47, 10 and 64/100 ... things that fly

I imagine Adam and Eve were sitting in the Garden of Eden one day watching the birds and insects flit here and there, soaring in the sky, and wondered what it would be like to defy gravity and fly. The phenomenon of flight continues to fascinate most of us despite air travel becoming an everyday occurrence.

We recently visited the 309 AMARG, nicknamed "The Boneyard" (#47 on my "100 Things To Do In Arizona" list), the ski lift at Mt. Lemmon (#10) and the Butterfly Garden in Patagonia (#64). All three are a kind of sanctuary for things that fly.

Shortly after WWII, the Army created a storage facility for surplus B-29 and C-47 aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (D-MAFB) in Tucson. Today this facility is the 309 AMARG (Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group) or "Boneyard" and includes more than 4,400 aircraft and 13 aerospace vehicles from the military and several federal agencies including NASA and NOAO. D-MAFB was chosen because of the scant rainfall and low humidity which allows aircraft to be stored indefinitely with minimal deterioration and the hard, clay-like soil (caliche) which allows aircraft to be parked on the desert floor rather than needing to build expensive parking ramps.

Row and after row of aircraft were lined up.

(We were not allowed to get off the tour bus so some photos have glass glare.)

309 AMARG has two purposes: maintenance and regeneration. When aircraft need retrofitting, remodeling or updates, they are sent here. It is the "dry dock" for aircraft. When there is a surplus of a certain type of aircraft, they are safely taken apart and stored. In this case, it is a "storage unit." Both "dry dock" and "storage unit" fall under maintenance. As an aircraft is redesigned and modified, earlier versions are sometimes sold to our Allies - a kind of "Craigslist" for Aircraft. And when an old aircraft becomes structurally unsound and unsafe to fly, it will be grounded and used for spare parts - a kind of "NAPA Parts Store" for aircraft. Eventually, when all the parts have been stripped or are obsolete, the aircraft is scrapped for metal - a kind of "Recycling Program." "Craigslist", the "NAPA Parts Store" and the "Recycling Program" fall under regeneration. The group is quite profitable as every dollar in costs generates $10 profit.

I like the aircraft with the bat wings on the tail- could it be a Bat Jet?

Our tour guide, like most of the Boneyard guides, was a retired Air Force pilot who now volunteers as a tour guide at the Boneyard. Their affection and respect for these aircraft is evident in the way they talk about them. It is a sanctuary for both the aircraft and the pilots that flew them.

After a quick lunch, it was time to skeedaddle up Mt. Lemon to Ski Valley. As we left Tucson behind and headed up the mountain, it was 105 degrees outside. The temperature had dropped 27 degrees by the time we got to Ski Valley to take the ski lift to the summit (#10). Those who know me will recognize that this would require me to come face-to-face with a rather significant fear of mine - namely, having my feet dangle far (as in 18 inches!) above the ground. Will I be able to do it?

As I watched the ski lift from the safety of the ground, I remembered the reasons I wanted to ride it to the top: friends and family had told me 1) it was fun, almost thrilling even, 2) it is beautiful, a panoramic vista you can't see from the ground, and 3) there is a quiet solitude you get only by being above everything else - people, noise, commotion.

This didn't look too bad- and the chairs were only four or five feet above the ground. 

With a little instruction and coaxing from Richard, I was able to get on the ski lift without being knocked over or falling off! And I kept my eyes OPEN!!

But wait! The ground is ... getting ... farther ... and farther ... away!

And my feet are dangling!

You can tell the ground is FAR away because it's out of focus!

< remember to breathe >

I could feel my heart racing. Surely we're almost to the top?!

Richard was talking to me, trying to distract me. I have no idea what he said but could hear the calm in his voice. And he seemed to be enjoying himself. 

Remember to breathe.

Are you kidding me? They have to post a sign about this? That means someone has actually swung and bounced the chairs?

Are we there yet????????

No really, how far is it to the top?

A MILE?????

Remember to breathe.

Look around.

Trees that were damaged in the Aspen Fire (2003) became more numerous.

And several observatories are at the top!

Finally, the top of the mountain was in view... and the platform to get off the chair lift. 

I managed to get off the chair lift and move away without getting hit in the head or falling down. 

The summit is at 9100 feet; the ski lift climbs 900 feet during its one-mile trek and took us about 15 minutes. Once my feet were no longer dangling but firmly planted on solid ground, I realized that I did enjoy the ride. Well, I enjoyed that last five minutes of the ride. 

Now it was time to explore the top of the mountain. The first thing we noticed was that it was even cooler. 

