Labor Day is upon us along with, you guessed it, record heat. However, in Arizona, we’ve turned the corner—it’s September, and October is just within sight. Hallelujah.
The hottest August on record. Wonderful. It’s hard to believe that this part of Northern Arizona was once a lush, tropical paradise—until the continents shifted. A LOT. I remember learning about the Petrified Forest as a youngster, perhaps by watching Captain Kangaroo—after all, that’s where I am pretty sure that I discovered Arizona even existed.
Nowadays, Dave and I feel a constant need to escape. Somewhere—anywhere. And with CoVid in full bloom, you can bet that we won’t be going too far.
We decided to take the pups along for the ride. After all, the pandemic had also disrupted their routine of chasing squirrels and climbing mountains. We packed up with dogs in tow, and headed north to the Petrified Forest National Park, located near Winslow and Holbrook—just off the famed Route 66.
The Wupatki National Monument is located about 18 miles from Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Although we were never far from the highway, the landscape became vast and vacant, and somewhat empty feeling. We could see Vermilion Cliffs and the expansive painted desert before us.
We must have passed the entrance to this place dozens of times on our way to somewhere else. It’s crazy that in all of the years we’ve spent in Arizona, there are so many sights we haven’t seen. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument was one of those destinations.
Sometimes the best way to accomplish a goal is not to define it. Just enjoy the process.
Towering at 10,425 ft, Kendrick Peak, a dome volcano, is one of the highest in the San Francisco Volcanic Field. The Kendrick Peak Trail #22 was about 9 miles roundtrip, with a 2,700 ft elevation gain.
Just minutes southeast of Flagstaff lies a lovely little trail that shows a different take on Walnut Canyon. Petrified sand dunes, canyon gorges, and caves—what a combination.
As temperatures rise in the desert, so does the need to escape. That’s where Dave and I found ourselves last week. With the border to Canada closed for at least another 30 days, we agreed to suck it up and make the best of the current situation.
“When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad…”
—Rogers and Hammerstein, My Favorite Things
Mountainside wildlife.
This love letter should come as no surprise. Our family’s roots run deep in Alberta. My father was born Lethbridge, and I have memories of visits to not one, but two sets of grandparents.
Close to twenty years ago, we ventured into this little town—this Valhalla. Canmore is where I fell in love with Dave. It’s where our lives came together, and our hearts lie still.
Canmore overlook at sunrise.
It seems every April, like clockwork, the urge to go north sets in. Dave dreams about crystal clear lakes and rugged mountains. We binge-watch all the movies we can find that use the Canadian Rockies as a location. We crave poutine. In essence, we shift gears.
Spray Lake.
What’s outside your window?
Canmore Golf and Curling Club.
Bow River evening walk.
Not unlike the Canadian geese who winter in Arizona, in May, we take flight—only to return to the desert by November.
September in the Canadian Rockies.
But this year is different for everyone. Isolation is not by choice, it’s mandatory. CoVid-19 continues to take its toll on the lives and livelihoods of so many worldwide.
So we all wait, hope for better days ahead, and remember our favorite things.
Despite fires, floods, and global pandemics, Canmore, you will always be our home away from home. XOXO.
If hiking the Grand Canyon is in your future, and if you have never seen the Sierra Estrella wilderness, then this is the hike for you. This hike wasn’t about the view—it was about a non-relenting climb to nowhere. Alright, so maybe I’m a bit brutal. It was a quarantine hike.
Arizona trails are essential services. Thankfully, with our vast trail system, it’s not difficult to find an uncrowded venue. Skip the Camelbacks and Piestawas—unless you enjoy wiping down boulders and guard rails that have been touched by thousands.
We saw vultures. Not close-up, mind you, but we saw them hovering around the peak—hence the name fit perfectly.
Saturday was a hike day. So, Dave, Margaret, and I took the opportunity to do a little exploring in our own backyard.
From arid to balmy, from desert to sea. Our trip continued with a visit to St. Petersburg, FL, to spend some much needed time with daughter Hillary and son-in-law Bruno.
It was a quick trip, but well worth it. A family visit was long overdue. Happily, Dave has a son here in Phoenix, but the remainder of our family lives well east of here about as far as one can get without leaving the continent.
For many, Sedona is the place to be. This little town is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, art collectors, and spiritual advisors. It can also be pretty congested. However, a little patience and timing can pay off in a big way.
In the desert, one can see forever. From almost every vantage point in Phoenix, the iconic Four Peaks come into view. During winter, the peaks are often snow-capped, providing a glimpse of seasonal splendor from our sunny confines.
Our exploration of hiking trails northwest of Phoenix continues. Last week we hiked to the saddle of Governor’s Peak, located just up the road from the historic Castle Creek Hot Springs in the Hell’s Canyon Wilderness. The trail begins just beyond a cattle guard—five miles past Lake Pleasant on Castle Rock Springs Road.
I said I would never do this again. That’s right, that’s what I said. This entire experience was similar to giving birth—one tends to forget how painful it was. The bottom line, I guess, is that I am no off-road enthusiast.
As we all know, the New Year is a time for reflection—a time for pulling out that list (from last year) full of want-to-dos and need-to-dos. In our household, celebratory lethargy has set in, thanks to bowl games accompanied by lots of food and drink.