While a few calendar flips remain before FMCA’s next international convention, motorhomers may want to start planning their itinerary to The Grand Canyon State. The descriptions below might whet some travelers’ appetites:
Looking ahead to FMCA’s 95th International Convention in Chandler, Arizona, next March, what’s a great travel spot to explore out West at that time of year?
Last fall my wife and I visited Phoenix to see my brother and discovered two great places to visit for those attending the FMCA international convention in Chandler. One is the Hall of Flame Fire Museum on East Van Buren Street in Phoenix (www.hallofflame.org; 602-275-3473). It has wonderful displays of equipment dating back to the 1700s. It also has a sobering National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, dedicated to all the firefighters who have given their lives in the last 40 years, including a special section for the first responders who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11.
The other place we enjoyed was Butterfly Wonderland, on East Via de Ventura in Scottsdale (www.butterflywonderland.com; 480-800-3000). Those of all ages who love these beautiful creatures will be entranced by the number and variety flitting about.
Steve Marcereau, F342103
Silas, Alabama
Things to do and places to visit:
- Spring training ball games.
- Many activities in and around the “Valley of the Sun,” depending on your interests.
- Many beautiful state parks in and around the Chandler-Phoenix area for camping and hiking.
- Several casinos, theaters, and concert venues.
- Jerome and Sedona, Arizona (camp at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood, Arizona). Cottonwood is a great town and has many surrounding wineries. Take a trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad (www.verdecanyonrr.com), which departs from Clarkdale, Arizona. Sedona is a beautiful town, and Jerome abounds with mining history. (Do NOT try driving a motorhome to Jerome, however — the road is narrow and hilly.)
- Montezuma Castle National Monument and Montezuma Well — ancient Indian ruins (www.nps.gov/moca).
I live in the Phoenix area and would be happy to provide additional information to FMCA members. I have camped in Arizona for more than 35 years and love to share my experiences. Or, go to www.visitarizona.com; (866) 275-5816.
Mary Traettino, F195979
Phoenix, Arizona
Have you ever seen 20,000 gallons of water a minute gushing out of a group of springs? That’s more than 30 million gallons of water a day at a constant 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Only two hours north of Chandler, just outside Strawberry, you’ll find Fossil Springs Wilderness and Fossil Creek. Fossil Creek is one of only two National Wild and Scenic Rivers in Arizona and is fed by springs coming from the cliffs of the Mogollon Rim. The high mineral content leaves travertine dams and deposits, giving rise to fossil-like features. In 2005 the Arizona Public Service decommissioned the Fossil Creek Dam and Flume, restoring the full flow to Fossil Creek.
Jim Brightly, F358406
Kingman, Arizona
Future questions:
1. Are you a work camper? Describe a job you have had while staying in your motorhome.
2. How do you preserve trip memories?