Tucson is in the southern part of the state , the petrified forest is in the north east part . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tucson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrified_Forest_National_Park There is also the "town too tough to die " http://www.clantongang.com/ desert rat p.s. you might want to check this place out also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organ_Pipe_Cactus_National_Monument http://www.nps.gov/orpi/index.htm http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/organ_pipe/national_monument.html http://www.amwest-travel.com/awt_organpipe2.html
Columbia, Gill, Harken, Helly Hansen, Henri Lloyd, Patagonia, Slam, Sperry Top-Sider, West Marine. UV-blocking polarized sunglasses and a good hat that covers your ears.
Our base was number 4 on the list of those that would be sent. They finally decided to send some of us. Americorps already has hundreds of people there. Mostly FEMAcorps.