Category: Vacation

Service Dog Website – Air Travel

 

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1. Understanding the legal requirements and regulations for traveling with a service dog

When it comes to traveling with a service dog, it’s important to understand the legal requirements and regulations in place. Each country and airline may have their own specific rules, so it’s crucial to do thorough research before embarking on your journey.

Below are links to all major U.S. carriers Service Dog Page of their website:

First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that your service dog is properly trained.  Additionally, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations surrounding service dogs in the country you are traveling to. Some countries may require additional documentation including vaccination records, and it’s crucial to comply with these requirements to avoid any complications like quarantine during travel. It’s recommended to contact the airline ahead of time to inform them about your service dog and inquire about any specific procedures they may require, we recommend always booking in advance and securing bulkhead seats, and if the dog is very large you may want to purchase another seat so the dog has space. Some airlines may also have restrictions on the size or breed of service dogs allowed in the cabin, so it’s important to clarify these details beforehand.

In addition to airline policies, it’s important to understand the rights and responsibilities of traveling with a service dog in public spaces, including airports. Service dogs are typically granted access to all areas of the airport, including security checkpoints and lounges. However, it’s important to ensure that your service dog remains well-behaved and under your control at all times. By understanding and complying with the legal requirements and regulations for traveling with a service dog, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for both you and your furry companion.

Here is a link to relief areas of most major U.S. Airports;

2. Preparing your service dog for the airport environment

Preparing your service dog for the airport environment is an essential step in ensuring a smooth and stress-free air travel experience. It is crucial to expose your dog to various airport-related sights, sounds, and smells to familiarize them with the bustling atmosphere. Start by introducing your service dog to the sound of airplanes taking off and landing. You can play recordings or take your dog to a nearby airport, keeping a safe distance. Gradually increase their exposure, allowing them to become comfortable with the noise. Additionally, simulate the airport security process by gently patting and touching your dog’s body, paws, and ears. This will help them acclimate to the invasive yet necessary security measures they will encounter. Practice walking on different surfaces such as linoleum, tile, and carpet to prepare your dog for the different types of flooring at the airport.

Furthermore, expose your service dog to crowds of people, allowing them to become accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the airport. Insider training tip; take your service dog to off site long term parking lot at airport, ride shuttle to airport and work with your dog in the common area of airport and spend a few hours acclimating to airport environment, best $10 you will spend preparing for your trip. Other options include taking your service dog to a local train station and bring your service dog on train, or even bus, to familiarize your service dog with transportation with other people. DMV is also another great place to bring your service dog to help simulate being in a busy airport.  You may encounter an escalator at the airport, usually you can ride elevator but if you want to use escalator we also recommend taking your service dog to local mall where you can practice going up and down the escalator.  It is vital to remember that each dog is unique, and their comfort level may vary. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to preparing your service dog for the airport environment.

Sounds and Stimuli to Expect once at the airport;

Moving walkways and escalators
Dogs are not naturally inclined to walk on escalators and moving walkways. Watch out for their paws! Practice at dog friendly outdoor places.  Try over and over until your dog gets used to the moving platform or escalator.

Elevators
Usually not a problem for most service dogs, but in some cases it can get very tight with suitcases strollers etc.

Large trolleys
Trolleys carrying baggage, people, garbage ect are all things to expect.  They have big wheels and make a lot of noise.

Hand dryer in bathrooms
If your service dog is afraid of blow dryers, the bathroom is going to be a challenge. Practice at home when you dry your hair by keeping your dog in the bathroom with you.  Do this every morning until they seem comfortable with the sound.

Rolling suitcases
Just another thing to get used to.

Metal detectors/Security Equipment
Be prepared for a lot of commotion at the security line – it’s a good idea to place the dog into a down-stay while you are unloading your bag, taking off shoes, ect.  Down-stay is also useful when going through the metal detectors.  Some TSA agents make the dog go through fully naked while others allow them to keep on their vest.

Dealing with Reactive dogs
Airlines have clearly defined rules that reactive dogs cannot be allowed on planes, but there has not been any crack down on it. Reactive dog situations will occur at some point.

