Across America Tour, Day 13: Arizona
By Lee Ross
What an adventure!!!! We started off at a spot familiar to me — a golf course. We met the good folks at Oakcreek golf course in Sedona. And they were very nice and gracious. We were told several times that sen. McCain has a house nearby and Arizona has been the only place we’ve found on this trip where we met hard core supporters of his. In other stops along the way we met plenty of people who say they will vote for him and even like him. But there has been a sense of dispassion on the part of many who will vote for him. Not here in AZ though where we even met one man who was showing off his autographed john McCain book.
But our real adventure started when we left for Fossil Creek. This is such a remote spot that we had no cell service for a couple of hours. It is in a beautiful hidden area between the Coconino and Tonto national forests. On our way there we passed alongside a ravine that had at least a 500 foot drop and at the bottom we spotted. the rusted out remains of a few cars. Needless to say we were a little anxious to get to our destination. Once there we saw the beauty of fossil creek. It is unique for Arizona in that it flows year round. And it flows into the verde river which is a major source of drinking water for phoenix. 100 years ago it was dammed by the local utility for power but just a few years ago that dam was no longer needed and the creek returned to its natural flow. To further the cause of fossil creek state environmental leaders and local officials urged the state’s congressional delegation to push legislation making the creek protected under the wild and scenic rivers act. Such a designation would protect the area from development and provide local entities with funds to manage the area. Sen. John McCain introduced this legislation in the senate and all of the people we talked to about fossil creek have praised him and his office for their efforts.
Eventually at night we made our way to the Grand Canyon. This is my first time seeing this true wonder of the world. The majestic size of this natural creation cannot be placed into adequate words nor do the countless pictures I’ve seen properly suggest the enormity of this place. The snow that lines the upper reaches of the canyon and encircle it makes the scene even more special. Its a treat to see it now at sunset and look forward to sunrise.
Tags: Across America
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Bow down, Lee. You are in the greatest state in the nation!
TEXAS REPUBLICANS, VOTE FOR HILLARY TO KEEP THE DEMOCRATS DIVIDED!
I NOTICED THE MINUTE THE MAN FROM ARIZONA SAID HE WANTED MIKE HUCKABEE TO STAY IN THE RACE THE MICROPHONE WAS MOVED EVER SO FAST TO THE MANS DAUGHTER, FOX IS SO SCARED ABOUT ANY ONE BACKING MIKE HUCKABEE. WHEN THEY WANT TO TALK ABOUT OBAMA OR MCCAIN THEY LET THEM SPEAK. NOT FAIR AND BALANCED.
We watched the program and drove to the golf course before the crew left. Can I retrieve a copy of the report to send to friends by E-Mail? Also most republicans I know are not fond of McCain, but will vote against Hillary or Obama.
Oh Karen, how delightful. The old Fox Conspiracy Theory. Methinks you’ve been hanging out around Area 51 a tad too long.
However…
The real issue is that Fox doesn’t give Phil and the crew enough time to ask the guests enough follow up questions, so it has nothing to do with moving on to the candidates who might vote for this or that candidate. This is not the fault of the crew. What Fox DID NOT take into account is that these are “real life” people here—people not accustomed to speaking into a microphone and giving their opinions for millions to see and hear on the spot and at a moment’s notice. That is a lot of pressure, and it takes people extra time to formulate their opinions. These are REAL PEOPLE here, NOT seasoned anchors and reporters and expert analysts. If this was remotely taken into consideration by the Fox Powers That Be, we’d see more time given to these segments. Plus, no one there considered that people might actually follow the caravan around online. Shame. So much untapped potential.
Just my thoughts. The guys are doing great based on the parameters given, and I love reading Lee’s blogs. Phil is full of life, and he really does need his own show (like “American Adventure” or something like that.) Eric…you really should’ve gotten extra Happy Meals for your ride-along guests…ha. And Brian, dude, how many packs are you smoking there, buddy??? Kidding. Didn’t get a chance to see Kathleen and Jeff, but I’m sure they did great too.
That’s all. Have loved the trip. Just wonder why more time wasn’t given to the segments, that’s all.
With that I’m stepping into my own Area 51, so I cannot join you this day.
Have fun this Sunday, however!
All best,
M.
Love this segment and wish more time was spent on it. How lucky to travel across America like this. Makes me want to take a drive.
Brian, want to borrow my comb?????
Wish you had spent less time at that “scenic” creek, whose idea was that, and more time at the Grand Canyon. Not enough airtime for these spots. Why does Fox News do something this good and not devote a little more time to it instead of some talking head in the studio going over & over the same thing?
Hi Gang,
I have loved this trip of yours. Are you minding the speed limit? Seems like you pass up about every car on the road. I think I could do without the music while watch the video; it cuts out a lot. Phil, could you please take the video camera to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone when you go next week? I’d love to see what it looks like there as well.
Thanks, Diana
Great writing there, Lee. I’m a writer myself, so I always appreciate well written prose!
As others have stated in this blog, I too am really enjoying this trip Across America and was glad to see that you guys got some more air time this weekend. The rock climbing segment in Flagstaff was stellar and very creative. It was nice to see Phil without a jacket zipped up to his chin for once. Bet you can’t wait for the Santa Monica beach tomorrow. I’ve enjoyed hearing the different political views of the RPs you’ve talked to.
I really liked the Fossil Creek segment as much was reported in the AZ press about the creek being returned to it’s natural flow again. I think it’s great that it got some national exposure.
I like Melissa’s idea of giving Phil a regular “Across America” show. Not sure if Phil would agree with us though!
Hope you have time to post another slide show for us with some more Arizona photos.