The Sky

Dec 31/2017  Happy Happy New Year to all. 
Weather was hazy all day, high of 70.  Low of 45.   

Phoenix is that way, etched into the hill off Usery Pass Road

What we thought was just a grey, cloudy haze was really pollution.   This is the first time that we have been aware of the air quality in question day after day in the Phoenix Valley.  Looking back we have not camped in this area often, only a couple of other times and we are always on the outskirts, thankfully it is a good choice. 

Gold Canyon is way to the right on the map on hwy 60

Gold Canyon is on the outskirts of the metro area and we prefer it for getting out riding on the motorcycle, less congestion, less populace and now for a better air quality.  Ironically many snowbirds come to Arizona for health improvement from the dry weather - lots of conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, and asthma.   Phoenix sits in a valley and with little wind and no rain of late the air pollution has been reported as the worst in years.  There has been a no wood burning ban on to stop even more pollution into the air.    Here is a photo on the news tonight showing the low lying smog looking into Phoenix.

air pollution over metro Phoenix

We had a fun day at Star Wars then New York style pizza so the hazy day did not affect us.  Thankfully the best time of the day was at sunset when we were out for our walk.  Tonight Mother Nature gave back in all her glory. 

sunset in Gold Canyon

And of course the temperature 70, then the forecast out  73, 73, 75, 75, 73, 70, 71, 72, 71.  Yes we can take this for sure:)  Mid 70's is our perfect weather and especially compared to home.  Yikes!!!!!  Minus -22 F wind chill....... it looks freeeeeeeezzzzing cold on the map!!!

Southern Ontario in a Deep Freeze