NASCAR @ Phoenix International Speedway

Had my first nascar experience infact my first car racing event at the Phoenix International Speedway last year. Had only seen on TV till now but finally got a chance to see it live and kicking. The experience was awesome although it was boring for my wife. After an hour the vroooooommmmm..... of the cars was finally bothering our ears and we had to buy some earplugs. Although I don't follow Nascar or F1 perse but got to know some names like Jimmy Johnson, Dale Earnhardt and some others. I would seriously recommend even for a first time experience.

Kartchner Caverns

Had a chance to visit the kartchner Caverns in Tuscon this week. This was my first cave visit and was well worth it. This cavern is a moist, growing cave system filled with colorful formations, carefully guarded and managed since its discovery, Kartchner Caverns provides a rare look at unspoiled features such as stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, curtains and columns. The above first picture is of a formation called kubla khan (not sure why it was termed like that but it does resemble like a person). The stone formations at Kartchner Caverns not only grow down from the ceiling and up from the floor, they also sometimes grow sideways. Colored in shades of brown ranging from light beige to caramel, it's considerd by many to be one of the world's best caves. We went for the Rotunda/Throne Room Tour. There is another tour on the other side of the cave called the Big Room Tour. I am glad we made a reservation in advance as the tour was sold out on our day of visit.

Trip to kitt peak observatory

http://www.noao.edu/outreach/nop/

We recently visited tuscon and had a chance to participate in the nightly observing program @ kitt observatory. In the above picture each dome is basically a optical telescope, each with varying magnifying power. The program had a wealth of astronomy info for newbies. Check the above link for program details.