3. Training your service dog for airport security procedures

Training your service dog for airport security procedures is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Airports can be overwhelming and crowded, with various security measures in place that can potentially create anxiety for both you and your service dog. By properly training your canine companion, you can navigate these procedures with ease. The first step is to familiarize your service dog with the sound and sight of metal detectors and X-ray machines. Start by exposing them to similar sounds and equipment in a controlled environment. Your local court house is a great place for this type of training for your service dog.

Gradually increase the intensity of the sounds and the proximity to the equipment to desensitize your dog to potential stressors. Next, it is essential to train your service dog to remain calm and obedient during the security screening process. Practice commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “wait” to ensure your dog remains focused and composed. Additionally, accustom your dog to being touched and handled by strangers, as airport security personnel may need to perform a physical inspection. It is also crucial to work on your dog’s ability to walk through security checkpoints without hesitation. Teach them to walk confidently and calmly on a loose leash, without reacting to distractions or sudden movements.

Practice this in various environments to simulate the busy atmosphere of an airport. Furthermore, ensure your service dog is familiar with traveling crates or carriers. Introduce them to the crate gradually, associating it with positive experiences such as treats and rewards. This will help your dog feel secure and comfortable during the screening process, as they will be required to be separated from you temporarily. Lastly, consider obtaining the necessary documentation for your service dog, such as a letter from a healthcare professional or an identification card. This documentation will help streamline the security process and ensure your service dog is recognized as a trained companion. Remember, patience and consistency are key when training your service dog for airport security procedures. By investing time and effort into this aspect of their training, you can enhance their ability to navigate airports smoothly while alleviating any potential stress or anxiety for both you and your furry companion.

4. Teaching your service dog in-flight behavior and comfort techniques

Teaching your service dog in-flight behavior and comfort techniques is crucial for a smooth and stress-free air travel experience. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or have a specific trip planned, preparing your service dog for flying is essential. First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that your service dog is comfortable and calm in confined spaces. Start by introducing your dog to a crate or carrier if you have a small service animal, if on the larger side, we recommend bus or train rides to simulate the environment of an airplane. Gradually get them accustomed to spending time in the crate or small space, using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise.

Next, it’s important to teach your service dog appropriate in-flight behavior. Start by reinforcing basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, and settle. These commands will help your dog remain calm and well-behaved during the flight. Practice these commands in various environments to ensure that your dog can follow them even amidst distractions. Additionally, consider teaching your service dog a specific “air travel” command. This command can be used to signal when it’s time for your dog to settle down and remain calm during the flight. This can be reinforced using verbal cues, hand signals, or a designated mat or blanket that signifies their designated space. Comfort techniques are also essential for your service dog during air travel. Consider providing familiar items, such as their favorite blanket or toy, to help create a sense of comfort and familiarity. Remember, every service dog is unique, so it’s important to tailor the training and comfort techniques to your dog’s specific needs. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to successfully training your service dog for air travel and ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey for both of you.

Types of people you will meet while boarding plane:

The Curious People
These people mean no harm, they are just unfamiliar with the process and are understandably curious about your dog especially kids. They will ask questions, and it is up to you if you want to answer.

The Children
Children love dogs. They’ll want to say hi. It is up to you whether or not you want to engage with the children.

The Dog Haters
Some people have had bad experiences with dogs, which is unfortunate.  Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do but ignore them. If your dog isn’t bothering them and is tucked away under your seat, there really isn’t anything they should be upset about.

The Allergic to Dogs
This happens, and it was important for us to respect the perons allergy. Some people are severely allergic to dogs which leads to a more tricky situation that should be respected.  When this happens, ask the flight attendant to relocate you to the very back of the plane to accommodate the request of passenger with allergies.

The pilot and staff
We have noticed that airlines are inconsistent with how friendly their staff are so it’s just depends on who is checking you in. Many times, the pilots will want to say hi.  Of course, this is entirely up to you and they always ask for permission and understand your preferences.

