The numbers shimmered and danced in the sweltering air. I blinked to make sure. 113…

Yep. One hundred and thirteen degrees. No wonder I felt like a baked potato. Just give me some foil. Phoenix, Arizona does get hot and they tell me it’s a dry heat. I just thought it was a hot heat. They just smile.

The Valley of the Sun is aptly named and I found myself there in the middle of an unusual heat wave in May. 106,108,102 were the daily readings I came to know. The nice part is how quickly it cools down at night and with a little common sense the day time heat is very manageable.

Arizona is an outdoor activities paradise with little rain and brilliant sunshine in a dry climate. The Phoenix area is where most of the people live and is a great base of operations to see the state that makes geologists drool. The landscape is both unique and stunning in its diversity and scale. Drive a few hours and you pass through four distinct climate zones each with a different topography, geography and ecosystem. I was surprised by how many species of plants and animals adapted and thrived in what many consider harsh conditions.

Timing is important here so do look at the seasons to decide what works best for you. You’ll find extremes of cold and hot due to rapid elevation changes in this landscape. Do plan on exploring beyond Phoenix for the best experience. The Grand Canyon, Sedona, Jerome, and other magnificent adventures await in the Valley of the Sun.   More Photos Here.