Sam Walker's Desert Diaries

Week fifty-one:  More mountain-side musings. Plus, three sets of locals are out in force this week, golfers, protesters and snakes! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Week fifty-one:  As the heat ramps up to furnace levels, the wildlife springs into action with a gusto! Lockdown starts to take its toll, plus adventures in dental hygiene. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

One whole year! 12 months after taking a leap into the unknown, what does it feel like? Did all the fears materialise? What does taking a risk teach you? How did we get here again? What's stopping you from following your dreams? For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Moving day is fast approaching and house hunting in lockdown gets tricky.  The cats suddenly become an expensive problem. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Birthday week brings adventures with loo roll of all kinds, the first steps out of lockdown and a childhood nightmare happens in real life. Eek! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

A week full of confusing feelings, cold flannels and exciting news! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

After a horrible experience with a huge bully, we set off to find solace in a very British way! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

An unbelievable week involving wild claims, violent threats, police escorts and massive trucks. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

A new week in the new house, we feel like spies collecting our mail and scratch our heads over poilitical messaging. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

I get checked out by a helicopter on a mountainside and feel very thankful for (socially distant) friends. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

The "below average" summer temperatures have alarming consequences and we take a deep breath and dive back into the discombobulating world of the American healthcare system. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

As the Arizona summer roars into action, how on earth can you feel cold in 47 degree heat? The pain of a collapsed ceiling is quelled by a massive truck! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert  

The long hot Phoenix summer starts to give way to the long hot second summer. Plus jump jet wasps and badass birdies.   For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

As Phoenix passes more than 100 days without rain, the whole valley is yearning for the monsoons to start. Despite the heat, a suprising craving for English comfort food arises and the hunt is on... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

With another extreme heat warning, we escape the city and head into the cool pines of the Mogollon Rim, discovering rather more than we bargained for.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Attempts to buy the most simple of items brings home the fact that the United States and Great Britain are indeed, as George Bernard Shaw wrote, two countries separated by a common language! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Everything, from the weather to working from home reaches a crescendo this week, resulting in an impromptu getaway. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

We witness our first haboob and prepare for the monsoon that never comes. Disaster strikes whilst on a mountain retreat! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

After the monsoon FINALLY arrives in Phoenix, we escape, en masse to California for a couple of days of sea, surf and sunburn. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

The wildlife has been "active" this week, causing a few shocking moments, but it's also the end of an era, which proves to be bittersweet. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

There's a shock development in the Phoenix summer and trouble in the neighbourhood with night-time knockers! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Unwanted visitors and more healthcare confusion A visit to the doctor becomes a massive administrative undertaking and we find an undesirable right on our doorstep! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

The Rogue Z! The small one's operation is a success and a lingustic milestone is reached! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Down the rabbit hole School is back for the autumn, but the weather has yet to catch up. A trip to the shops take us down an unexpected rabbit hole.... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Smoke, mirrors and spurious holidays If a week is a long time in politics, this last week has felt like a century! Plus, a new "holiday" is discovered on a trip to the supermarket. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Open roads and broken hearts A week full of wonderful adventures and very difficult news. This one is for you Abigail Goswell. x For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Politics and cheesecake It’s a week of milestones and we celebrate with enormous portions of pudding! A sticky situation with a politically engaged teenager is narrowly avoided ! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Warm socks and long lines. As the temperature cools down, the election hots up and a mystery over piles of rubbish is solved. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

All eyes on the desert Arizona finds itself in the eye of the election storm, which continues to rage days after votes are cast. It's an uncomfortable time to be an immigrant on some occasions but friends (and gravy) come to the rescue.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Election fallout and marshmallow confusion Ten days on from the election, the Wild West feels pretty calm and with Thanskgiving around the corner, there are new and discombobulating dishes to investigate.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

All creatures lost and found A week spent working and walking, with brilliant distractions courtesy of the local Nextdoor group.  A friend and neighbour both have unwanted visitors. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Thanksgiving for Four. An unprecedented Thanksgiving leaves time for experiments with food and a look into an alternative historical viewpoint of an American tradition. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

A Spaceman in the desert. There's change afoot in Phoenix this week with new roads, purple zebras and astronauts taking lead roles...  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Car crashes and bloody noses Despite the first rain in more than 100 days, the realities of living in a desert start to hit home. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert  