The TSA
Your dog can generally keep its gear on when going through security.  You will put him in a down stay and then walk through the metal detector with your back to him.  Then you call him to you.  TSA will test your hands and often will pat down your dog.  They are generally very friendly but you should expect more scrutiny in terms of bag checking and pat downs.

Service Dog – Air Travel

Flying with a service animal on American Airlines

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Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.

A service animal is defined as a dog that’s individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability, including but not limited to:

  • Visual impairments
  • Deafness
  • Seizures
  • Mobility impairments
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

Our team members are trained to ask certain questions to determine if your animal is a service animal acceptable for travel.

Please note, service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals may travel as pets, not as service animals. All requirements and applicable fees will apply.

Pets

Forms and advanced notice

To travel with a service animal on flights operated by American, you must submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form attesting to the animal’s health, training, and behavior to the Special Assistance Desk at least 48 hours before your flight. We’ll notify you upon document approval.

You can complete the form at the airport if you bought your ticket within 48 hours before the flight. Be sure to arrive early.

DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (PDF) Opens a PDF form in a new window.

This form is compatible with the latest version of JAWS and NVDA screen readers, and it may be completed and signed on a desktop or mobile device using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Get Adobe Acrobat Reader Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

If your trip includes a flight on a partner airline you’ll need to contact them and complete all required forms for traveling with a service animal.

Flights to the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a temporary suspension of dogs, including service dogs, traveling to the U.S. from countries considered high-risk for dog rabies.

Only service dogs with an approved CDC Dog Import Permit, or that meet CDC U.S. vaccination and microchip requirements may fly on American.

Flights over 8 hours

If you have a flight over 8 hours in your itinerary, the Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Sanitation Form is also required stating your animal won’t need to relieve itself or can do so in a way that doesn’t create a health or sanitation issue.

DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (PDF) Opens in a new window

This form is compatible with the latest version of JAWS and NVDA screen readers, and it may be completed and signed on a desktop or mobile device using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Instructions

  1. Read and complete the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
  2. Complete the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form if applicable
  3. Submit at least 48 hours before your flight
  4. Keep the form with you during your trip

Submit the DOT Service Animal form

Service Animal ID

Once you’ve submitted your form and it’s been approved, we’ll send you an email with your Service Animal ID (SVAN ID). You can add the SVAN ID when booking future travel with this animal and be approved without resubmitting forms. Keep in mind, your SVAN ID will expire after 1 year from the date of signature or when the animal’s vaccination expires, whichever is first.

Service Dog Pass™

Handlers with a Service Dog Pass ID (SDP ID) can enjoy a more seamless travel experience thanks to our partnership with K9s For Warriors and Service Dog Pass. You can add an SDP ID instead of an American-issued Service Animal ID (SVAN ID) when booking travel with us and be approved without submitting forms.

Service Dog Pass Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Travel requirements

  • Animal must be harnessed, leashed or tethered at all times
  • Animals under 4 months of age may not travel as a service animal
  • Animal must be clean and well-behaved
  • Animal must be able to fit at your feet, under your seat or in your lap (lap animals must be smaller than a 2-year old child)
  • Final approval for travel will not happen until you arrive at the airport and it is determined that the animal will safely fit at your feet.
  • If the animal is in a kennel, it must fit under the seat in front of you with the animal in it.
  • An individual is limited to 2 service animals

Animals may not:

  • Be seated in an exit row
  • Protrude into or block aisles
  • Occupy a seat
  • Eat from tray tables

If your animal is too large or too heavy to be safely accommodated in the cabin, you may need to:

  • Rebook on a flight with more open seats
  • Buy a ticket for the animal
  • Transport the animal as a checked pet.

Animal behavior

Animals must be trained to behave properly in public and they won’t be permitted in the cabin if they display any form of disruptive behavior that can’t be successfully corrected or controlled, including but not limited to:

  • Growling
  • Biting or attempting to bite
  • Jumping on or lunging at people

If this behavior is observed at any point during your journey and isn’t corrected or controlled, the animal will be considered a pet. All requirements and applicable fees will apply.

