famous and cutting edge scientists, and have them discuss life, how it began, its place in the cosmos, etc… It was really amazing and I hope they do it again.
I did not know that my friend’s children were deprived until I found out Lucy Hawking writes books for kids. How great is that! Lucy is the daughter of Stephen Hawking, who wrote “A Brief History of Time,” and who must have a sense of humor, because the book was actually a history of the universe since the Big Bang. I think it’s wonderful that Lucy is bringing Stephen’s theories to children’s level. It was also great to hear both of them speak.
The whole day was really great, and more importantly, it reminded me that we have a scientific community here. I just read “Escape” by Carolyn Jessop, which is about a part of Arizona where they burn books.
So Arizona is a contradiction. We have very smart people who live and work here at ASU, and then we have Colorado City (where “Escape” takes place) and many who are only slightly more advanced.
JD's Blog 