Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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It goes without saying that water is probably our most important resource. It is, obviously, for the survival of all living things, and when we are threatened with extreme drought conditions - especially in the Southwest - the treasured commodity becomes even more precious. Besides the basic need of it for physical survival, water can probably be considered vital for our emotional survival as well - at least for many. We fish in it. We boat on it. We recreate around it. We meditate by it. We... Full story
Tourism officials cite pent-up demand for lakeview house and boat rentals, campsites and wedding venues. The long dark year under COVID-19 restrictions is starting to brighten. Travelers once forced to entertain themselves at home are now feeling emboldened by vaccinations and are ready to venture out to their next destination. According to HuffPost (April 6), so-called "revenge travel" is in vogue – millions of Americans tired of being cooped up at home are retaliating against COVID-19 by c... Full story
Mother's Day is almost here and if you need ideas for gifts for your adventurous mom, look no further – we've got gifts and adventures here starting at under $20 and something on the list is sure to make your mom smile. Under $20 www.MyTopo.com is the place where you can make Mom a personalized map of her favorite place – that summer cabin, that lake where she and dad honeymooned, the rapids she ran, her favorite camping area, her home neighborhood, her favorite hunting area, or even her fav... Full story
It's more fun at the lake! forty five minutes from downtown Phoenix, Pleasant Harbor, located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant, serves as a one-stop recreation spot for lakeside fun and a safe outing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Activities Abound Pleasant Harbor is open to the public 365 days a year, and features Dillon's Bayou restaurant, sailing, boat and Jet Ski rentals, kayaks, and paddle boards, fly boarding, slip rentals and storage, as well as a full-service RV resort with... Full story
Even if you have to brave the desert heat to fish, it pays to get out on your nearest lake this time of year. Warmer water means active fish, and active fish eat more. Even on the desert lakes, don't make the mistake of thinking that you have to use finesse baits in deep water to be successful – there are always some shallow fish to be had, especially early in the morning and just before dark. Fly Rods Ben Koller of www.thehookupoutfitters.com likes to go after all kinds of fish with a fly r... Website
The state's backcountry is the perfect place for experienced hikers to expand their trail horizons. Excerpts From Visit Arizona [admin@visitarizona.com] The following adventures and lesser-known hiking gems range from moderate to difficult, but they share several qualities in common: getting away from the crowds and immersing yourself in the most diverse ecosystems, wildlife and scenic beauty that Arizona has to offer. Note: Backcountry trails are, by definition, remote and isolated, often... Full story
PAGE, AZ – Lake Powell boaters are advised that, due to wind damage, there will be no boat fuel service at the Dangling Rope Marina, until further notice. The fuel dock is separating from the main dock and is not safe for visitors or employees. Visitors may not use the dock for any purpose until further notice. Please check our website and social media for further announcements about available visitor services. The marina store, café and lift station remain closed until further notice. Ha... Full story
Desert Storm 2021 is scheduled for Wednesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 25 at London Bridge Resort, Lake Havasu, Ariz. https://www.stormpokerruns.com/desert-storm.html Springtime Fun Awaits In San Diego – From Maritime Museum Of San Diego Enjoy our safe, fun and educational outdoor adventure with friends and family on the weekend! We are open Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Your general ....... Website
This is where the birds and fish, burros and deer roam. According to vacation experts, the latest travel trend is the toe-dip trip: a shorter getaway to help rebuild confidence in traveling. "We may be dreaming of that big-bucket-list trip, but what travelers are actually planning so far this year are visits to familiar destinations nearby, weekend getaways or road trips and beach trips," says Melissa Dohmen, travel expert from Travelocity. Travelocity's most popular destinations for families... Full story
Put A Spring In Your Step - Hike (And Bike) Close To Home View TT's blog about outdoor options in Tempe during COVID-19. And check out the City of Tempe's website for the latest updates on closures. Adapted From An Article By Toni Smith - Submitted By Tempe Tourism It's been a long year and a bit, but we all know that. What we may not know are some great places for relieving the resultant stress buildup by hiking. And, they are close to home. Papago Park • Papago Park has several easy hikes t... Full story
'Pick a trail and lace up your shoes.' From Arizona State Parks And Trails Attention Arizona hikers! If you're looking for a great way to get outdoors any time of year with friends or the family, here are some insider tips about the best hiking trails in Arizona's state parks. Explore these diverse options throughout this amazingly beautiful state, and cross these hikes off your bucket list! From Arizona's hiking trails you will come across a variety of amazing sights and experiences that range... Full story
The weather is still acting like a lion instead of a lamb. At press time, winds are still blowing this week. Check the weather report while planning a trip. There is usually a calm day or two each week. Fishing on a calm day instead of a windy day often produces more fish and more happy anglers. (Check the weather at the bottom of the home page on Wayneswords.net). Lake level is still going down. The Castle Rock Cut is closed. Bullfrog Main ramp is closed. Launching is still possible at the... Full story
Mark Kile was the guy to watch at any local tournament a few years back. We were lucky enough to go out with him several times at his home lake, Roosevelt, and he just flat knows how to catch them. This time of year, Kile would be catching forty-plus bass in half a day at Roosevelt, usually with at least one kicker over five pounds. "The fish are moving into the shallows," he'd say, "and some of them are spawning." Kile says that throwing a worm in a channel three to five feet deep will often... Full story
That's the start of an old rhyme that you probably heard as a kid. However, here in the Southwest we know this and are looking forward to some of the highlights of this special season. My husband and I attended an Arizona Game & Fish Department Zoom meeting recently and were amazed and delighted with statistics that show more and more people embracing the outdoors: For example, fishing and boating participation have increased tremendously. If there is a positive side to the pandemic, this may... Full story
From Arizona State Parks Check out our extensive Arizona wildflower list at the bottom of the page, complete with vibrant photos and bloom information! How many will you see in 2021? February showers make March wildflowers in the desert parks and create yet another reason to explore this beautiful state! During years of average and above average precipitation, it seems every direction you look there are beautiful yellow, red, white, orange, blue, or purple flowers blanketing the landscape. Try... Full story
The legend is that an angler eating lunch on the lake accidently dropped a spoon overboard. As he watched the silver spoon drift downward, sun glinting off the handle and bowl, he saw a fish dart out and try to eat it. A typical angler, this guy was inventive and always looking for a new bait, so he went home, sawed up some spoons, and put hooks and a place to tie the line on them. Voila! A new killer lure is born! All Designed To Do Same Thing Today's spoons are usually store-bought, and they... Full story
I will never forget the first (and last!) time I got lost. I was deer hunting with my dad and my brother in Kaibab on the North Rim. I was walking through the forest with my dad and got sidetracked by something, and before I knew it, I was lost. Dad was nowhere in sight and of course, I had paid absolutely NO attention to our ramble so I had no idea where camp was. The first thing I did was start running around hollering for my dad. No answer. I was about ten years old and I was panicked, but th... Full story
The names Bobby and Garry Garland will be enshrined in the fishing hall of fame for all time because of the Gitzit, the original tube bait. The brothers invented the lure to help them catch the finicky fish on Mead, and it is still one of the best finesse baits ever designed. There are tons of knock-offs, but a lot of anglers insist that the original Gitzit is the best. We met up with Garry many years ago and fished Roosevelt with him. When Conditions Are Tough ...... Website
Outdoor recreationists, pilots, drone operators asked to avoid nesting areas. Arizona’s bald eagles are preparing for the next generation of eagles at breeding sites statewide. To assist with the state’s continued bald eagle population growth, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state’s 92 eagle breeding areas. To protect breeding attempts, some porti... Full story
Flagstaff Mother Earth Symphony Concert The concert will be presented by Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra at Ardrey Auditorium, Northern Arizona University campus. A concert and panel discussion will be focused on our environment, with a performance of Haydn's Creation, performed by The Master Chorale of Flagstaff & the Shrine of the Ages choir from Northern Arizona University April 16th at 7:30pm. This is a unique concert and discussion focused on the importance of everyone's role in protecting...
Cruise Zoolights For the first time in the history of the Phoenix Zoo, experience millions of twinkling lights and dazzling animal sculptures from the comfort of your own vehicle. Start your Cruise ZooLights adventure waving hello to Jengo and Tortuga at the Doornbos Discovery Amphitheater. Then cruise the newly added Outer Tropics Trail and enjoy the festive scenes of Polar Paradise in the Forest of Uco. Then experience the Africa Trail and see the all NEW Wildlife Lantern Safari, featuring 66... Full story
AZGFD’s Canyon Creek Hatchery will provide some trout for the department's Community Fishing Program waters this winter. The current drought conditions have caused reduced spring water flows at the hatchery, making it difficult to maintain the quality water flow needed to support the large number of fish in its raceways. Utilizing some of the fish for winter stockings in community waters will reduce numbers of trout at the hatchery and help ensure the fish there have adequate water to grow a... Full story
The year 2020 saw a lot of people venturing into the outdoors for the first time. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, this past year 6.2 million new shooters took up the sport. There was also a spike in camping and other outdoor activities. Some people were afraid to gather together inside, but outside is a different matter. If you are one of the newbies, I hope you continue to enjoy the outdoors this year and for many years to come. Many Good Reasons There are a lot of good... Full story
Ben Matsubu once took sixth place in a WON Bass Tri-State Championship on Mead with a split-shot rig. He said he watched another guy fish a bank and catch nothing, then Ben went behind him with a split-shot rig and caught eleven fish off that same bank. A split-shot rig is hard to beat when fish are cold and sluggish, and won't move far or take a big bait. Set Themselves ...... Website
'Tis certainly the season, symbolized here by the colorful cardinal on a branch of Christmas holly. Some say that the cardinal has been christened the "Christmas Bird" for its spectacular red color. Legends proclaim that this red bird is the symbol of beauty and warmth of the holiday season. There are more stories about its history and symbolism, but in general, the Christmas Bird can bring cheer, hope and inspiration on a gray, wintery day. Holly's association with Christmas dates all the way... Full story