If you don’t complete or meet all the requirements, your animal may be able to fly as a pet. All requirements and applicable fees will apply.

Pets

Destinations with restrictions

Hawaii This content can be expanded
London, England (LHR) This content can be expanded
Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI) This content can be expanded
All other destinations within the United Kingdom This content can be expanded
Ireland This content can be expanded
India This content can be expanded
Japan This content can be expanded
Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) This content can be expanded
Hong Kong (HKG) This content can be expanded
Georgetown, Guyana (GEO) This content can be expanded
St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVD) This content can be expanded

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

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Santa Fe Vacation

  • Address:  3561 Agua Fria Street 87507

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  • Bus Routes – Overview
    • 1 – Blue – College
      • .
    • 2 – Museum / Canyon Rd
      • – Rail Runner Station
    • 4 – Southwide
    • 5 – Crosstown
    • 6 – Rodeo Road
    • 21 – Community College
    • 22 – Rancho Viejo
    • 24 – Country Club
    • M – SF Shuttle Pickup
  • FREE SHUTTLES
    • Spanish Market Sa/Su
    • Indian Market Sa/Su

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  • Schedule
    • Monday 18th – PIZZA
    • Tuesday 19th
    • Wednesday 20th – Visit with Josephine

      • CLICK HERE FOR MAP
      • Uber to Best Buy, Lowes, or Target
      • Bus #2 to her place
      • or Uber to Restaurant
    • Thursday 21st
      – Route 1 Destinations – Route 1 Bus Tour

      • TOUR – Get on going westbound @ Camino Maria Feliz
        • El Camino Real – Interpretive Trail – Westbound path
          • Get off at San Filipe Road – 1.5 mi – 1 hour
            Get off where it turns south to go to the Country Club
            Uber back to bus from
      • TOUR – Get on going eastbound
      • Tumbleroot Brewery – DIRECTIONS
      • New Mexico History Museum – LINK
    • Friday – 22nd –

      • Saturday – 23rd

        • FREE walking tour – we will need to Uber to Canyon Road
        • New Mexico Visitor Center – Historic Route – Black

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Santa Fe Details

Large well located one bedroom in the historical Agua Fria village, on the Camino Real trail. Ten minutes from the plaza and Canyon Road. Five minutes to Meow Wolf and walking trail behind the property.

The space

Just put an ac in the bedroom
The house has a queen size bed in the bedroom, with a large closet and a sofa bed in the living room.
The kitchen is stocked with appliances for your cooking needs. The bathroom has a tub and shower. We offer Wifi and Cable TV (Dish Network w/ HBO).
It has a back garden with a fence, it has recycled glass on the floor, it is completely safe as it is honed and no sharp edges.
Parking for 2 in the front in tandem. If additional parking is needed, you can park behind the property in our open area.
The Agua Fria village is one of the first villages created by the Spanish Conquistadors in early 1600.
You neighbors are the descendants of the original settlers.
You’ll find yourself in the countryside but in the city.
Please make sure to close the screen doors, so bugs won’t get in.

Guest access

Guests will have complete access to the entire house including back yard and parking. The items in the house are for our guests. Please feel free to use anything you find for your comfort.

Other things to note

Our village is rich with history, locals are mostly related and have been here since the Conquistadors, for generations.

Getting around:
Santa Fe offers a local bus system, one in front of the house that will take you all the way to the plaza. Santa Fe Trails buses are just behind the property with a dog park at the end. We also have taxi and Uber/Lyft access.

