Reflection.

I think all in all, blogging has made me realize much more about Arizona, than I ever thought I would. I cannot wait to go to the state many more times, so I can personally view all these spectacular sights for myself. Now I know what blogging is really like, firsthand.
I found blogging moderately easy. It wasn't the most difficult thing I thought I would have to experience, but it wasn't exactly a walk in the park. The most challenging thing about blogging is the requirements, and everything of those sorts. I got somewhat confused at some points, when I missed a few days of school, and I got farther behind than most students. Luckily, I got caught up. Once I was no longer dazed, it was smooth-sailing. If I was assigned to blog some more, I would do so without complaining. But if I had to do it with my free-will, I probably wouldn't do so.
I wrote about the U.S. state, Arizona. That is because of all the places I've traveled, I must say Arizona is one of my favorite. Just everything about it attracts me. I am very close with my grandparents, and so I go to see them a lot. I'm also very interested in riding horses, and rodeos. Since it is in the Southwest, rodeos and horses are very common. That is always a plus for me.
In the month of February, chilren have a week off of school because of "Rodeo Week." Many of the kids take part in the rodeos, or know people who do. Because it doesn't snow in Arizona, people dont have school off in December for Winter Break. So that is why they have Rodeo Week, while other places have Winter Break.
My grandparents live in Arizona in the winter, due to the cold weather here, in Chicago. So whenever I go to the lovely state, I always try to get as much sun as possible, so I can rub in how tan I am. Where they live, there are these two owls that live in a palm tree, right outside of their home. It's really quite soothing to hear them communicating at night time, while I'm drifting off to sleep. My whole family adores to golf, but for some reason, I can't get into it. So usually while they're off golfing, I'm at a ranch, riding horses in the mountains. My father's cousin is married to the owner of Tanque Verde Ranch, so I love to ride there. (I wrote about it in a blog).
I absolutely LOVE the weather in the sunny state. Sometimes at night, it gets a little chilly. But for the most part, the temperature is always astounding. Arizona means the world to me. I love everything about it. It really is the prettiest state. The sun is always shining, making my mood skyrocket.
The wide open spaces are alluring to many people, as well as myself. The desert may not fascinate everybody, but to some people, its incredible. It harldy ever rains, but when it does, many people are quite excited. You'd be lucky to see even a few days of overcast.

Arizona State Museum.

Arizona State Museum is the largest and oldest anthropology museum in the Southwest. It was created in 1893. It is where all the paleontology and archaeology is deposited, once discovered. It holds over 20,000 pieces of Southwest Indian pottery. In the museum, you can find bones and bodies of ancient creatures and many different artifacts of the old Southwest. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
Within the museum, there are the best preserved, Wooly Mammoth bones that describe the 12,000 year old Mammoth's hunt for survival.
The newest exhibit in the museum is called, "Set in Stone." It is 2,000 years worth of gems and minerals. It has over 300 objects in display, and even audio-visual tours too. The exhibit describes the myths, and the truths about how riches brought the Spanish, the Mexicans, and the Americans to the region of the Southwest. The visitors learn how technology, culture, people, and information were carried with trade goods as they traveled between mine or workshop and the market place.
There is also 2,000 years worth of American Indian pottery. Over 20,000 artifacts from the Southwest Indians, are located in the museum. It holds different kinds of jewelry, carvings, baskets, weaving, and textiles. This is the largest, and the most well preserved collection, in all of the world!
Staff at the Museum research the places where Native Americans settled, and how they lived, how they created their art, what they wore, and how they ate.
The Museum came across these artifacts by either purchasing them, or donations from actual Indians themselves, or other individuals.
They handle the keys to the past with the up-most care. Researching the artifacts, and showing it to the world is the top priority.
The things they are currently researching in their lab is; testing pesticide for the objects, new ways for caring about ceramics, better pest systems, and developing their science curriculum. And much, much more.
It costs admission to enter, and you can also get tours around the building, into various exhibits. You can view, hear, and now even touch some of the exhibit highlights.
The hours of the museum are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays. It's closed on Sundays.

