Visited Bearizona tonight. You otter been there

wildwonderland16-12-02-01WILLIAMS — Tonight we went to check out the Wild Wonderland at Bearizona drive-through wild life park. There are a few photo ops and the addition of the pit with s’mores was a great idea. It takes the chill out of the air.

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At Bearizona you can conspire, as you dream by the fire.

wildwonderland16-12-02-04Some of my photos did not turn out. I should have had some of the friendly staff take the pictures for me.
wildwonderland16-12-02-06wildwonderland16-12-02-07The lights of Wild Wonderland dance with the beat of Christmas music at the walk-through area. You can still walk through and see the animals roaming at night. The porcupines were even out. We got to see the Bobcats receiving their Christmas presents early.wildwonderland16-12-02-02The gift shop is stocked and open and they even have gloves, wool caps and other warm clothing in case you forgot something.wildwonderland16-12-02-08The upper level of the gift shop is finished and this is where Mrs. Clause tells stories. We did notice her computer there but were not allowed to view the naughty list. Not only does it prevent getting juicy stories, reporters cannot get in to change their marks on the list.wildwonderland16-12-02-03The drive-through portion of the park closes about 3 p.m. to get ready for the Wild Wonderland event. The gates open at 5 p.m. and the light show begins at 5:30. The cost for Winter Wonderland is $12 at the gate. Here is a tip, however, that might help this report get back on the nice list. You can get a hefty discount by getting tickets through Groupon. Your can visit the Bearizona web site to get more details on the park.

SR 77 project to reduce risk of falling rocks dislodges a whopper

sr77-rock_cropAn Arizona Department of Transportation project is blasting rock from a limestone cliff to prevent it from falling onto State Route 77 between Winkelman and Globe.

Illustrating the need, one of the rocks dislodged early Wednesday was far larger than expected, an 18-foot-tall block that dropped onto the highway from 150 feet above and forced crews to keep the route closed four hours longer than scheduled.

Crews on the overnight project worked until nearly 6 a.m. to break up the rock and push it off the highway. As a result, a detour using State Route 177 and US 60 remained the only way around the work area as area residents began their morning commutes.

The project requires working nights under a full closure of SR 77 between mileposts 154 and 161, in the Dripping Springs area, using explosives to remove potentially hazardous rocks from a cliff that hangs over the highway.

ADOT strives to provide timely information on restrictions, closures and detours, but occasionally the unexpected happens and announced schedules aren’t met.

Sometimes rocks break at naturally occurring joints beneath the surface that cannot be seen or anticipated, said J.J. Liu, manager of ADOT’s Geotechnical Services division. When the charge is ignited, it opens the crack at that joint and the rock detaches itself, he said.

Having an unexpectedly large rock come down increases the time needed to remove it, particularly with some of the extremely dense types of rock common in Arizona.

“The mountain is composed of the Mescal Limestone Formation with large blocks of limestone up to 155 feet above the highway, periodically falling with great energy and destructive potential,” said Brent Conner, a senior geotechnical engineer with ADOT.

The nature of the geology in the Dripping Springs area could mean more unanticipated delays before the project is complete, he added.

“The large block that fell required drilling and blasting at the roadway level to remove it from the travel lanes,” Conner said. “Last night’s work was one of the most difficult for the contractor on this project, but a couple more difficult sections remain.”

Bearizona Winter Wonderland begins tonight

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Bearizona photo

WILLIAMS — Bearizona is hosting their second annual Wild Wonderland event which starts this weekend. Patrons to Wild Wonderland are sure to get in Christmas spirit while enjoying the magic of Bearizona at night.

This family friendly event allows visitors to enter the park after normal operating hours and takes place in the Fort Bearizona walk through portion of the park only.

Snow makes the animals more active and light show more spectacular. - Bearizona photo

Snow makes the animals more active and light show more spectacular. – Bearizona photo

Guests will enjoy the lights and sounds of the season while strolling through the beautifully lit pine trees that are synchronized to traditional Christmas music. This merry light show occurs every half hour. Other festivities include a nightly visit from Mrs. Claus for a special Storytime, plenty of photo ops, and a couple of the park’s sturdier critters stay up late to enjoy the cooler nights and will even get the chance to open their Christmas presents early! Bearizona’s program animals are eager to participate in the season’s festivities as well, and will be out for all to meet.

Guests can stay warm by the outdoor fire pit while roasting s’mores, or purchase a Christmas goodie or seasonal beverage while they peruse the gift shop filled with plenty of gifts ideas to finish off your Christmas shopping.

Wild Wonderland is held every Friday Saturday and Sunday evening in December. Then beginning December. 19 it runs every night through the 31, but is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

More information can be found at www.bearizona.com and make sure to get your 50% discount tickets on Groupon.