Posted for Scotty G <warbirdaeropress@cox.net>:

I agree with Bryan... I live in Phoenix, and Sedona / Jerome in the winter
can be very beautiful. There is skiing in the White Mountains (near Greer),
and also in Flagstaff.

Southern Arizona in winter is paradise. Cool temps (up to the 70s) and severe
VFR. Try Tucson and destinations south for old time western towns, gold
mining, great food, and there is even Mexico. This is the time of year to hike
and explore.

Caution, tho... Much of the terrain in the Southwest is very difficult. Get
some survival and comm gear should anything force you down.

Grand Canyon in winter can be stunning. Very good airport, no density
altitude, but the weather can change instantly and be brutal. Lodges for
overnight and extended stays, and an old fashioned train runs down to Williams
and is quite cool.

Prescott also has a great airport and offers super hiking, many shops and
restaraunts in town, and is very scenic.

Hope this helps.

Scotty G
Warbird Digest Magazine
September Pops Air Racing
 
[While we're on the subject of the great American southwest, a day or two of soaring at Arizona Soaring in Maricopa just south of Phoenix is an experience I'd also highly recommend.  Great soaring conditions and really nice folks, (not to mention the shear kick of gaining altitude without a noisemaker,) and you get to improve your flying skills all at the same time.  I agree with Bob Mackey's recent comments... all Lancairians should get some glider time if for no other reason than to expand their aerial horizons... and it's a real hoot!  <Marv>   ]