May 03, 2004
From the desk of Jane Galt:What I did on my summer vacation
I just got back from a Liberty Fund conference in Arizona. It was amazing (like Tyler Cowen, I highly recommend that you go to one if you're invited). I've never been to Arizona before, so it was a terrific opportunity to do some riding and hiking through terrain I've never seen before. Sadly, I didn't get to soak in the landscape well enough that my own landscape looked strange when I saw it, but I did get to take some fantastic pictures in the national park.
All photos taken with the Minolta DiMage G500, which I love with a passion seldom found in one so young. The pictures looked even better before I cut 'em down and compressed them for the web.
These pictures remind me of one reason why I am glad I left Arizona. I love the countryside in Arizona, there are some really beautiful places in the desert and the nights out there are amazing. Clear skies and no city lights visible.. you can truly see forever. But prickly thorns and cactus!! Ah, my legs are feeling phantom pains just from me seeing these pictures (even with blue jeans and rattlesnake shields on my legs, those thorns and thistles will track you down).
I miss it (mildly) all the time.
Glad you had a good trip.
State motto should be "It's a dry heat."
Posted by: Fred Radcliffe on May 3, 2004 05:43 PMIf you're going to post cactus pictures, you should really stand next to them. To lend perspective, of course.
Posted by: James Joyner on May 3, 2004 11:27 PMWas it Tucson?
The view from the mountain looks like the trail ascending from the Saguaro National Monument (east).
Posted by: Nate on May 4, 2004 04:13 PMYes, looks like the foothills of the Rincons. I actually like the west part better, and the Desert Museum is worth a visit. Jane picked a great time of year to go, when it's not too hot yet, and the cacti are blooming.
Posted by: Rand Simberg on May 5, 2004 11:37 AMIt was indeed Saguaro East . . . great call. And it was indeed a lovely time to visit.
Posted by: Jane Galt on May 6, 2004 01:35 PMAh...you missed the best time to come! Visit in August! Monsoons and 120 degree days!
That's Arizona!
Posted by: SDAI-Tech1 on May 8, 2004 01:27 AMIf you're out that way again and you have any interest in zoos, I strongly recommand a visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Posted by: Alex Bensky on May 9, 2004 12:00 AMComments are Closed.