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“The dean of Arizona travel writers” is making a stop in Globe-Miami, coinciding with this year’s AZ Poppy Fest, a celebration of spring and its flowers throughout the entire month of April in Globe-Miami.
Roger Naylor—an Arizona-based writer and hiker who has written about his travels throughout the state for the past 20 years, and self-described wildflower fiend—will speak for the first time ever at Bullion Plaza Cultural Museum on April 11 in part of one of numerous events held for the festival.
Naylor has been a full-time Arizonan for the past 30 years, and one of his defining traits is that he makes every effort to get to each corner of the state as often as possible. In his travels, he has passed through and written about Globe-Miami many times. Over the years, he has written for Arizona Highways, Arizona Republic, The Guardian and USA Today. He is a member of the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame and has authored more than a dozen books, all based in Arizona.
For the past 10-plus years, he’s been tasked with writing about wildflower season for Arizona Republic, which has included writing about the likes of Globe, Miami, and Peridot Mesa.
“There is something magical about, especially the poppies, I think, of all the desert wildflowers,” Naylor says. “Sometimes you’re disappointed and sometimes you’re just wowed by a sea of poppies spilling across the desert floor. They’re just blazing in color, like a satin fire. So I always admit, I’m completely poppy-whipped.”
He adds: “I tell people, even during the years when the poppies aren’t going to be so much in the desert, you can still find them in Globe and Miami… so I’m looking forward to being up there and hope there’s some blooms during my visit, and if not, I’ll still have a wonderful time.”
Naylor’s presentation at Bullion Plaza will focus on his latest book, Arizona National Parks and Monuments, an extensive travel guide that delves into 34 different national parks and monuments throughout Arizona, which he deems “crown jewels” of our state.
Naylor anticipates winding down his career, including public speaking, within the next couple years so he can enjoy a more retired lifestyle, so this will be an opportunity not to miss!
Naylor’s presentation at Bullion Plaza will be held Friday, April 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free to attend. Talk accompanied with Q&A. Books will be available for purchase, along with signed copies. Hot coffee and cookies from Round Mountain Baking Co. will also be available for purchase.
For more information about Roger Naylor, visit: Rogernaylor.com
For more information on AZ Poppy Fest, make sure to follow AZ Poppy Fest on Facebook. For any inquiries, you can Facebook message the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce, call at 928-425-4495, or email: visitorinfo@globemiamichamber.com.
Jenn Walker began writing for Globe Miami Times in 2012 and has been a contributor ever since. Her work has also appeared in Submerge Magazine, Sacramento Press, Sacramento News & Review and California Health Report. She currently teaches Honors English at High Desert Middle School and mentors Globe School District’s robotics team.
