newjerseynewsroom.com

BY CAROL ABAYA

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

SANDWICH GENERATION

Second of two parts: The Legacy of The West — Nature and Artifacts

Flagstaff showcases unequaled nature and the West's historic legacy. Flagstaff was one of the country's major crossroads, especially in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Pioneer ranchers, railroad builders, lumberman and peoples of diverse cultures who lived here and helped bring our country into the 20th century.

Hairpin turns along the canyon rims in the Slide Rock State Park took us higher and higher from Sedona to Flagstaff. With its higher elevation (7,000 feet) and cooler summer temperatures, Flagstaff is located in the largest contiguous ponderosa forest in the world. The area is dominated by history, mother nature, several major State Historic Parks, Indian ruins and industry crucial to the development of the West.

Surrounded by tremendous geological, biological and cultural resources, MNA's exhibits present native cultures and tribal lifestyles dating back to 1100 AD. MNA traces the area's geology going back 4.5 billion years and fascinating archaeology. The basketry, textiles, pottery and jewelry are amazing. MNA also offers group tours through the museum and outlying areas of the Colorado Plateaus.

The 2010 Heritage Programs will feature the Hopi and Navajo arts and culture.

Special programs for childrenges 4 to 17 range from basket weaving to learning about ancient life and cultures, critters of the wild, archaeology, rafting, hiking, camping and exploring the desert canyons and mountains. Adult programs are just as varied and present unique pictures of the landscapes and environment as well as history and culture. Hiking and backpacking trips are available for the more adventuresome.

Another must-see in Flagstaff is the Riordan Mansion. Built in 1904, it has all the modern conveniences of that day — electricity, central heat, running hot water, and telephones. Yet its rustic construction of what is called American Arts and Crafts architecture brings visitors back 100+ years. This style emphasizes simplicity, craftsmanship, and nature. The house was built of giant Ponderosa pines, which were the basis of the owners' business. The Riordan's were most known for their logging business, which contributed heavily to the construction of the railroad to California. Timothy and Michael Riordan married two sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth Metz. Each couple had its own house which is connected to a common area in the middle.

Seen only by a reserved guided tour, the homes have many original family belongings and fine examples of early Stickley furniture. Still another must-see in Flagstaff is the Lowell Observatory, one of the largest private astronomical research facilities in the world. Lowell also has a new facility which will be home to the Discovery Channel 4.2-meter telescope.

The Observatory was founded in 1894 to study Mars and strives to expand knowledge of the universe. Housed in the main facility are two historic telescopes: the 24-inch objective lens Clark Telescope and the 16-inch McAllister reflecting telescope.

Like Sedona, Flagstaff has a quaint downtown with craft shops and fine restaurants, none of which are expensive. Dozens of hotels cater to the tourists. We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard, which is very conveniently located. Nearby, the Northern Arizona University, with some very unique majors, is home to thousands of students from around the world. Several historic parks ring the area with a different kind of natural beauty from Sedona.

But nature here is just as awesome. More green and slopes of hills rather than the stark red rock cliffs. In addition to the many summer outdoor activities, in the winter
Flagstaff boasts of world-class skiing, including marvelous cross country trails.

At the end of the week and on our way back to Phoenix, we spent the day at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. The Park is 95 miles north of Phoenix and 30 miles south of Sedona. There are between 400 and 500 animals, and more than 100 species from the willowy giraffes to the majestic tigers, and unusual snakes and lizards. The Park is clean and mimics the animals' natural habitats.

Many of the animals were born in the Park, others came from various zoos and parks around the country. Others are rescue animals, unwanted by former owners, who found they could not handle such wild creatures. All of the animals have names and do respond as the tram stops or goes by.

Founded in 1988 by Dean and Prayeri Harrison, the Park is designed so that "everyone can see the wild animals in a natural setting that allows
animals to roam in large habitats." Visitors can get quite close to and touch many of the animals.

For example, Kibo, a 16 foot giraffe, is a hit with all ages. Kids' eyes lit up as Kibo gamboled to the fence as soon as he saw us. He stuck
out his very long tongue wanting his carrot treats. Both seniors and kids laughed as Kibo took their carrots. Petting zebras, a camel named Humphrey, antelopes, deer, sheep, emus and ostrich are also people friendly and love treats.

In the afternoon, Chaleau, a white tiger, and Cumbo, a lioness, both 23 months old, were leads in the Tiger Splash show. Nothing is rehearsed, and they respond playfully and spontaneously to toys and balloons. Cumbo was quite a tease and chased Chaleau, who jumped into the pool. Chaleau then splashed Cumbo , who jumped away from the pool. Tigers love water. Lions do not.

On top of the Park's main mesa, overlooking a panorama of mountains, are food stands, picnic tables and a playground. Food is cooked to order, and the hot dogs are awesome. A 400-pound pound tiger, Liberty, roams around his paddock adjacent to the picnic tables. He loves attention from visitors and preens himself when children get close to the fence and talk to him.

The varied sights and activities (outdoors and indoors) in both Sedona and Flagstaff make the area ideal for three generations. Families can stay together or split up to share special interests and nature's palettes. All of our experiences are share able by all generations.

The more adventuresome, younger members might seek rafting or hiking, while seniors might like to just wander around, sit in outdoor cafes, and soak up their surroundings.

Thus we award Sedona and Flagstaff THE Hottest Vacation Destination of 2010.

Guidebooks and activity information can be obtained via the city's web site. For Flagstaff www.flagstaffarizona.org or 800-842-7293. For Sedona: www.VisitSedona.com or 800-288-7336.

The Sandwich Generation is reader interactive, and questions are welcome.
Carol Abaya can be contacted via her web site www.sandwichgeneration.com or
e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .