Fox

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Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

When you are out and about, you never know who you will come across.

Alaskan Life

Alaskan Life
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

Just walking along the trail and look who else was enjoying the June weather.

Hi There

Alaskan Life
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

When you see this face looking back at you its hard not to smile. I love Alaska. Makes me wish we had a few brown bears around Arizona. Or maybe not.

Thanks Mom

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Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

Brown bears have two to three cubs. This cub was an one and only. Mom was very careful with her cub

Just playing

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Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

You may wonder where in Arizona you will find brown bears playing. Don't worry, these pups were in Alaska. Alaska is my other spot in life.

cute bear

cute bear
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

I guess its my downfall. I love brown bears. This one loved the camera. she sat at the log for over an hour letting us take her picture.

Summer Rock

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Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

I took this photo visiting the Page Arizona area. It was a hot day, but worth the hike

History Of The Southwest

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Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

You can see the past in every layer. Millions of years of time and color

More Photos

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Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

A few more photos from the hike

A Summer Hike

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Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

Last summer one of my friends put in for a hike permit. 6 hours north of Phoenix and 4 hours of hiking later, this was the shot that made the trip.

It is a great hike, but the 110 heat and hike made it a bit more than a walk.

A few feet above me

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Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

I laid on the ground, then I rolled over and over until I was three feet below her. It just shows much she wanted her picture taken

No Tricks

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Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

I was watching the eagle on the bottom eating some left over fish, when the one on top flow inches above my head and hit the other eagle.

Quick shot., all luck

Good Morning He Says

Good Morning
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

When you look up and this this guy, you know it is going to be a good day

Fly-by

Fly-by
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

The shot of the trip. I was just walking along the trail and this guy flew by me a few feet away.

You have something between your teeth

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Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

Or big rabbits out west

Bear on the beach

Alaskan Wildlife
Originally uploaded by Carl Chapman

Hope you enjoy the photos

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Home is where the heart is! Oh how true the words. Born in Arizona, raised all over the world, my father having been in the armed forces, my heart was always longing to be in a special place I could call home. At the tender age of three, I left my beautiful Arizona and took a journey around the world, not to return for another 34 years. Europe and the Netherlands were wonderful places to visit but there is no comparison to my sunshine filled summers here in Arizona. Hawaii was stunning, but paled against the magnificent Arizona sunsets, which display an unparalleled range of colors crossing over the color spectrum many times in one setting --- simply breathtaking! Likewise, mere words cannot illustrate the visual effects created by an Arizona lightning storm as they are absolutely phenomenal. Arizona is home to a rich oasis of copious beauty, heritage, fame, sports, education and diversity. Furthermore, the bouquet of clean scented aroma created by showers cascading over the desert is a unique smell, perhaps as distinctive as the fragrance produced by the creosote bush. Arizona is home to a rich oasis of copious beauty, heritage, diversity and education.

Recognizable by its yellow flowers, creosote bushes’ emanate a fresh pungent aroma, characteristic in signifying to locals ‘rain’! Traditionally, the creosote plant was fundamental in medicinal value. Native Americans boiled roots and inhaled it to relieve congestion; they also made it into tea to cure such ailments as flu bugs, coughs, colds, and even stomach cramps. Scientist’s records have indicated some creosote bushes lives span over one hundred years. Like the very old creosote, the Heard Museum is rich in ancient traditions and artifacts as well. One unique exhibit is the Barry Goldwater collection of Kachina Dolls, which are on permanent display year around. Historic events held by the Heard Museum include the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest and the Guild Indian Fair & Market. These events spring from traditions that originated over more than a thousand years ago, from a highly developed civilization the Anasazi, ancestors of the Hopi Indians. Additionally, is The Desert Botanical Garden Museum, containing one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants. Situated on fifty acres, it is one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums nationwide.

Arizona holds a special place for antiques not only in museums but also in antique automobiles. Arizona is home to The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, which is famous nationwide for being the premiere classic car auction company. Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction deals with the world’s serious collectors who are captivated and charmed by some of the most sought after automobiles ever. The world renowned Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction celebrated its 35th anniversary this year here at home in Scottsdale, Arizona with some of the most desirable vehicles available in the world. From famous car shows to famous people, we have them all. Arizona is home to former vice president Dan Quayle, and the likes of the celebrated Mr. Cesar Chavez. As a master at golf and a Masters Open legend, the skillful Mr. Phil Mickelson calls Arizona his home too. In addition, Arizona is home to rock legend Mr. Alice Cooper. His passion for humankind founded the Solid Rock Foundation, a Christian nonprofit organization to help inner city kids stay out of gangs and away from guns and drugs, which benefits the cause to a tune of $150,000 each year. Then there is Alice Coopers other passion: golf, hosting his own charity golf tournament. Cooper's excitement for sports and food established him a restaurant. ‘Cooperstown’ opened in 1998 featuring a variety of memorabilia, autographed jerseys and balls, opening day tickets, and sports photos. Contributing to the ambiance are Alice's gold records and a fantastic collection of autographed Fender guitars.

One of my favorite things about Arizona is the plethora of edifying opportunities available to suit any intellectual endeavor. Schools span the valley with 43 vocational and technical schools, 35 accredited four-year universities, graduate schools and two-year colleges honoring degrees and technical certificates. My neighborhood is my favorite place, home of the Cardinals Stadium, a state of the art architectural phenomenon, named one of the 10 most impressive sports facilities on the globe by Business Week Magazine, designed by the famous avant-garde architect Peter Eisenmanhas. It is the newest edition to my neighborhood, just a mere 10 minutes driving time from my house. The stadium has a natural grass field that takes 45 minutes to roll out, and a retractable roof. The Tostitos Bowl is going to be held there this year. Tomorrow night, on the same block, my parents and I are attending Cirque Du Soleil at the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Arena. The Arena is also home to the Arizona Sting, our professional indoor Lacrosse team. Located across the street from the arena and new stadium, is Cabela’s, the outdoor sportsman’s shopping extravaganza dream. Throughout the store, exhibits full of Arizona wildlife are on display, attracting thousands of students yearly on fieldtrips and tours.

As a military brat, I am quite fond of Luke Air Force Base. Home of the United States Air Force’s largest fighter wing, and only active duty F-16 training base in the whole world, Luke Air Force Base plays a critical role in protecting America’s freedom and security. With a financial impact of nearly $2 billion annually, Luke Air Force Base is a viable key holder to the state of Arizona’s economy. In addition, I love shopping on base as there is no sales tax. Speaking of shopping, Historic Downtown Glendale has some of the most awesome antique shops I have ever encountered, and the mouth-watering restaurants feature food from around the world, Polish, Mexican, Asian, and German. Tree lined sidewalks with white picket fencing and gaslights are one reason why Sunset Magazine named it one of the country's top ten best places for antique shopping. Arizona also hosts Spring Training Baseball as all the major league baseball teams come to Arizona for exhibition baseball. The beach is just a four hours south, and skiing is just a few hours north! What a combination, I couldn’t ask for more! The beauty, heritage, diversity and educational opportunities are the reasons why ‘Arizona is my Home’.

Traditions and Culture

Growing up I knew only one place as my home, Arizona. I am proud to identify myself with a people, the Navajo, who have inhabited the Arizona area for hundreds of years. Now, I find myself, the first of a generation that has adopted a modern way of living, yet is able to maintain traditions and cultures.

As a child, my parents and grandparents would tell me stories of struggles they experienced, as well as trials that generations prior to that of mine have endured. The morals of these stories were to display how fortunate I am to be receiving the education and resources that I have today. Now, more than ever, I realize that public education is, and has been, the key to my success. Not only has public education changed my life, but also it has changed the lives of people who are dear to me. My grandparents, although, only receiving a third grade education, incorporate the knowledge they acquired from those three years in their everyday lives. My parents, thanks to public education, have managed to work their way out of poverty, and are a large part of the community. It is amazing what an impact public education has had, and what it will continue to have on future generations. That is why it is vital to stress the importance of public education, and the opportunity it holds for the future of Arizona.

I have lived in Arizona all my life, and have essentially explored all of the state, and I find it difficult to consider solely one community as my home. I have traveled and experienced all the environment and cultures that embody the spirit of Arizona. Most of my summers were spent in Northern Arizona learning of my heritage. My family has always stressed how important it is to promote and keep traditions alive. Now, I understand why, Arizona is a unique state that derives its character from the growing metropolitan areas to the Southwest cultures. The Southwest cultures are a major part of what defines Arizona living, making it necessary to preserve living traditions, and the natural heritage of Arizona. What would Arizona be like if it did not have the Grand Canyon, or the White Mountains? The point is that Arizona is a beautiful state that combines the luxury of city life with the taste of a rural, organic lifestyle.

I am extremely thankful to be living in a state that allows me, as an individual, to broaden my horizons. By having Arizona as my home, opportunity has opened its doors, and has given me the gift to see all that this state has to offer. From our grand canyons to the pine country, and ancient monuments to the buildings that scrape our skies, Arizona has it all. It has developed from a barren desert, to a state that offers up the most to those who choose to call it home. This eclectic state has given me so much, a home, an education, and a chance to view the world from a point that most individuals do not get to witness on a day-to-day basis. This experience is rare, and can only happen in one place, and I am, both, proud and privileged to call it my home, Arizona.

The Real Arizona

I was born and raised in western Tucson and have no wish of being anywhere else. Sure when I was 8, I would say things like I want to move to New York, or California, or Florida! Now that I have had a while to live life and see the USA, I see now that Arizona really is the place to be.

Sixth grade was when I first saw the real Arizona on a 3 day trip to the Grand Canyon. We went on a long bus ride with pit stops such as Montezuma’s Castle and Well, the Ponderosa Pine Forests, Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, Mt. Humphrey, selective parks and museums, and the piece de résistance- the Grand Canyon. On this ride I saw that our state had more to provide than desert shrubs and saguaros. I learned there were a variety of climates, wildlife, and more importantly history and culture.

I later took a ride through the USA by car to see family in upstate New York. I was able to see, and stop in many different places meeting many different people. The mid-westerners were too dull; the southerners were too self-absorbed and proud; the easterners were too god awfully staunch and cookie cutter. I was glad to come back to Arizona where people are diverse, calm, easy going, athletic, jacks of all trades, and not too focused on things that don’t really matter. From then on, I had a new sense of respect for this place I call home.

Where else could you get 360 days of sun, 2 seasons (summer and fall), complex big cities, easy going small towns, and an un-comparable outdoors with every climate of the US packed into it’s borders? That is what Arizona really is. It is so diverse in people, culture, and landscape that it is like a condensed version of the entire country in one state. I’ve seen what our country has to offer, and nothing compares to what Arizona can offer. If you want to see the country, just visit Arizona and head home. As far as I am concerned there is no where else I could have, or would have chosen to call home.