Dozens of towers (microwave repeaters and other communication stuff) and blackened trees from the Aspen Fire dotted the summit making it look inhospitable and uninviting. 

But standing on the edge looking south gave us a panoramic aerial view of Tucson. I tried to pick out places I know there but didn't have much success.

And looking northeast gave us a view of Summerhaven, a tiny community near the summit.

After walking around for about 45 minutes, it was time to head back down the mountain. I felt a tiny bit of apprehension as I got on the ski lift but then became engrossed in the view which was completely different from what I saw going up the mountain.

As soon as we got away from the loading ramp and were on our way, I noticed the quiet. Occasionally we would hear a bird chirping or the mechanical sound of the chair going over the joints but nothing else. Just quiet. 

We could see for miles and miles. It was quiet ... and peaceful ... a nap for my mind!

Although the ski lift operator assured me it took the same amount of time to come down as it did to go up, the ride down seemed much shorter. Before I was ready, it was time to get off - which I did like a pro ... and with a big smile on my face! I had a sanctuary above the ground; a place to just let my mind wander, thinking about nothing and everything.

No longer anticipating meeting my fear as I had on the way up, I enjoyed the drive down the mountain.  We were treated to quite a few hoodoos - tall, thin columns of rock that extend upwards from the bottom of an arid drainage basin. They vary in height from five or six feet to 80 or 90 feet. 

If you look at them long enough, they begin to look like famous people! 

We stopped at a few places to get a better look at these unusual-looking formations. They are made by wind and water erosion and often have a "capstone" made of harder rock that gives some protection from the elements to the column. 

At this spot, the parking area was on the other side of the street from the hoodoos. While I appreciated the crosswalk, I am dismayed that we need a huge 3-foot by 5-foot sign instructing pedestrians to look both ways before they cross the street - are we all still in kindergarten? But that's a post for another day.

The next day we were off to southern Arizona - specifically the Butterfly Garden in Patagonia (#64). While well-known internationally by birders, hundreds of species of butterflies also migrate through southern Arizona during the summer months.  Located on the south side of Town Park, the 800 square foot butterfly sanctuary was built in 1996 with donations from local residents and organizations and is overseen by a group of volunteers. 

We saw LOTS of butterflies like the Bairds Old World Swallowtail (on left) and the Queen Butterfly (on right). 

We strolled through the park, sat on several benches and watched dozens and dozens of butterflies dance around the flowers. The garden is full of their favorite plants so it's a bit like watching children let loose in a candy shop. It is definitely a sanctuary for the butterflies - but it is also a haven for the people that stop to look at the beautiful flowers, watch the gorgeous butterflies flit about and enjoy nature!

Thumb Up or Down: UP for all three!

Miles Round Trip: see next post

Miles To Date: see next post

Percent of List Completed: 71%

Date of This Trip: August, 10-11, 2012

3/100... music makes my heart sing ♪♬♩♫

How do Arizonans stay cool in the extreme heat of the summer? One way is to take advantage of the free air conditioning in museums. Yes, most have an admission price but it's the same winter and summer so the ultra-cool air is free! During a recent heat wave when temperatures were above 110℉, I visited the Musical Instrument Museum (#3 on my "100 Things in Arizona" list) in Scottsdale.

The Musical Instrument Museum (or MIM, for short) is located in north Scottsdale just south of Loop 101 at Tatum Blvd.

The museum is laid out in two large wings with a connecting annex. Oh, and there are two floors that are open to the public. Yeah, it's huge! In fact, it is the biggest museum of its type in the world. I was told by several people that while it might be possible to see the entire museum in one day, it would be a very long day and probably quite over-whelming. When I arrived, I asked the docent at the front desk how to get the most out of my visit given that I had only three hours to spend there. After giving me a map and  a headset, he told me to walk through and stop at what looked interesting. 

Most of the displays are on the top floor but I did pass two rather large rooms on the first floor that I peeked in first. One had a magnificent display of guitars; some were very old, others were quite ornamental. It was fascinating to see so may different ones in the same room. The other room housed a display showing how instruments are made and how they have evolved over time. Both exhibits were interesting but I didn't want to spend too much time there - I will definitely look through those rooms again sometime!

I thought the double-necked guitar (top left) was interesting - I'd like to watch someone play one some time! The instrument on the bottom right is a Paigu (hourglass drum) - it would have had a drumhead tied to the hooks. It dates back to over 400 years BC and is the oldest object in MIM's collection.

After heading upstairs, I discovered much of the museum is laid out by country or region. The headsets are wireless and activate when you approach an audio/video screen at a display. I didn't have to punch in numbers that correspond to an exhibit or make sure I was "going in order" which I found helpful.