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What this place offers

  • Kitchen
  • Wifi
  • Free parking on premises
  • Pets allowed
  • TV with standard cable
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Patio or balcony
  • Backyard
  • Refrigerator
  • OTHER NOTES
  • Bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Hot water
  • Bedroom and laundry
  • Dryer
  • Essentials
  • Towels, bed sheets, soap, and toilet paper
  • Hangers
  • Bed linens
  • Extra pillows and blankets
  • Iron
  • Entertainment
  • TV with standard cable
  • Suitable for events
  • The listing can accommodate a gathering of 25 or more attendees
  • Heating and cooling
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Home safety
  • Smoke alarm
  • Carbon monoxide alarm
  • Internet and office
  • Wifi
  • Kitchen and dining
  • Kitchen
  • Space where guests can cook their own meals
  • Refrigerator
  • Cooking basics
  • Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
  • Dishes and silverware
  • Bowls, chopsticks, plates, cups, etc.
  • Stove
  • Oven
  • Coffee maker
  • Location features
  • Private entrance
  • Separate street or building entrance
  • Outdoor
  • Patio or balcony
  • Backyard
  • An open space on the property usually covered in grass
  • Parking and facilities
  • Free parking on premises
  • Services
  • Pets allowed
  • Assistance animals are always allowed
  • Breakfast
  • Breakfast is provided
  • Self check-in
  • Lockbox
  • Not included
  • Unavailable: Security cameras on property
  • Security cameras on property
  • Unavailable: WasherWasher
  • Unavailable: Hair dryerHair dryer

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Research in Prep of our Visit

  • 1.3 mi :: Meow Wolf Art Museum
    • Mon-Fri 10 am
    • Sat/Sun 9 am
    • 1352 Rufina Circle
    • 866-meow-wow
  • 4.8 mi :: Loretto Chapel
  • 3.8 mi :: Camino Real Imports
  • 0.6 mi :: Agua Fria Village
  • 3.4 mi :: Tune up Cafe
  • 4.2 mi :: Andale! Taco Trucks
  • 6.7 mi :: Atalya Trail
  • 30 mi :: Tent Rocks Monument
  • 4.7 mi :: Whole Foods

Things to take with us

  • Door Alarm from Plaza Club
  • One roll Toilet Paper
  • Coffee bags or instant coffee
  • Alexa
  • Fire TV
  • Rope to hang shirts
  • Roll of Plastic wrap
  • Leftover flat tortillas
  • Knife Sharpener
  • RBA Thin Brown Blanket

Telephone and Contact Information

First Grocery Shopping Trip

  • bread or English Muffins
  • bacon and/or ham
  • evoo
  • butter
  • salt
  • milk
  • OJ
  • eggs
  • hatch chili peppers
  • Vodka / Scotch
  • Possibly bring Febreeze
  • Bath towels are cheap

Laundry Notice

  • Washer
  • Dryer
    • If it doesn’t start right away, open and close door again. 
    • Bang door shut to make sure it is completely closed

Requests

I took my time and read all of the reviews. I got about a dozen good ideas for visits while in your area. (We had never heard of Meow Wolf)

One request: When you prep the unit, could you please unplug the air fresheners? My wife is very sensitive about fragrance, and we’d rather go “au naturale.”

Also, we were very excited to see your note about fresh eggs. We used to have seven chickens, but had to get rid of them when we moved into a retirement community.

If possible, in the fridge, either skim or low fat milk would suit our tastes better. Anything you provide though, will be fine. We’re not too picky.

I didn’t see any mention of bus service or other mass transit nearby? Is there anything like that, or will we have to Uber everywhere?

I hope we get a chance to meet with you both.

Robert & Cynthia

BUS DESTINATION ROUTES

  • Pick up and Drop off at our place
    • Bus #1 – approx Stop 4
  • New Mexico Visitor Center
    • Historic Route – Black
  • Bus Routes – Overview
    • 1 – Blue – College
    • 2 – Museum / Canyon Rd
      • – Rail Runner Station
    • 4 – Southwide
    • 5 – Crosstown
    • 6 – Rodeo Road
    • 21 – Community College
    • 22 – Rancho Viejo
    • 24 – Country Club
    • 27 – ?
    • M – SF Shuttle Pickup
  • FREE SHUTTLES
    • Spanish Market Sa/Su
    • Indian Market Sa/Su