Tanque Verde Ranch.

The Tanque Verde Ranch is located east of Tuscon, Arizona. Hiding in the Rincon Mountains. It's between the Saguaro National Park, and the Coronado National Forest.
Before the ranch went into business, Pima Indians lived there. They would use the seasonal river located nearby to get their water supply. They left behind many artifacts, and Metate mortar stones. In 1868 a man named Emilio Carrillo bought the land. After his death in 1908, Jim Converse owned the ranch, and began to transform it into a dude ranch. He rounded up men from the east to help with the ranch. He then purchased cattle, and supplied the ranch with eager and curious tourists. In 1957, Brownie Cote bought the property and expanded the ranch into a mix between a wild dude ranch, and a high class resort. Even to this day, the Cote family still owns the ranch, and all of the land that comes with it. Luckily, my own father's cousin, is married to Bob Cote, whom now owns the ranch.
It has been a popular ranch since 1868. The ranch therefore has over 60,000 acres of landscape, throughout the west. It is the largest dude ranch in all of North America.
There are so many things to do at the ranch, such as going on breakfast rides throughout the mountains, then eating at a buffet, or a sunset ride, where you can witness the beauty of Arizona from horseback, riding lessons, child day camps, or just regular trail rides to enjoy. If you're not one to enjoy the horses, Tanque Verde Ranch offers a tennis program, hiking and mountain biking, fishing, swimming, dancing, playing, painting, learning, aerobics, and many many other activities.
The Nature Center housed on the ranch, allows guests to observe many different species of desert animals, such as snakes, and poisonous spiders. Don't be scared though, since all the animals are safely housed behind glass, protecting humans from them. Also, while on nature walks, you may see many different types of wildlife, such as jackrabbits, and other desert creatures.
On Friday nights, there is a giant cookout, down in the cottonwoods. There are drinks served, along with a variety of different foods at the buffet. There are country singers to entertain, while everybody socializes, and enjoys each others' company. The famous honey butter is also provided for your dinner rolls, which is a very popular favorite.

Tanque Verde Ranch Website:
http://www.tanqueverderanch.com/

Comments about the Ranch:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60950-d112507-Reviews-Tanque_Verde_Ranch-Tucson_Arizona.html

Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

Davis Monthan Air Force Base is located in Tucson, Arizona. I have visited this spectacle many times, and I must say, it is a sight to see.
In 1925, Tucson bought 1,280 of land, to home the soon-to-be new air force base. They finished building the sight in 1927. On September 23, Charles Lindbergh dedicated the site to two aviators who died in seperate plane crashes after World War 1. It therefore became named as as a mix of the two aviator's names. Davis-Monthan.
The field immediately became the first, and the largest municipal-owned airport in America.
The military came on October 6, 1927.
In 1940, the War Department announced to establish an Army Base in Tucson, because of the rising war in Europe. Many planes and bombardments then arrived at the air port base.
Tucson's dry, and sunny climate made it ideal for aircraft storage, and preservation.
Training jets arrived at the base in February, of 1953.
Since then, many jets, air crafts, tanks, bombing planes, and other military vehicle have arrived at the base. There are more than 300 different types of aircraft and spacecraft in the field. Some are the most technically advanced craft this world has ever seen. They came from not only the United States, but the entire world!
Even today, it is still in use, should an emergency come forth.
Also, it can be viewed in a museum, with the cost of admission. It is open every day of the week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The latest you can arrive for a tour is 4:00 p.m. The only days it is actually closed throughout the entire year, is on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Parking is free. And you can even bring your pet if you wish. You can pay for a tour with a group, as well as admission, or you may prefer to walk to the exhibits on your own, taking your time. Either way, you still need to purchase tickets to view the museum.
Also, there is an Inn on the reservation, which houses 50 temporary lodging facility. There are options between one bedroom, and two bedroom rooms. The customers are held in top priority. And it is basically first-come, first-served.
The museum is one of the largest air and space museums in the entire world. It's also the biggest non-government funded aviation as well.

