**2024 marks my 9th year as a Local Guide. It was also the year I made water my focal point for exploration and Maps contribution in Arizona- which I call the Way of Water. 
While many stereotypically associate Arizona with dry deserts, I set out to highlight the water flows that sustain the state’s landscapes and communities. My mission was to show that Arizona’s water isn’t just an essential resource—it’s the vein that connects all things.
2024 Way of Water Recap:
Below is a quick look at the content I created on Connect:
Each article captured a different aspect of Arizona’s relationship with water.
| Date | Article Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 3/16/2024 | Water by the 1-17 (ft #ai) #bardchallenge | Explored natural history, recreation, and conservation along I-17, focusing on Anthem Lake and Agua Fria National Monument. |
| 4/27/2024 | At Pink O’Clock | Photographic journey of transitions of sunset to dusk to night, celebrating Earth Day, the dramatics clouds and colors formed by impending rain. |
| 5/20/2024 | Arizona’s Salt River: Splash of Facts (ft #ai) | Delved into the Salt River, its historical, geological, and recreational significance, with a Google Maps list for the top 5 recreational sites. |
| 9/29/2024 | A Monsoon Through My Windshield | Captured the symbolism of the monsoon season, how it renews the landscape, and its unique role in Arizona’s water cycle. |
| 10/31/2024 | Spooktacular Dead Horse Ranch #Halloween | A Halloween-themed article, sharing the Dead Horse Ranch State Park experience, emphasizing unexpected discoveries in a place with a spooky name. |
| 11/17/2024 | Those Dam Lakes (ft #ai) | Explored 6 lakes in Arizona formed by dams, detailing their history, impact on local ecosystems, and the role of human engineering in water conservation. |
| 12/14/2024 | Arizona’s Newest State Park: A Hidden Gem | Reviewed Rockin’ River Ranch State Park, offering an updated perspective on a new park in development. |
As I reflect more personally on this year’s journey, one theme stands out: water as a connector. Water is not just a resource; it is the thread that connects people, places, and even ideas. It’s the element that sustains not only life but also community. This realization became clearer in some unexpected ways, like when I co-hosted trivia events centered around Arizona’s water systems.
These events helped connect me to other wonderful Local Guides to test our knowledge and learn from one another- a fun way to dive into Arizona places, events, and concepts related to water.
A shoutout to @jayasimha78 and @Denise_Barlock for being so kind in allowing me to co-host my topics. 
- 4/6/24: Water Along the I-17
- 8/3/24: Arizona’s Salt River: Splash of Facts
- 12/7/24: Those Dam Lakes
These trivia events were an example of how water continues to bring us together, even through something as simple as a game.
As part of my effort to help others connect with these spots, I created a list on Google Maps list that highlights recreational spots that visitors can go to to enjoy the Salt River. I also helped to add detailed reviews in additional to visual content of photos and videos on Maps, as well as longer filmed content (which for the lakes was compiled into a playlist of Lakes in Arizona)
Whether through my articles, visual content, or reviews, I wanted to give viewers and readers a chance to virtually experience the ambience of these locations. It’s my way of bringing the connection between people and the waters of Arizona to life. 
2025 and Beyond: What’s Next
As I look to 2025 and beyond, I’m excited to flow from my exploration of Arizona’s water systems into the rich history that water helped create.
It’s amazing to reflect on how water, beyond being a vital resource today, has always been the lifeblood of this land. From the Hohokam people’s ingenious canals to the development of modern cities, water has shaped not just the landscape, but the very foundation of Arizona’s communities and culture.
Water is the reason people settled here in the first place—without it, there would be no agriculture, no growth, no thriving cities. In this way, water isn’t just an element; it’s the starting point from which everything else flows.
Building on this, my journey in 2025 will expand into exploring Arizona’s historical cities and landscapes- visiting cities that grew from those vital waterways, learning about the events that helped shape Arizona’s history. I’ll also be visiting museums and historical sites to learn more about the blend of yesterday and today that make this state so unique. 
By blending exploration of Arizona with a historical perspective, I hope to uncover new stories and connect past and present and look forward to sharing that with the rest of my dear Local Guide friends. 