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Adults Disney Weekend

380c59ef2eac13b808d46f26ed5ac0afdd540ff8075b7e3fde36449a4d3b655503b45811

The Plans

  • Anaheim – Peacock Suites
  • Friday evening: Reception from 4 pm – drinks included
    – Transportation not provided
  • Saturday – 1 day pass to Disney Land – $220
  • Saturday morning:  Walk in Walt’s Footsteps – normally $218
  • Saturday lunch:  Probably something like hamburgers
  • Saturday afternoon:  Adult day in the park till closing time
  • Sunday morning: Owner Update
  • Valet Parking Included – $11 * 3 = $33
  • Total value:  $1,025  – – –  Our cost $199
  • Verification number:  39ebe5e298db0c5900f4e5b2

The package details

  • We get two of these packages each year
  • We have one more left for 2018

The Fine Print

  • Must cancel by December 22 to get a refund
  • After Dec 22 you can only reschedule
  • 14 day window to reschedule – that is by approx January 14, 2018
  • You will then have a 6 month window during which you must take your vacation, or lose it all

For subsequent vacations – 2 per year

  • These are called “Owner Appreciation Special Events”
  • 4 days, 3 nights plus dining opportunities
  • First booked through Tracy Barron – 866-889-8069 – Extension: 624128 – Mon-Fri 1:00 – 6:30 pm

Arizona Facts

Being a proud resident of Arizona, here are some facts about this amazing state.

1. Arizona has 3,928 mountain peaks and summits—more mountains than any one of the other Mountain States ( Colorado , Idaho , Montana , Nevada , New Mexico , Utah , and Wyoming ).

2. All New England, plus the state of Pennsylvania would fit inside Arizona .

3. Arizona became the 48th state and last of the contiguous states on February 14, 1912.

4. Arizona ’s disparate climate can yield both the highest temperature across the nation and the lowest temperature across the nation in the same day.

5. There are more wilderness areas in Arizona than in the entire Midwest . Arizona alone has 90 wilderness areas, while the Midwest has 50.

6. Arizona has 26 peaks that are more than 10,000 feet in elevation.

7. Arizona has the largest contiguous stand of ponderosa pines in the world stretching from near Flagstaff along the Mogollon Rim to the White Mountains region.

8. Yuma, Arizona is the country’s highest producer of winter vegetables, especially lettuce.

9. Arizona is the 6th largest state in the nation, covering 113,909 square miles.

10. Out of all the states in the U.S., Arizona has the largest percentage of its land designated as Indian lands.

11. The “Five C’s” of Arizona ’s economy are: Cattle, Copper, Citrus, Cotton, and Climate.

12. More copper is mined in Arizona than all the other states combined, and the Morenci Mine is the largest copper producer in all of North America .

13. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, two of the most prominent movie stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, were married on March 18, 1939, in Kingman , Arizona .

14. Covering 18,608 sq. miles, Coconino County is the second largest county by land area in the 48 contiguous United States .

15. The world’s largest solar telescope is located at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Sells, Arizona .

16. Bisbee , Arizona is known as the Queen of the Copper Mines because during its mining heyday it produced nearly 25 percent of the world’s copper and was the largest city in the Southwest between Saint Louis and San Francisco .

17. Billy the Kid killed his first man, Windy Cahill, in Bonita, Arizona .

18. Arizona grows enough cotton each year to make more than one pair of jeans for every person in the United States .

19. Famous labor leader and activist Cesar Chavez was born in Yuma .

20. In 1912, President William Howard Taft was ready to make Arizona a state on February 12, but it was Lincoln ’s birthday. The next day, the 13th, was considered bad luck so they waited until the following day. That’s how Arizona became known as the “ Valentine State .”

21. When England’s famous London Bridge was replaced in the 1960s, the original was purchased, dismantled, shipped stone by stone and reconstructed in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where it still stands today.

22. Mount Lemmon, in the Santa Catalina Mountains, is the southernmost ski resort in the United States .

23. Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch in Picacho, Arizona is the largest privately-owned ostrich ranch in the world outside South Africa .

24. If you cut down a protected species of cactus in Arizona, you could spend more than a year in prison.

25. The world’s largest to-scale collection of miniature airplane models is housed at the library at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott , Arizona .