Lake Powell.

Lake Powell is a reservoir placed on the Colorado River, in between Utah and Arizona. It's the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States, following after Lake Mead. It's capable of holding up to 24,322,000 acre feet of water.
It was created when the Glen Canyon flooded.
It happens to be named after the explorer named John Wesley Powell. He was an American Civil War veteran who found the river in three wooden boats in 1869.
It took precisely 17 years to fill Lake Powell. It was completely finished by the time 1980 rolled around.
Millions of people from around the world come to see the lake every year. It really is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Many photographers, and filmers come to view it personally, because of how tremendous it happens to be.
If you plan on taking a short time to visit the lake, I would suggest taking a tour boat to Rainbow Bridge. There's even a sunset dinner, for people who are romantic.
Many people see the river via houseboat, so be sure to make a reservation so you can be able to rent a boat from Wahweap Marina.
Usually, once you see the lake once, you'll keep continually coming back for more.
Lake Powell's water makes up 13% of the Glen Canyon Recreational Area. The Glen Canyon Dam rises to 710 feet above the Colorado River and was finished building in 1963. It provides most of the power, and water for the southwestern United States. The Power plant has 8 generators, and holds about 1.3 million kilowatts!
The gorgeous lake is surrounded by canyons, peaks, and other natural beauties. It really is remarkable to see.
The largest natural bridge on earth, named Rainbow Bridge National Monument, is also on Lake Powell.
There are two visitor centers, lodging, restaurants, campgrounds, 5 marinas, different boat rentals, fishing and water sports gear, and general merchandise.
You can swim, hike, water-ski, fish, scuba dive, participate in lake tours, air flights, and many other different things as well, while visiting Lake Powell.
The actual lake itself is 400 feet deep, 186 miles long, and has over 2,000 miles of shoreline. Some of the cliffs and canyons are at the same height as the lake, creating what appears as little islands, throughout the water.
Since it is located in the middle of a desert, a drought has lowered the height of the water considerably.

The official website:

http://www.lakepowell.com/index.aspx?gclid=CLa6zoOSp6ECFRUeDQodZx8uFQ

Tombstone.

Tombstone is located in Cochise County, Arizona.
Ed Schieffelin found it in the summer of 1877 in what was then known as Arizona Territory. He came across it when he found a vein of very rich silver ore in a Plateau named Goose Flats. When he filed his mining claim he called it "The Tombstone."
The town of Tombstone was founded in 1879 and soon became a boomtown. Within a few years, the population increased immensely. It became very widely known, and popular.
Because Tombstone was in a desert, a company decided to build a pipeline to supply the town with water. Hardly after it was built, the silver mine's struck water.. Once the mine's failed, and the large supply of water flooded the town, many people deserted that community, and the population declined rapidly.
Tombstone houses the most famous graveyard of the old west, known as Boot Hill. Many people buried there died from disease, and violence, from the town's early years.
The historic gunfight at O.K. Corral is now preserved, and walled off, and it costs money to get in. But because many of the gun fights happened outside on the streets, you can go and view the death scenes, free of charge.
The largest rosebush in the world was also planted in Tombstone in 1885. It still grows today, wearing a 12 foot circumference trunk, and 8,000 square feet of the roof of an in.
The town is now a very popular tourist sight, and is supplied with shows to reminicse on the town's wild-west image, and wild days. Helldorado Day's is a festival that is held on the third week of every October. It consists of wild gunfights, fashion shows, street entertainment, and even a carnival.
Unfortunately, since the town is now almost completely dedicated to tourists, it has now "threatened the town's designation as a National Historic Landmark District, a designation it earned in 1961 as 'one of the best preserved specimens of the rugged town of the 1870s and '80s.'"

Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's seven wonders, located in Arizona. It's a steep sided gorge, carved out by the Colorado River. It's held in the Grand Canyon National Park, which was one of the first national parks in the United States.
It is 277 miles long, and the depth of it is about over a mile down. It is nearly 17 million years old, and the oldest traceable rock fossils are found in the bottom layer of the canyon, which helps scientists with their discoveries immensely. It has been said that the Colorado River has been eroding, and running its' course thru the canyon for about 17 million years now.
Before Europeans discovered the land in 1540, Native American Indians called it home. They built settlements throughout the canyon, and its' multiple caves. They considered the territory "holy land".
Although the Grand Canyon isn't the deepest, or largest canyon in the world, it is famous for its' intricate landscape, beauty, and color.
It is 5,000 to 10,000 feet high, of uplift of the Colorado Plateau. Because of this, it has steepened the stream gradient of the Colorado River, therefore causing it to speed up its pace, and erode through the rocks at an even quicker pace. Also, when the ice from the ice age melted, it also supplied the Colorado River with extra water. It responded by cutting through the rock faster, and quicker.

There are exactly 1,737 known types of plants, 167 types of fungus, 64 species of moss, and 195 types of lichen found in the Grand Canyon National Park alone. The difference varieties are due from the major difference in the elevation, from the Colorado River, to the highest point on the North Rim. The way some ridges face, is also a large part of importance for different variation types. For example, the north side of the ridges get about 1/3 of the normal sunlight given, so plants that grow there are similar to ones that grow in higher elevations. While the plants growing on the south side of the ridges are more similar to ones growing in deserts since they get full sunshine.

There are only 34 different mammal species in the Grand Canyon. Of those thirty-four, 15 of them are rodents, and 8 of them are bats.

There are a great deal of activities you can do while visiting the Canyon, aside from appreciating its' beauty. Rafting, hiking, running, and helicopter tours are some of the most popular. However though, while in the Canyon, it is suggested to bring plenty of water, for there is a high risk of dehydration, or heat exhaustion. Be sure to rest often. Usually it can be around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but the closer you get to the bottom, the hotter it will get.

Unfortunately, there have been around 600 deaths in the Grand Canyon since the 1970's. Some happened from drowning in the Colorado River, some have resulted from airplane collisions in the canyon, and some have been from people believing they were fit enough to hike the Canyon without enough water supply, or rest, and they became dehydrated, and had to get rescued. To be exact, 53 deaths have been from people falling into the Canyon, 65 deaths were from environmental purposes, such as dehydration, heat stroke, and more, 7 people died in flash floods, 79 people drowned in the Colorado River, 242 people were killed in plane or helicopter collisions, 25 died on accidents, like rock falls, or lightning strikes, 48 poor souls committed suicide there, and sadly 23 people were murdered there.

Sedona Red Rocks.

Sedona, Arizona is often called, "Red Rock Country." About 320 million years ago, Sedona lied underwater, and the first layer of the rock formation came from old sea creatures skeletons. Rivers later deposited sediment that is now red sandstone, which erodes extremely easily. When the Colorado Plateau lifted, forming the Grand Canyon, it also cracked part of the earth in the Sedona area. Since water poured through those cracks, they eroded the rocks, and now left cliffs behind.
Millions of years of erosion has caused canyons, arches, buttes, and cliffs. The high parts of the mountains contain thick pine forests, that lower into a dry, desert. The valleys hold rich wildlife and vegetation.
The Sedona Red rocks are red, because when water carrying dissolved iron drains through the sandstone, and leaves iron behind, it coats the quartz, and gives it a red color.
The climate of Sedona has changed over millions, possibly hundreds of millions of years. It has shifted from being underwater, to being a seacoast, to being a desert, to what it is currently.
Deer, otters, coyotes, cougars, and many more animals live in the Red Rock park. Oak Creek, which runs all year, is home to many different types of underwater wildlife as well.
The Red Rocks once belonged to the Yavapi Apaches, who were forcefully removed in 1875. Even still, some returned after 1900. Because it was home to Native American Indians, cliff dwellings are abundant. It is considered "sacred land".
In the early 1980's, the Red Rock State Park process was created. The park then officially opened in October 1991. Walkways and trails travel through and around the sandstone rocks.
The base of the beautiful Red Rocks have been traced from sediment in the sea, to sediment that's formed from sand blown in from dry land, or coastal beaches. The sand varies from bright orange, to red, and tan as well. Sometimes, white or gray rocks are also visible.