Most exhibits had an audio/visual screen where an instrument was demonstrated or talked about. If dancing or singing was part of their musical culture, that might be shown as well.

Some country exhibits were quite large or extensive while others were small. I walked fairly quickly through many of these and would like to come back later and spend more time.

I did spend a bit of time at the Trinidad and Tobago exhibit. Their music fascinates me because they have taken ordinary, everyday items like a metal trash can or a rum bottle and a spoon and used it to make music. And the steel drums are amazing! Although an extremely impoverished nation, their music is rich in color and expression.

Although he never played an instrument, my dad loved all kinds of music and often played records of great jazz musicians and military bands playing marches and country artists strumming guitars. He encouraged me to learn to play an instrument and suggested the flute because it's easy to carry (he was right about that!). I played from fourth grade through high school and developed my own love of music. I was delighted to find an exhibit just about flutes!

And none of them looked like mine! Some of these are played vertically like a clarinet and others are played horizontally like a modern flute.

One of my most favorite exhibits is the Arizona Exhibit, a very large room filled with all things that combine Arizona and music, from long ago as well as yesterday. Here are a couple of my favorite things:

The UofA - ASU rivalry began long ago and will continue, I think, forever. Even their marching band uniforms are across the hall from each other!

Anyone born before 1975 who lived in the Phoenix area will be transported back to childhood when they see this exhibit. The Wallace & Ladmo Show aired on KPHO-Channel 5 for 35 years  and appealed to children as well as adults. Mike Condello was hired in 1960 as the show's music director and recorded several songs to the tunes of Beatles songs that were used on the show. And, of course, who can forget "Ho ho ha ha hee hee ha ha...!"? 

As I was walking from hall to hall, I heard someone playing a piano ... and doing it beautifully. At first I thought it was broadcast music but then I noticed it stopped and started as though someone was practicing. 

Museum guests are encouraged to tickle the ivories on the grand piano in the lobby area. Amazingly, I heard no one playing chopsticks or just messing around ... nothing but beautiful music came forth.

After my quick break listening to the piano music, I ventured into the Artist Gallery. What an incredibly fun place! It was like a walk down memory lane.

I saw old friends like Toby Keith, Buck Owens and Elvis!

The mark of a great museum, in my opinion, is that it actively engages its visitors. MIM does this in the Experience Gallery where young and old alike are encouraged to bang a gong, strum a harp or play one of the other instruments on display there. 

What a fun way to learn about music and instruments! I played the harp ... not well, but I played it!

Restoration is an important part of most museums' work. The Conservation Lab at MIM gives guests a glimpse of the behind the scenes preservation and restoration work they do to ensure the structural integrity of musical instruments and artifacts for future generations.

No one was in the lab when I was there but it was interesting to see the facility.

In addition to displaying over 15,000 musical instruments from nearly 200 countries and territories around the globe, MIM also has a concert hall where you can listen to the music stylings of people like Sondre Lerche, Arturo Sandoval, the Red Rocks Music Festival Ensemble or a host of others. I peeked in the hall on my way out and look forward to coming back to hear a concert sometime.

In what seemed like no time at all, my three hours were gone and I needed to leave. I will definitely come back to explore this museum again ... and again. It is a place where you can learn something, listen to some great music and leave feeling revived. 

This quote is prevalent throughout the museum. As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "Music is the universal language of mankind." It speaks to all people without translation.

Thumb Up or Down: UP!

Miles Round Trip: 63.3 miles

Miles To Date: 7577.5 miles

Percent of List Completed: 68%

Date of This Trip: July 26, 2012

67/100... building a story

Buildings tell a story about their city. The architecture, location and purpose of the building contribute to the plot line. The people who commission the building, build it and live or work in it are the characters. Each story is as unique as the building telling it. This is the story of the Luhrs Building and the adjacent Luhrs Tower (#67 on my "100 Things in Arizona" list) in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.

George H. N. Luhrs, a German immigrant, established a wagon-making business in the Arizona Territory near Wickenburg in 1869. After moving to Phoenix in 1878 and establishing a business partnership with Nowell Herrick in 1881, Luhrs married Catharina Dodenhoff, a native of his hometown in Germany, in 1884.

Luhrs and Herrick purchased several parcels of prime real estate in Phoenix, a rapidly growing city. An astute businessman as well as a visionary citizen, Luhrs built the Luhrs Hotel (originally known as the Commercial Hotel) in 1887. George and Catharina managed the hotel, eventually moving into it after Herrick and Luhrs parted ways in 1890.