Reptile Royalty A new member of the family cements our conversion to desert dwellers. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Merry Christmas from the desert! Our second Christmas in the USA is different for so many reasons, but we find joy in blending old family traditions with new ones.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Hiking cautiously into 2021 From nearly-lost dogs to fruitcake confusion, we wave farewell, finally, to 2020!  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly A glorious break in the snow (with a curry chaser) is somewhat marred by brush with the traffic police and the small matter of a full on political meltdown.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Snakes, spiders and stupid drivers The search for food for a very picky lizard brings us to a reptile nirvana. Driving school uncovers some interesting facts and we dip our toe into Arizona's cultural world.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Half-holidays and big celebrations There's a new President in town, an historical holiday and a job offer at a local garden centre.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Snowfall and underpants A big day when the first snow in a long time makes an appearance. There's a murkey discovery in the garage and does anyone know what time it is??  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Drugs! Guns! (And bottles of sherry) An unseasonably warm February in Phoenix follows the snow of last month.  Plus, surprises at the chemists.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Pensive in the desert As another week flashes by with no real change in the world, it's hard not to think about what could have been and what may, or may not happen... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

No more snow, but more snow dogs. Another week in limbo,  filled with nothing more exciting than trips to buy a drill, is rescued by a new arrival to our household... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Out on the trails. A hike away from the city, uncovers the rich history of a small patch of Arizona and there's tales of animal invasions, Arizona style! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Cacti, grapefruit and snakes A chance conversaton on a mountain sparks a history lesson about baseball in the USA. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Spring on the mountain Signs of spring appear in the desert and a conversation about British mealtimes confuses the locals. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Fearless Warriors and Furious Lizards As some of the family head south to learn about the history of Cochise, Sam is left (almost) home alone, locked in a battle of wits with a lizard. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Clicking refresh for 36 hours As the vaccine programme rolls out in Arizona, it's a mission to get hold of a jab.  Political responses to horrible tragedies shine a light on a very American problem. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Drive-thru hope The midnight vaccine proves to be quite the experience, and it's hotting up in the valley and that includes some people's tempers... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

A week of firsts Recorded at the top of a very windy Shadow Mountain, it's been seven days of discovery in the desert, ranging from new culinary experiences to unusual animal accessories. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert  

Mr Brightside AKA The Beast There's a new member of the family, who promises to take us away from all of this.... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Out Among The Cacti The first RV adventure takes us south to Picacho Peak, where we discover a history of gold rush migrants and Civil War battles, along with wildflowers and wide-open skies. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Extreme Gardening Even the most mundane of daily tasks results in some heart-stopping moments. A rain shower brings some confusing emotions... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Highs, lows and horror! A week of joyful trips, pensive moments and much screaming. Just another week in the desert then... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

'Tis the season This week marked the start of two major seasons in Phoenix, one more welcome than the other... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Not the week we expected More bumps in the road of ex-pat life in Arizona.   But some great times too. What a week! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Up In the Air An escape to Los Angeles for the weekend heralds an exciting return to air travel and glorious renuions with old friends, leading to a reflection on just how much life can change. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Up In the Air AGAIN! A late Christmas present balloon ride gives a whole new perspective of the Sonoran Desert - incuding something we haven't seen for more than two years! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Spray bottles, spiders and spam We head south to Catalina State Park in search of a swim. There's an unusual visitor to the neighbourhood and a discovery about a certain state's cusine. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Escaping the heat We leave the 'historic megadrought" in Arizona behind and head to New York City. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

New York: Old friends, new friends and all the food. We enjoy family time in our favourite city, just as it springs back into life. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

A baseball cap full of ice. As the heat ramps up, the tiniest exertions become huge challenges and a couple of comments make me ponder the reputations of "Brits Abroad" For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Road trippin' with the lizard and illegal dogs. We take an impromptu road trip to the coast and discover disappearing beaches and an often overlooked American way of life. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Wild weather and love-lorn beetles We return home from California to face monsoons and haboobs, as well as some gigantic beetles, with just one thing on their minds... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Staring at the Suns With the sun out of town for the week, all focus has been on the Suns. Confused?  All will be explained. But the sometimes dreary skies have also reflected Sam's mood as another milestone passes. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

No bears, more rain Another week of monsoon weather in the valley puts everyone in a good mood. But a shortage of something you may never even use, puts summer fun in jeopardy for many families. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Books, bills and extreme DIY As August rolls around, so does the return to school and all the new rituals that entails.  Random cheques arrive and a nasty surprise whilst changing a light bulb. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Terror in trunks! Cooler temperatures mean daytime walks for the first time in months, but summer still holds a few dangers up its sleeve (or in its crotch). For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