Sedona is used to 4 mild seasons, all of which range from 74.7 degrees, to 45.7 degrees. Because of the constant good weather, there are many outdoor activities in which to take part in. You can easily spend time searching through hidden canyons, or enjoying the red rock trails.

Inside, you can also go see art shows, music and theatre programs, festivals, and many community events.

Since the place is magically beautiful, commericals and television shows often film in the unsettled areas of the city. The city actually gathers about 4 million tourists from around the world.

Only 51% of the territory is privately owned, and the rest of it belongs to Coconino National Forest.

The city's airport stands at an elevation of more than 4,800 feet. The usual elevation is around 4,500 feet high, but some of the highest red-rock formations are at more than a mile-high elevation.

Created in 1995, Sedona Charter School is the oldest charter school in Arizona. Even though the school is very small, holding only a mere 160 students, they therefore reach very high achedemic achievements.

Meteor Crater.

The Meteor Crater located east of Flagstaff, near Winslow, in the northern Arizona desert, is the world's best preserved meteorite. The asteroid collided with Earth at 26,000 miles per hour with the same force as 20 million tons of dynamite, and hit land exactly 50,000 years ago. The Meteor Cater is a mile across, and 2.4 miles wide in circumference, also being 550 feet deep. The Crater consists of an international tourist venue with outdoor observation trails, an air conditioned indoor viewing, a wide screen movie theater, an interactive discovery center, and a unique gift and rock shop, among other things.
The Meteor Crater was formerly known as the Canyon Diablo Crater. Scientists also refer to it as Barringer Crater in honor of Daniel Barringer, who was the first person to imply that the hole was produced from a meteorite.
When Europeans discovered it, it was completely covered with over 3o tons of meteoric iron.
A man named Grove Karl Gilbert investigated the crater, and assumed it was the result of a volcanic steam explosion. He then found out he was incorrect, and concluded it was in fact, a meteor crater.
Daniel Barringer agreed it was from a large iron-metallic meteorite. Barringer's Company then bought 640 acres around the center of the crater in 1903, from President Theodore Roosevelt. The Standard Iron Company did research on where the crater came from throughout the years 1903 to 1905. They concluded it came from a furious impact. Many people didn't believe an asteroid could have cause this giant wonder, considering they were reluctant to the role of meteorites in terrestrial geology.
Currently, the owners of the crater plan to turn it into a thriving amusement park. They claim it to be "the first proven, best-preserved meteorite crater on earth," where they want to turn it into "the world's largest swimming pool."
The impact of the collision overturned and inverted the layers to one or two kilometers outward of the crater's edge. Which is actually a huge distance if you think about it.

McKenna's Bio.

My name is McKenna DeRue. I am fourteen years old. My favorite color is aqua. Horseback riding is my life, and I live for it. I'm extremely terrified of bees, and I despise ticks. I adore surprises, since they make life more interesting. Apparently I'm stubborn, as people have told me, even though I don't quite agree with it. I'm loyal to my friends, and the people I care about in my life. I'm extremely indecisive, so I can't ever make up my mind. I chose to write about the fun things to do in Arizona, because I have visited the state multiple times, and know the land decently well. I am going to move there, and spend the rest of my life there someday. Lots of my family live there as well, and so we visit them frequently. It really is a beautiful state. I am blogging on this topic, because I am aware of the attractions, and amusing things to do, while in the state, that makes Arizona famous. There are plenty of places to sight-see, and view while visiting.