Preserving the magical places of Phoenix


I have to admit to being a little torn about talking about the magical places that I go to in the Phoenix, Arizona area. On one hand, I don't want to encourage swarms of crowds (and the need for more parking lots), and on the other I realize that to preserve something, people have to know about it.

I know a lot of magical places in Phoenix, and in Los Angeles. These are the places where I've always gone to just get away from it all for a while. Sure, I've given excuses, such as an interest in history, or exercising. But, really, these are just places that are good for the soul. And to my surprise, and pleasure, I am finding out that I'm not the only one who needs these places.

The best example I can give is the Sahuaro Ranch, which is near where I live, in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix. Ever since I moved to Glendale, the ranch has been a magical place for me, just to stop and look at it. There were times in the ‘90s when I would drive straight to it after work, walking around in a shirt and tie. I don't think I went there like that in the summer, but I might have! It was good medicine for me, and it still is. Nothing seems all that bad when you see a peacock strolling by.

Some of the magical areas are simply open areas with weeds and dirt, like the Thunderbird Paseo Park. And I don't mean the areas with playgrounds, etc. I mean the areas that flow along like a river, where you can see the cars go by, but in the distance, on the bridges.

I could go on, and on, but I don't want to sound like I'm advertising these places, or asking for a donation for them. I guess I just wanted to share my feelings about these places, and how important they are to people like me. I realize that people need freeways, and Starbucks, and all of that. But I need a place to breathe. I guess you could call me selfish, but hopefully other people feel the same way, and need places like this, too.
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