Phoenix was a prosperous and rapidly growing town at the turn of the 20th century. Its population grew from just over 5500 people in 1900 to well over 29,000 in 1920. And Luhrs was ready to build. He believed the small town in the desert that "sprang up from the ashes" would eventually be a bustling metropolis- and he wanted to help make it so.

The Luhrs Building

11 W. Jefferson  Phoenix, Arizona

The Luhrs Building opened in April, 1924 and was a sight to see! At ten-stories tall and a cost of $553,000, it was, and still is, a magnificent building with the distinction of being Phoenix's first high-rise! The Arizona Club (an exclusive social dining club), complete with several dining rooms, lounges, a library and bedrooms for members, was located in the top four floors. The remaining floors were leased as office space.

Signs and advertisements now "decorate" this historic building- not a sign of progress, in my opinion.

The Arizona Club moved out of the Luhrs Building in 1971 and the upper floors were reconfigured into office space. Today, the lobby is utilitarian with minimal furnishings. I tried to imagine it as it was in the mid-1900's but it was difficult with so much chrome and glass staring me in the face. 

The mailbox in the lobby is the only reminder of the building's early history.

Five years after the Luhrs Building opened, the Luhrs Tower was built right next door. George Luhrs died just two months after the groundbreaking and his son, George H.N. Luhrs, Jr. took over the family business. 

At 14-stories (185 feet), the Luhr's Tower was an impressive building in 1929. Although it was never the tallest building in Phoenix - the Westward Ho, at 16-stories (208 feet) had that honor - it is credited by some as being the city's first "skyscraper" while others contend that the Westward Ho deserves that honor. And that begs the question: What is the difference between a "high-rise" and a "skyscraper?"

Apparently there is no easy answer to that and engineering/architecture-types have been arguing about it for centuries. Most everyone agrees that a "skyscraper" is a building of "exceptional" height over 12-stories. The difference of opinion relates to the building's use. Some believe ANY building that meets the height requirement qualifies as a "skyscraper" while others believe that skyscrapers are for commercial use only. High-rises need to be of "considerable" height and can be used for either commercial or residential (including hotels) use.

The Westward Ho, formerly known as the Roosevelt Hotel, was built in 1927 and was used primarily as a hotel until its closure in 1980. It also housed a couple of restaurants and a few offices. After its closing, the new owners remodeled the building into subsidized housing for the elderly and mobility-impaired and it currently houses 320 residents. It has never been a strictly commercial building which is why many maintain that the Luhrs Tower is Phoenix's (and Arizona's) first skyscraper despite the Westward Ho being taller and built two years earlier. 

The Luhrs Tower

45 W. Jefferson  Phoenix, Arizona

The Art Deco architecture of the Luhrs Tower is distinctive, setting it apart from other downtown buildings. Art Deco architecture with its sleek lines, geometric shapes and dramatic presence came into vogue during the Roaring Twenties. They were the buildings of the future. The discovery of King Tut's tomb in Egypt influenced Art Deco architecture as symbolic images were worked into the buildings as well as gilding. 

Unlike the Luhrs Building next door, the interior of the Luhrs Tower is quite beautiful and rich with history. Marble and gilding are abundant. And while the elevator "innards" may have been updated and/or replaced, the exterior doors look original. My personal favorite thing in the lobby is the old-fashioned clock-faced floor indicator above the elevators- not a modern digital indicator! And no 13th floor! Walking into the lobby was like stepping back in time.

My second favorite thing in the lobby is the directory. A vast majority of the offices belong to attorneys,  private investigators and bail bondsmen - not surprising when you realize that there are more than a half dozen courts covering four jurisdictions within a mile of the building!

George H. N. Luhrs, Sr. had a vision for Phoenix and desperately wanted to be a part of it. Some of his buildings are not just standing, but are still a vital part of downtown almost a century later. He was absolutely correct that Phoenix would one day be a bustling metropolis. Today there are more than 1.4 million people in Phoenix. In fact, it is the sixth most populous city in the United States. 

Today's high-rises and skyscrapers physically dwarf the Luhr's Building seen in the background but it and the Luhrs Tower continue to be great buildings! And, just so you know, the tallest building in Phoenix (and Arizona) today is the Chase Tower with 40-stories (483 feet)!

We had a great time exploring a couple of Phoenix's heroes of old. 

Thumb Up or Down: Up!

Miles Round Trip: 42.6 miles

Miles To Date: 7514.2 miles

Percent of List Completed: 67%

Date of This Trip: July 20, 2012