All Kinds of Wild Even after two years in the Valley, it's another weeks of firsts, some exciting, some discomforting. Plus the wild side of desert weather blows into town. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Trimmin' trees and talkin' funny Two visitors to the house provide vital services we never needed before and whilst talking to a man called Dr Randy, something strange happens in my mouth... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Castles, corn and curiosities We take a trip to the centre of Arizona and make quite the discovery... Plus, an EXCLUSIVE teaser for my brand new podcast American Vigilante, launching September 13. Warning: contains very strong language and descriptions of violence. Please hit follow wherever you listen to your podcasts https://podfollow.com/1583938816 For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Giving first aid to a chicken A late-night meeting with one of the locals causes some concern. Plus lessons in protecting pets from the desert wildlife. My new podcast, American Vigilante is out on September 13! Please hit follow wherever you listen to your podcasts https://podfollow.com/1583938816 For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Not Messin' with Texas A visit to the most independent of all the states reveals surprising signs of British influence! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert My new podcast, American Vigilante is out NOW!! Please hit follow wherever you listen to your podcasts https://podfollow.com/1583938816  

Saloon nights in inappropriate footwear Cooler breezes, saloon nights and exciting news about flights! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert My new podcast, American Vigilante is out NOW!! Please hit follow wherever you listen to your podcasts https://podfollow.com/1583938816  

Terror underneath the towels and too many dogs The week brings unwanted animals of many species...Plus, the two things America is great at, that you don't get anywhere else. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert My new podcast, American Vigilante is out NOW!! Please hit follow wherever you listen to your podcasts https://podfollow.com/1583938816

Adventures in a different desert A weekend in the hot mess of lights, music, drinks and people that is Las Vegas leads to a surprising outcome in the casino. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert    

The Arizona Big 8 We go on holiday up the road and spend a few days in the desert in the company of the Arizona Big 8...   For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Marauding cowboys and the wrong kind of pie. A big week in history, both personally and for the city. Plus we discover the connection between  cowboys and tarantulas. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Children of the corn and funny shaped cake. It's ramping up to Halloween in the Valley, which of course means pig races, getting lost in fields and appreciative zombies. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Illegal pumpkins and confused cowboys Halloween passes in a glorious haze of facepaint and chocolate and a local has trouble talking to his British relatives. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert For the great "How to speak Mackem" video  - click here

Dinner with Coyotes As the clocks don't change, but do for everyone else, confusion abounds over when to do anything. Plus a luxury dinner with coyotes at some sexy cliffs... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert  

Back to school One week, two visits to two very different schools, one far more surreal than the other,  plus unbelievable questions from the locals... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert  

Random acts of kindness and the trouble with leftovers. Thanksgiving rolls around again, bringing a surfeit of food and surprising acts of kindness.  Click here to read the article about Thanksgiving  referenced in the episode. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

What the heck is a panto? America celebrates "radical generosity" and the locals get confused with talk of pantos.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Reunions and Rememberances A week in New York City brings joyous reunions and some pre-Christmas magic. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Old friends in an old city More adventures in the Big Apple, including a joyful discovery which brings a bit of British Christmas to the desert. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

The $9 potato We embrace local Christmas tradtions and are introduced to a new reindeer and a very pricey spud. If you fancy meeting Pedro, here is the link to Donde Esta Santa Claus! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

New Year, New Desert! Our first visitor in two years gives us a whole new perspective on our new home. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

The Unwelcome Visitor In a not entirely unexpected turn of events, Covid comes a-calling to our family home.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Which Side are you on? A national holiday reveals the widening political divide in the US, and ongoing conspiracy theories around the last election are alive and well in Arizona. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

A state full of stickers From homes to cars to gas stations, there's an explosion (and an explaination) of the many stickers (and flags) across the state.  For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

FINALLY! At last, after more than two years apart, my dad makes it to the desert! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Diaries from a different desert From the valley to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas via horse shows and rodeos; a fortnight of mighty road trips across the south west. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Straight Shooters and Soggy Waffles There's some surprises in store as new politcial ads hit the Valley's screens, plus classroom confusion over points of the compass... For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

The end or the beginning?  A week of wild weather, lost lizards and life-changing deliveries. For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert

Howdy Stranger Well...its been a minute and few things have happened. Time for a catch up! For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam Also on facebook.com/seeyouinthedesert