Moving West

[Mark Sampson]

My wife, Dana Hemmenway, has accepted a position as Senior Photograph Conservator at the Center for Creative Photography, part of the University of Arizona. So we are packing up to move to Tucson. For me, that's 55 years in Rochester, 6 in Washington DC, and the foreseeable future in Arizona.
She will be taking care of their entire collection, including the archives of Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Aaron Siskind, Harry Callahan and many more.
I've visited and photographed in Arizona a number of times, and it should be an exciting time. All we have to do is get there- we should arrive by the end of the first week in November. After the dust settles and we unpack all the boxes, I hope to look up some of the Arizona-based forum members (I know you're out there!)

[Leszek Vogt]

Congrats, Mark. Just think in terms of access to Utah, N. Mex and AZ gorgeous scenery. Hope the heat is not an issue....or find a Summer home around Flag and you're set :>).

Les

[Mark Sawyer]

Welcome to Tucson! Let us know when you get settled in, or if you need help with the move on this end!

[chassis]

Congratulations! Say goodbye (good riddance?) to mid-Atlantic summer humidity. When a noreaster is scheduled in late February, I'll be sure to send you a PM so you can hurry back. ;)

[goamules]

That's wonderful news! I also live in Tucson, and hope you like it here. I've been here since 2000, and can help advise on anything you need.

[DennisD]

Wow ! That's exciting and really a wonderful position for your wife, Mark.
Congratulations to her and best wishes in the job.

You had best remain in good graces so as to have full access to that excellent collection of photographic works !

No matter what, you will have plenty to photograph out there.

[John Kasaian]

There are three Costcos in Tucson:
6255 E Grant Rd.
3901 W Costco Dr
1650 E Tucson Marketplace Blvd

I hope this helps!

[Sal Santamaura]

...we should arrive by the end of the first week in November. After the dust settles...Does the dust ever settle in the desert? :D

[Willie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD5I9UhbRgg

Dust storm in Arizona.

[Richard Wasserman]

I was on the Center for Creative Photography's website just before I saw this. Mark, congratulations to your wife on her fabulous new job. I hope your move goes smoothly (do they ever?)

[bloodhoundbob]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD5I9UhbRgg

Dust storm in Arizona.

I was caught in a dust storm between Tucson and Phoenix. Fortunately, we did not become involved in an accident, as many have. It was almost as surreal as being in Vietnam.

[Jim Andrada]

Welcome to Tucson. Been here almost 12 years now and we really like it. Only real issue is the almost 90 degree "cold" water in the summer. Speaking of water, you need to drink a lot of it. Perspiration just evaporates in the hot dry air so you lose a lot of fluid without realizing it.

[Sal Santamaura]

...Only real issue is the almost 90 degree "cold" water in the summer...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2802-REG/Arkay_602090_RK_30A_Air_Cooled_Water.html

:)

[Jim Andrada]

Only problem is the $2,422.50. I've looked at these things. I even talked with a German company that makes plate coolers. I even thought about getting a used office water cooler from EvilBay I think I can survive with a bucket of ice water. It's just inconvenient to make sure I have a bucket of ice available. If I'm not going to do too much I just fill three Jobo bottles with water and freeze them and drop them in.

[Mark Sampson]

update- we are in Amarillo tonight, to be in Tucson by Thursday PM. Driving a 27' Penske truck is quite the 'adventure'... it goes the speed it wants; 0-60 "sometimes'. We'll be happy when we arrive...

[ericantonio]

Once you live in the SW, you will never want to have Mexican food anywhere else.

Congrats!!

[MrFujicaman]

Only problem is the $2,422.50. I've looked at these things. I even talked with a German company that makes plate coolers. I even thought about getting a used office water cooler from EvilBay I think I can survive with a bucket of ice water. It's just inconvenient to make sure I have a bucket of ice available. If I'm not going to do too much I just fill three Jobo bottles with water and freeze them and drop them in.

Hey Jim,

I just posted a few pictures of my homemade water chiller under "Darkroom Equipment". It's rude and crude, but it works. After I finished it, a friend said, "Why didn't you just look for a little square dorm fridge?"
He has a valid point-they sell for cheap online and I could have just drilled holes thru the top or the door.

[Mark Sawyer]

I think a little wine chiller would be in the right temp and price range. From today's Tucson Craigslist"

https://tucson.craigslist.org/app/d/wine-cooler/6376753601.html
https://tucson.craigslist.org/hsh/d/igloo-6-bottle-wine-cooler/6351341967.html
https://tucson.craigslist.org/app/d/new-cuisinart-wine-cooler-6/6368389209.html

[xkaes]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD5I9UhbRgg

Dust storm in Arizona.

In Colorado, we have dust storms. In Arizona, they have HABOOBS:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haboob

Think H-bomb vs A-bomb.

[Leszek Vogt]

@OP

Even with yer fast moving truck (snick snick) you should be there by now. As I see it, you have a smidgen over 6 months to travel SW (and take images) and wallow in a good weather. Anyway, it will give you time to adjust slowly to the climate....without feeling like you've been dropped in the middle of a large furnace.

Just looked up D. Valley and the temps there are in the 70's for the next 2 weeks....just a hint :>).

Les

[Mark Sawyer]

This week's weather in Tucson! :)

[xkaes]

Many years ago, doctors would recommend people with severe asthma, allergies, and TB move to Tucson. The air was so clean! But over the years, so many people have moved there -- primarily for other reasons -- and planted so many non-native species (and watered them with subsidized Colorado water) that Tucson regularly has one of the highest pollen counts in the Nation.

So get out you LF microscopy gear -- along with your Benedry and a Coors beer (brewed with Pure Rocky Mountain Spring Water in Golden, Colorado!).

[Jim Andrada]

The Palo Verde tree (if you can call it a tree) is one of the worst pollen offenders because there are so damned many of them. And they're native trees at that. Can't even deport them!!!

[Mark Sampson]

Well, we have arrived. 2562 miles in 7 days, 6 driving. We have a great house, my wife has started her new job, and we love it so far. I haven't gotten out my cameras yet- still unpacking- but we have internet service now (at last) and we are very happy to be here. Thanks to everyone for your most welcome (and helpful) comments!

[Vaughn]

In case you get lost on the way...

whoops, you didn't need it!

[peter schrager]

the west is the best..enjoy the light!

[Jim Andrada]

Hi Mark.

Welcome! What part of town did you wind up in. Any interest in getting together after Turkey day? Might be able to roust up a couple of other local folks as well. You're getting here at the best time of year! Although personally I like Monsoon season for the dramatic clouds, even though it gets a bit muggy (well. muggy when compared to the normal humidity around here, that is!)