California 11th October
Monday 11th October Weather –Sunny 93/67
Phoenix, Arizona
Overview
Phoenix is the capital and largest city of the state of Arizona, as well as the fifth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to approximately 1.5 million people, and is the anchor of the Phoenix metropolitan area (also known as the Valley of the Sun), the 12th largest metro area by population in the United States with nearly 4.3 million people.
Phoenix was incorporated as a city in 1881 after being founded in 1861 near the Salt River, near its confluence with the Gila River. The city eventually became a major transportation hub in North America and a main transportation, financial, industrial, cultural and economic centre of the South-western United States. Residents of the city are known as Phoenicians.
Located in the north-eastern reaches of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix has the hottest climate of any major city in the United States. The average high temperatures are over 100°F (37.8°C) for three months out of the year, and have spiked over 120°F (48.9°C) on occasion.
The Sonoran Desert is an arid region covering 120,000 square miles in southwestern Arizona and southeastern California, as well as most of Baja California and the western half of the state of Sonora, Mexico. Subdivisions of this hot, dry region include the Colorado and Yuma deserts. Irrigation has produced many fertile agricultural areas, including the Coachella and Imperial valleys of California. Warm winters attract tourists to Sonora Desert resorts in Palm Springs, California, and Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona.
This is the hottest of our North American deserts, but a distinctly bimodal rainfall pattern produces a high biological diversity. Winter storms from the Pacific nourish many West Coast annuals such as poppies and lupines, while well-developed summer monsoons host both annuals and woody plants originating from the south. Freezing conditions can be expected for a few nights in winter.
Arizona is home to many Indian cultures such as the Apache and the Navajo. Arizona has the largest Native American population of any state. More than 14 tribes are represented on 20 reservations, including part of the Navajo Nation, which is located in the Four Corners region of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.
Spanish treasure seekers from Mexico arrived in the area in the 16th century, thus establishing Mexico's claim to the area. The area was ruled by Spain until Mexico won its independence in 1821. Mexico ceded the territory to the United States as part of New Mexico during the Mexican-American War of 1848. The Gadsden Purchase, an area south of the Gila River, was added in 1853. Arizona was organized as a territory in 1863 and became the 48th state in 1912.
Arizona is full of beautiful natural attractions like the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest.
The Journey
The first stop this morning is at the Desert Tower,(09.30) some great views over the area, toilets and drinks are available as well a selection of postcards,(postage to the UK – 98c) books and maps. From here we start to descend into the desert, passing El Centro, then through the Sonoran Desert, we then cross the Colorado River and enter Arizona and our lunch stop at Yuma(11.30), during the afternoon we continue towards Gila Bend (14.30) for an afternoon stop, the last part of the journey takes us into Phoenix, where we shall have a look at the Capitol building before heading to the Hotel (17.00), the Hilton Garden Inn, outdoor swimming pool, bar and restaurant open until 21.00 for dinner.
At the rear of the coach you shall find a large cooler, inside there is bottled water at $1, it is a self service honour system.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.
Richard
1-702-557-2373
Departure Details
Tuesday 12th October
Luggage OUTSIDE Bedroom doors by ….......................
Depart for Flagstaff (via the Grand Canyon) at ….............................
If you are flying at the Grand Canyon please keep your passports available as they are required at check in.
First stop shall be in Sedona, then a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon towards Flagstaff, we reach our destination of the Grand Canyon and spend the afternoon before returning to Flagstaff.
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