About Apache County, AZ

The Wallow Fire in the White Mountains of Arizona continues to rage out of control. I thought perhaps some of you would like a local perspective on this fire. To put it in a word, it is a Monster! We didn't think 9 years ago when we lived through another monster fire that it could ever be worse. We were wrong. This fire is raging in an area of heavy timber with no natural breaks to allow fire fighters to get a handle on it. To compound things we have been dealing with high swirling winds ever since it started on May 29th.

Several communities have been evacuated, two more just this evening. Now there are over 10,000 people who have been forced from their homes because of this massive wildfire. The air tankers have had to be grounded because of the winds but those are supposed to ease a bit tomorrow.

Tonight it was announced that they are bringing in a 747 slurry plane that can lay down up to a mile of slurry in one pass. Many have asked why they haven't brought them in before? Well, according to the Fire Fighters using slurry on a Ponderosa Pine fire is like spitting on a house fire. It just doesn't do any good. Now that the fire is beginning to move out of the tall pine forests on the North side they may be able to contain it because it is getting in to Pinion and Juniper Trees and open plains. Still, it is going to do little except perhaps protect property and structures, this monster will not be stopped by any force of man. There is only one thing that is going to help put out this fire and that is rain, lots and lots of rain.

It is sad to see all these gloreous forests going up in flames and all because of the carelessness of some camper who didn't put out their campfire when they left the area. They have not said that was the official cause but those of us who live here know that to be the truth. It happens every summer when out of town visitors come to visit our forests to escape the desert heat in the low lands and they think a cooler of ice and a gallon of water will put out a campfire. Then off they go on their merry way without another thought for the dangerous situation they left behind.

The forest that are burning now took 150 years or more to grow. None of our children or grandchildren will have the privilege of enjoying what is being lost. It is truly sad to watch and know that it isn't over yet. We still have monsoon season to get through with it's lightening storms and spotty rains so this could perhaps be only the beginning of the fire troubles in the High Country.

All I can say is Pray really hard for Rain or a miracle because we need all of both that we can get.

Sandra Paulow, Associate Broker, GRI, SFR

Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty in Show Low, Arizona

North Eastern Arizona offers many spectacular views. This photograph was taken from the top of the Sunrise Ski Lift in Greer, Arizona. During the summer, the lift is available for trips up to the top - approximately 11,000 feet - overlooking the valley. On one such trip, I took this photograph looking east towards New Mexico, above tree line. I can never take enough of these pictures and try to capture the view in such a way that the one viewing the picture will feel just a little of what I am feeling! All of this just three hours from Mesa, Arizona.

PRICED TO SELL AT $158,000.

Seven+ Acres of prime land for your High Country Home. Level with plenty of tree cover but with lots of places where you could place your home with a minimum of clearing. Hard to find a parcel of this size that has Metered Water, Power, & Phone available. Parcel is off the road so it is very private and quiet. Nice Views from some areas of the land. Backs to one of the small Cinder Mountains in the area. Lots of Tall Pinion & Juniper Trees on this land so lots of privacy & wind protection. Survey available for viewing, just call.

There is another Arizona.

When I post, you're used to seeing photos like this one of sunny, warm, Tucson. We have 300 + days of sunshine in this little corner of the world.

But there's another Arizona.

I was on the phone today with Deanne Olivas, REALTOR in Gilbert, AZ. (Active Rain at work ~ she's selling houses and I'm funding loans.)

During our conversation, Deanne asked if I had been on her blog today.

I hadn't, but while we were on the phone, I looked it up.

Deanne's in the "Other Arizona."

You have to know that Deanne and her family are vacationing at the moment in Arizona's White Mountains.

That mountain range has its name for a reason; you're not going to be thinking "Arizona" when you click the link to The Other Arizona.

WHAT? You expected to see 51 inches of snow on my blog? I don't think so... :)

___________________

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson Mortgage Lender.

NMLS #223495

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE llc ~ Mortgage Bankers, Not Brokers!
Offices in Scottsdale, Tucson, and Nogales, AZ, and Albuquerque, NM.

Call me on my Blackberry (520) 349-9090

photos copyright Mike in Tucson

Perfect for the extended family or anyone who wants lots of space. This home was customized to include two complete living areas with a central kitchen. Both areas even have their own entrances and decks for outside living. Placed on a full acre corner lot, this home has gorgeous views as well.

Community is an established Manufactured Home community with maintained roads, all utilities, and the is just off a main State Highway for easy access in any weather.

Priced very competatively at $172,500. Home is a 2001 Palm Harbor and is set to FHA specifications.