The Secrets Of Arizona Summers

I’ve been home for the last four months in Arizona during quarantine. I haven’t been home that long since high school. So going from the independent, adult life I’ve made for myself to living with my parents again was a significant change. I hadn’t been with those personalities for more than a week or two in five years; I quickly learned to pick my battles at the dinner table and took up breathing exercises.

This time at home was a shock, blessing, and relief. We all were thrown off when the world shut down, but I’ve really enjoyed the extra time to learn, educate, and immerse myself in things I would never have imagined doing. I started a website, created a YouTube channel, and toured all around Arizona. I got to remember why my home state is so famous for its scenic views, unrivaled sunsets, interesting cacti, and historically hot temperatures. Camping all over allowed me to put my newly-learned video editing skills to the test. I’m not as good as the McKibbin brothers, but I had to rip off the bandaid and start somewhere. So today, I’m sharing my love of Arizona. And also why the heat is something you can look past to really see its best features.

In Arizona, you get all four seasons. Let’s start with my favorite: Fall. Fall provides cool evenings and brilliant color-changing leaves. It’s a great time to take a trip to the Sedona Red Rocks which is like a Disneyland escape. In the Winter, you can still get things done because there is no such thing as shoveling snow, and you can actually spend more than 10 seconds outside at a time. If you’re a winter person who likes shoveling snow or skiing, head up to Flagstaff to get your winter fix. But once you’re over that, fast forward to Spring. Spring is pleasantly cool with just a few intermittent “holy crap, it’s hot” type of days.

Summer gets its own separate paragraph. Why? Because it gets the most grief from everyone. Yes, the months of June through August really make you question why you live in a state that reaches temperatures of 118 degrees. But every Arizonian knows, once the temperature hits 100, it all feels the same.

IT’S JUST A “DRY HEAT.”

Your pool may be lukewarm, but you have to think on the bright side – at least you have a pool.

To me, the only two turnoffs of an Arizona summer are:

1. Burning my butt cheeks on the leather seat in my car. I’ve never adjusted to that feeling. It’s seriously a process getting into your car. First, you get in and burn your butt. Then you try to ever so carefully test your cheek to see if it can endure a little more pain. Eventually, after you’ve burnt a layer or two off, you can fully sit down half-comfortably on your scorching seat.
2. The other feeling is that no matter what time of day it is, you must be prepared to incrementally feel sweat drip down the backs of your knees. If you can get through and accept those two feelings, you’re set to live in Arizona. It’s that simple.

Whether that convinced any of you of why Arizona is amazing – minus the burning booty and sweaty knees – hopefully this video I put together of all my adventures and trips will make up for it! I’ve had a blast getting to explore my home state. And, of course, I had to invite Wilson. It would be rude if I didn’t.