March 21, 2022
Map and Mt. Lemmon scenic byway road video
Today had a couple of hiccups that cut the drive short but was very enjoyable nonetheless.
Several days ago a former student of mine, Raphael (class of 2014), who still follows my blog noticed I was heading his way and suggested we meet up in Tucson. Raphael was always interested in math and physics and, along with working on his PhD in astrophysics, is now part of the James Webb Space Telescope team at the University of Arizona. This team developed one of the telescope’s sensors, NIRCam, for detecting “first light” in the universe soon after the Big Bang and Rapheal will be analyzing data from the sensor when it is operational, We got together for coffee this morning and chatted about his work and research, other former students that I taught, living in Tucson and a myriad of other topics. It was a most enjoyable start to the day.
I then left Tucson for a drive along the Mt. Lemmon scenic byway northeast of Tucson. This is a spectacular drive but I only saw about half of it because clouds rolled in and the views were obscured above 6,500 feet so I turned around. I have included a couple of photos below, however, the road video shows the nature of the drive far better and is well worth a click here.
There are many viewpoints and parking areas along the byway. This is the view from one of the lower vistas.
The road clings to the side of the mountain and passes through deep canyons offering spectacular views all the way.
The day had started with cloudless blue skies so I had not planned any other stops since the full Mt. Lemmon experience would have filled the day. However, I knew that Casa Grande Ruins National Monument was close to my route to Chandler, a suburb of Phoenix. so I made an on-the-fly decision to add that to the itinerary. Unfortunately, since covid, the National Park Service has decided to close the park on Sundays and Mondays – something I never imagined would happen as it is an outdoor site. Thus I arrived in Chandler early having experienced a very enjoyable day that, with a little luck, would have been even better.
I remember Raphael!! What a treat to see him
It was. I have been following the progress of the James Webb Telescope and it’s wonderful to learn what former students are doing. He offered me a tour of the Astronomy and Astrophysics facilities next time I’m around and I might just take him up on that.
Meeting one of your students must have been just wonderful! Thank you for the stunning pictures.
It was wonderful and, since he is in touch with a number of classmates who were also my students, I learned that quite a few are working in scientific fields now.
It must be very satisfying to meet up with your past students and hear how they are doing such interesting work in the fields you taught them.
It’s good to learn of their success and that they are still in the field.
Rewarding to see how far your enthusiasm and influence has spread in the scientific world Steve.
Certainly is. Teachers don’t get immediate gratification for the most part but experiences like meeting Raphael demonstrate the work is valuable.
Fantastic. I am in the Phoenix area, have you already driven out of AZ? Let me know if you will be up this way. I have a guest room if you need a place.
Hi Amanda. Thanks for the offer, it would have been great to catch up with you but I am now in California. Hope you are doing well and thanks for still following the blog.
Cheers, Steve.
I also remember Raphael…and his sister and parents. I love the through line from HS physics to astrophysics and the Big Bang. You must have made quite an impression on him.
Steve, you’ve identified routes that I will note for my own future journeys. I’m grateful for this.
Teaching may not always be rewarding at the time but moments like chatting to Raphael and seeing his enthusiasm for the subject are very gratifying. Glad I also stimulated ideas for your future travels.