Viewing a Diversity of Roadsides

Continuty and Universality Amid Change

A sunset for all near Payson, Arizona. Charles R. Wolfe photo

After some time away, here is a sampling of what I saw in my most recent explorations. I hope this presentation—with subtle themes that dance around landscape change—spurs your thinking without hyperlinks.

What are the messages from sunsets for all, landforms that substitute for pyramids, and how desert environments change?

How do people interact with buildings, especially those that launched world-changing businesses, yet where homelessness remains?

At Acoma Pueblo, Continuity Reigns

Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico, roadside near the first Sky City location, said to have been abandoned after lightning affected access. Charles R. Wolfe photo

Acoma Pueblo, Sky City, New Mexico, is the longest continually inhabited human settlement in the United States. Charles R. Wolfe photo

How the Desert Changes

Another form of human settlement is Quartzite in Arizona. Charles R. Wolfe photo

Morongo Casino Resort and Spa contrast with outlet stores on Interstate 10 between Banning and Palm Springs. Charles R. Wolfe photo

More Settlement Styles in the Desert

Palm Springs during Modernism Week; past and future city depicted at the U.S. Bank Building. Charles R. Wolfe photo

Midcentury Modern at the recently renovated Mojave Resort in Palm Desert. Charles R. Wolfe photo

Geology, Water, Irrigation, and Impacts

The Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve along the San Andreas Fault. Charles R. Wolfe photo

Once, there was a marina on the receding and toxic Salton Sea (created long ago after an irrigation gate stayed open upstream). Charles R. Wolfe photo

Former recreation and subdivision roads at the Salton Sea. Charles R. Wolfe photo

People, Buildings, Real and Imagined

Flagstaff at night: People and buildings. Charles R. Wolfe photo

Another form of people-building interaction in Flagstaff.

And What of a Roadside that Changed the World?

Where Microsoft began in 1975 in Albuquerque. Charles R. Wolfe photo

Kitty-corner to where Microsoft started 50 years ago. Albuquerque 2025. Charles R. Wolfe photo