Back again real soon!

Well, my family and I are about to embark on a long journey. We will be heading west, northwest to be exact, to camp and visit family. And we will be towing our pop-up. It is our first long journey with our pop-up. Wish us luck.
I played with the idea of posting to this blog from the road, but I kind of like being unplugged. So I will not be posting for the next couple of weeks. If you have been checking this blog for walking ideas (Thank you!)I will continue posting when I get back, but, please check with Jack Welch or Stephen Hirst (contact info is in the previous blog post)for dates while I am gone. And if you have ideas for me, go ahead and leave me a comment.
Thanks and I will get back with you soon!

Walks for the Week

FUTS Explorer Walks/ Walk-the-Walk

THURSDAY 25 JUNE
FUTS EXPLORER WALK
20 Walks in 40 Days
FUTS North along Highway 89 to the Flagstaff City Limits
Start Location: Peaks Ranger Station
Time: 6:00 PM
Distance: About 4 total miles
Walk the new section of the paved FUTS out to the City Limits
We'll pass the Mt Elden trailhead along the way
No big hills on this one!

FRIDAY 26 JUNE
Walk Into Summer
Start Location: Buffalo Park
Time: 8:00 AM 8:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking around Flagstaff's most popular park
Expect a least one good hill

SATURDAY 27 JUNE
Outdoor concert at Ft Tuthill
Gin Blossom Group
Details about the group were published in the Friday morning Arizona Daily Sun
For more details look to the Coconino County Parks and Rec site
I'll be there promoting a new group in town, "The Friends of Coconino County
Parks"

SUNDAY 28 JUNE
FUTS EXPLORER WALK
20 Walks in 40 Days
FUTS bridge over Cedar/Forest
Start Location: Buffalo Park
Time: 6:00 PM
Distance: About 3 total miles
We'll walk over the Cedar/Forest Bridge (be sure to wave at the passing motorists!)
over to Hemlock. Interesting views of East Flagstaff including the 4th Street Overpass and
the Aquaplex.
Just one short hill but several steady inclines

Starting in July our Friday Walks will be held at Ft Tuthill County Park
Meet at the Fair Grounds Parking Lot at 8:00 AM
We'll be there all month on Fridays during July
********************
The Tuesday morning walks will continue to start from the Adult Center at 8:00 AM
****************
If you are interested in being on the mailing list of the Forest Service/National Parks
Interpretive hikes e-mail Steve Hirst at:
shirst at mac dot com (typical email address, just trying to keep spam away)

I hope to see you all soon!
Questions?
Jack Welch
ADILLLO at aol dot com (typical email address, just trying to keep spam away)

NPS/ USFS Interpretive Hikes

Saturday, June 27, 9 am to noon
Bismarck Lake
Join USFS rangers Steve and Lois Hirst on an easy half-mile walk to Little Spring, where C. Hart Merriam set up camp for his seminal study of climate zones. The hike continues up a moderately strenuous, unmaintained, half-mile trail ascending 500 feet into beautiful mountain meadows atop the Hochderffer Hills with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks. Difficulty: moderately strenuous climbing to 8800 feet. Bring water, snacks/lunch, and trekking poles. No dogs please on this one. Go north 22 miles on Hwy 180 to MP 235. Turn right onto FR 151 and proceed 1.6 mi to split and continue on FR 151 (right fork) another 0.8 mi to small meadow and park at junction with FR 418B. Call 527-8222 for information.

Saturday, June 27, 3 to 4 pm
Nature Walk
NPS TRT Phred Salazar will lead a walk for kids on the Dairy Springs Loop Trail. Meet at Dairy Springs amphitheater at 3 pm. Go 20 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road to Mormon Lake turnoff. Proceed 3.7 miles to Dairy Springs. Call 526-1157 ext 273 for information.

For more information on future hikes check out their website.

What's happening here?

I sometimes fantasize about living in one of those sunny Mediterranean towns. One with roads too narrow for cars but it doesn’t matter because everything is within walking distance. In the daydream, I stroll down to the market to pick up fresh bread and produce and cook a scrumptious dinner for friends and family. Sigh.
Now before I pack up and leave (only in my dreams) I have to realize that Flagstaff isn’t so bad. A lot of people are working hard to make this town more pedestrian/bicycle friendly- think of the FUTS trails, Bike-to-Work Week, Pedestrian Awareness Week, etc. We have a big group of people making locally grown food more accessible- the weekly Farmer’s Markets and the various CSA’s (community supported agriculture). Last week I was at a meeting and saw this cool video on New Urbanism.
Tons of exciting stuff going on.
If you are interested in what the city is doing check out these sites and get involved:
Regional plan 2012
Zoning code update

