Dateland, Arizona

Aloha Everyone,

This is the second time J.J. and I stopped at Dateland. On our first trip, we tried their "famous date shake". I love dates but the shake was far too sweet and left me feeling light-headed. So on this occasion, after a short rest, we drove on a dusty dirt road to take photos of dates growing on a tree.

Dateland is located in the middle of desert between a Yuma and Gila Bend, north of the Mexico border on I-8 on the way to Phoenix. About 3 weeks every year, the temperature in Dateland can reach upwards of 120 degrees. The area was used for military training, dating back to General Patton's army. The military still uses the Dateland area for periodic training.

Dates are low in fat and sodium, contain no cholesterol, high in fiber, rich in iron. potassium and magnesium. Dates are considered sacred in ancient times and one of the oldest fruits cultivated by man.

So the next time you eat date nuts bread, oatmeal cookies or muffins with dates, hope you will recall the images of dates growing on a tree. I know that I certainly will.

Aloha -- Cathi