26. The only place in the country where mail is delivered by mule is the village of Supai, located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon .

27. Located on Arizona’s western border, Parker Dam is the deepest dam in the world at 320 feet.

28. South Mountain Park/Preserve in Phoenix is the largest municipal park in the country.

29. Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, located about 55 miles west of Phoenix, generates more electricity than any other U.S. power plant.

30. Oraibi, a Hopi village located in Navajo County, Arizona, dates back to before A.D. 1200 and is reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in America .

31. Built by Del Webb in 1960, Sun City, Arizona was the first 55-plus active adult retirement community in the country.

32. Petrified wood is the official state fossil. The Petrified Forest in northeastern Arizona contains America ’s largest deposits of petrified wood.

33. Many of the founders of San Francisco in 1776 were Spanish colonists from Tubac, Arizona .

34. Phoenix originated in 1866 as a hay camp to supply military post Camp McDowell .

35. Rainfall averages for Arizona range from less than three inches in the deserts to more than 30 inches per year in the mountains.

36. Rising to a height of 12,643 feet, Mount Humphreys north of Flagstaff is the state’s highest mountain.

37. Roadrunners are not just in cartoons! In Arizona , you’ll see them running up to 17-mph away from their enemies.

38. The Saguaro cactus is the largest cactus found in the U.S. It can grow as high as a five-story building and is native to the Sonoran Desert , which stretches across southern Arizona .

39. Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, grew up on a large family ranch near Duncan, Arizona .  (She was also a Soroptimist!)

40. The best-preserved meteor crater in the world is located near Winslow, Arizona .

41. The average state elevation is 4,000 feet.

42. The Navajo Nation spans 27,000 square miles across the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, but its capital is seated in Window Rock, Arizona.

43. The amount of copper utilized to make the copper dome atop Arizona ’s Capitol building is equivalent to the amount used in 4.8 million pennies.

44. Near Yuma, the Colorado River’s elevation dips to 70 feet above sea level, making it the lowest point in the state.

45. The geographic center of Arizona is 55 miles southeast of Prescott near the community of Mayer.

46. You could pile four 1,300-foot skyscrapers on top of each other and they still would not reach the rim of the Grand Canyon .

47. The hottest temperature recorded in Arizona was 128 degrees at Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994.

48. The coldest temperature recorded in Arizona was 40 degrees below zero at Hawley Lake on January 7, 1971.

49. A saguaro cactus can store up to nine tons of water.

50. The state of Massachusetts could fit inside Maricopa County (9,922 sq. miles).

51. The westernmost battle of the Civil War was fought at Picacho Pass on April 15, 1862 near Picacho Peak in Pinal County .

52. There are 11.2 million acres of National Forest in Arizona, and one-fourth of the state forested.

53. Wyatt Earp was neither the town marshal nor the sheriff in Tombstone at the time of the shoot-out at the O.K. Corral. His brother Virgil was the town marshal.

54. On June 6, 1936, the first barrel of tequila produced in the United States rolled off the production line in Nogales , Arizona .

55. The Sonoran Desert is the most biologically diverse desert in North America .

56. Bisbee is the Nation’s southernmost mile-high city.

57. The two largest manmade lakes in the U.S. are Lake Mead and Lake Powell —both located in Arizona .

58. The longest remaining intact section of Route 66 can be found in Arizona and runs from Seligman to Topock, a total of 157 unbroken miles.

59. The 13 stripes on the Arizona flag represent the 13 original colonies of the United States .

60. The negotiations for Geronimo’s final surrender took place in Skeleton Canyon, near present day Douglas, Arizona, in 1886.

61. Prescott, Arizona is home to the world’s oldest rodeo, and Payson, Arizona is home to the world’s oldest continuous rodeo—both of which date back to the 1880s.

62. Kartchner Caverns, near Benson, Arizona, is a massive limestone cave with 13,000 feet of passages, two rooms as long as football fields, and one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites: measuring 21 feet 3 inches.