lawyer getaways Summer comes in Arizona and most everybody leaves. You usually work. They come back all cheery and relaxed and tell you about the usual weekend escapes: Lying on the beach in San Diego. Snorkeling in Rocky Point. Hiking in Sedona. Or even a quick jaunt to Kauai. Anywhere it s a little cooler. Anywhere but here. Not this year, you think. Not the same old same old for me. I m gonna make time for something new. But, where to go? I ve been there and done that, you think. Think again. ROBYN HARRISON The Very Large Array Socorro, New Mexico hearing things BY KAREN HOLUB Actually, you won t... hear things, that is. But you ll see them. Radio waves are not sound waves, and the electromagnetic data received by the VLA is configured to be seen, not heard. Who knew? I thought Jodi Foster was really listening to something in Contact. I wanted to believe. 16 ARIZONA ATTORNEY MAY 2002 WWW.AZBAR.ORG
The 27 antennae of the VLA are arranged in a Y pattern, nine on each arm. The data collected are combined to give the resolution equivalent of an antenna 22 miles wide. Science fans, betcha didn t know that the desert Southwest is brimming with opportunities to tune in to the cosmos. The Very Large Array on the plains of San Augustin near Socorro, New Mexico, is a must for armchair astronomy buffs. Despite the Hollywood version, ET seekers, on the other hand, might want to look elsewhere for postcards from the edge. The VLA is funded through Congress by the National Science Board and its rate of scientific discoveries and publications has made it one of the two most successful telescopes in the past 20 years, along with its famous cousin, the Hubble Space Telescope. If you want to put together a star-gazing trip, check the Web page of the Southwestern Consortium of Observatories for Public Education (SCOPE) for information on Kitt Peak, Apache Point and Whipple observatories, among others (www.as.utexas.edu). Where: 52 miles east of Socorro, NM, on US Highway 60. What to see: The visitor center is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to sunset. You can view a 22- minute film, view displays or go on a selfguided walking tour. Guided tours are offered from time to time; check WWW.AZBAR.ORG MAY 2002 ARIZONA ATTORNEY 17
PHOTOS BY MICHELLE JEBB AND DR. RONN KELSEY www.nrao.edu for tour dates. Elevation is 7,000 feet, so it stays cool. Facilities: There are no food facilities at the VLA site. The nearest restaurants are in Magdalena (25 miles east) or Datil (20 miles west). There is plenty of food and lodging an hour away in Socorro (www.socorro.com). Nearby Attractions: Because a visit to the VLA will only last a few hours, you might want to check out the official Web site of southwest New Mexico, oldwestcountry.com, for other activities: trying things Torrey Pines Gliderport Here are some suggestions: Albuquerque Indian Market May 25-September 1 New Mexico State Fairgrounds (505) 836-2960 Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Silver City, NM (505) 536-9461 44 miles from Silver City on NM 15 www.nps.gov/gicl This is a family-run gliderport located on the scenic La Jolla coast. It is one of only two national historic free-flight monuments in the United States and has been the center of foot-launched aviation for nearly 75 years. For $150, would-be flyers can experience a 20-30 minute tandem flight (hanggliding or paragliding) over the the coastal cliffs of Torrey Pines and Black Beach (famous for its clothes-optional policy). The tandem lesson also includes a USHGA 30-day membership and 20 minutes of ground and safety school instruction. The tandem program is available seven days a week, and most of the soaring takes place between 1 and 4 pm. Reservations are not required or accepted; however, it is a good idea to call for wind conditions prior to your visit. 18 ARIZONA ATTORNEY MAY 2002 WWW.AZBAR.ORG
If you are still a little skittish about leaping off a cliff (even with a pro), it might help to know that the Torrey Pines Gliderport tandem flight program has been operating accident free for the past 10 years. The Cliffhanger Cafe, located right at the gliderport, offers great food and, at the right time of year, a view of California gray whales cruising along the shoreline. Scenic La Jolla is just a few blocks away and offers shopping, dining and even tidepools for the kids to enjoy. And nearby San Diego has everything a desert-weary weekender could want. Where: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 452-ZULU, Fax (858) 452-9983, Toll-Free (877) FLY-TEAM, E-mail: aircal@ix.netcom.com Web site: www.flytorrey.com Lodging: Check http//san-diego.guide-tohotels.com WWW.AZBAR.ORG MAY 2002 ARIZONA ATTORNEY 19
RON HILBERT WILLIAMS TRAIN seeing things differently The Canyon A few years ago I took an eight-day river trip through the Grand Canyon. They always tell you that it is the experience of a lifetime. The thing is, they re right. From the river, it is not the same Canyon that we have all been dragged to by our out-oftown company who fly thousands of miles for a peek over the edge. From the river, life looks different up there. And this little getaway delivers big in connecting us to our world, doing so without a cell phone in sight. Oar-powered and motorized 4-, 8- and 12- day trips are available through Diamond River adventures and a host of other companies. Book early. If you can t stand the thought of 47 water no matter how grand it all is, take a hike or a mule ride down Bright Angel Trail. Come on, you always wanted to. Or at least your kids, do. Spend the night at Phantom Ranch and experi- 20 ARIZONA ATTORNEY MAY 2002 WWW.AZBAR.ORG
ence the canyon from the bottom up. And if you just aren t up for the adventure thing, or are short on time, how about arriving at the Canyon in style on the Williams Train? This two-hour each way ride has become very popular with all ages over the past few years. River Trip: www.diamondriver.com Diamond River Adventures, Inc. 916 Vista, P.O. Box 1300 Page, AZ 86040, (928) 645-8866 (800) 343-3121 Prices range from $805 for 4-day motor trip to $2,560 for a 13-day oar trip. Meals are included. Phantom Ranch: www.grandcanyonlodges.com (303) 297-2757 for information. RON HILBERT Cabins with bunk beds are included in the price of the 2-day mule trip (around $335 per person). Dormitory-style lodging is available for backpackers. Call 1-866-646-0388 for reservations. Accommodations can fill up nearly two years in advance, so don t wait. Williams Train www.thetrain.com. 1-800-The-Train (1-800-843-8724) Coach class ($54.95 adult, $24.95 child), First Class (this is a good choice if you are not bringing children: $109.95 adult, $79.95 child). Club, Deluxe Observation and Luxury Parlor classes are also available. WWW.AZBAR.ORG MAY 2002 ARIZONA ATTORNEY 21