Fundraisers- Climb to Conquer Cancer

I remember in grade school going on 20 mile walks to benefit the March of Dimes. These walks were a big deal and we looked forward to the challenge. I remember the first year I was able to go on the walk one of my co-walkers had an asthma attack near my house. It was about 2 miles away from the end of the walk and I was so disappointed not to continue, but everyone was ready to stop. Except me and I wasn’t allowed to walk alone. Later years I made it thru the entire way- not sure if it was once or twice. I remember holding on to a transistor radio so we could listen to some tunes as we walked along. I also remember the ending with cheering crowds.
I am sure the 20 mile walk was a logistical nightmare for organizers and a danger for grade schoolers walking on their own- but, wow, 20 miles.
The idea of the fundraisers is to get people outside, get them active, raise funds and to raise awareness about the issue. If you need any motivation to get out of your chair look for one of these fundraisers- something that touches your heart or your life- and sign up. The annual Climb to Conquer Cancer is coming up and is always a fun walk up to Snowbowl (click here to register).

Declaration

A long time ago a friend started a discussion about passion. What are you passionate about? What feeds your soul? Drives your life? Hmmm… That was a toughie. I like a lot of things, very much. I even love them. But to feel passionate about something (beyond family), I had to think about that.
I think I found the answer all these many years later- nature. So much of what I get pleasure from- walking, taking outdoor photographs, travel, wildlife and bird watching, flowers- is based on nature. And so much of what I try to improve on- drive less, walk more, less plastic, buy locally, etc.- is an attempt to save nature.
I remember liking Henry Gibson’s “Declaration of Dependence” when I was a kid. This “poem” was on a 1970’s era poster in one of my sibling’s rooms. When they moved out I took it and put it up on my door. I recently found the poem on the web: “I am a part of Nature. I am a part of everything that lives. I am bound together with all living things in air, in land, in water...” That’s just part of it. I use to say it like you say the Pledge of Allegiance, everyday.
“As a member of the human race I am responsible for its survival. I am a part of Nature. I will not destroy it.”
Here is a story, from the New York Times, about the amazing diversity of life on this planet- makes me laugh too: tree shrew

Taking care of your soles

I was looking at the shoes I use for walking. They are becoming worn and yet are still rather comfortable- I can walk long distances and not feel pain. I had another pair of shoes that I loved, absolutely loved. I didn’t get rid of those shoes until the soles were worn down and started to peel away. I was thinking of getting them resoled but they were left outside too long.

I am not saying that I have the best shoe practices. I think my feet would be happier if I got newer shoes a little more quickly. I have a friend, the super walker, who goes through shoes fast. I think shoe-usage varies between people- you have to pay attention to your soles.

I found a useful webpage on walking shoes:

http://www.drpribut.com/sports/walkingshoe_fit.html

Plenty of walks- no excuses

Lots of walks for the upcoming week, I have no excuses!

Walk-the-Walk & FUTS Explorer Walks
*FRIDAY 19 JUNE
Walk Into Spring
Start Location: Buffalo Park
Time: 8:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding area.
Everybody Welcome! Please do bring a friend!

*SUNDAY 21 JUNE (evening) Kick Off event
FUTS EXPLORER WALKS
20 WALKS IN 40 DAYS
Paved and Gravel FUTS - Coconino Estates/Thorpe Park/Ft Valley Road
Start Location: Adult Center
Time: 6:00 PM
Distance: About 4 total miles
Walk the new section of paved FUTS along Ft Valley Road and take a closer look at the
Duck Pond along the Rio de Flag in Thorpe Park

*MONDAY 22 JUNE
FUTS EXPLORER WALKS
20 WALKS IN 40 DAYS
FUTS Tunnel Under Butler and Access to McMillan Mesa FUTS
Start Location: Sam's Parking Lot - North End near Taco Bell
Time: 6:00 PM
Distance: About 4 total miles
Across the Route 66 Tracks up to McMillan Mesa on a walk on the FUTS and
Arizona Trail

*TUESDAY 23 JUNE
Walk Into Summer
Start Location; Adult Center
Time: 8:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking

*WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE
FUTS EXPLORER WALKS
20 WALKS IN 40 DAYS
FUTS around the Airport
Start Location: Airport Parking Lot at the end furthest from the terminal
Time: 6:00 PM
Distance: About 4 total miles
Explore the Airport end of the Ponderosa Trails Neighborhood

NPS/USFS Nature Hikes
*Thursday, June 18, 2009 9 a.m.
AZ Trail Aspen Corner toward Bismarck Lake new hike
Experience one of the most picturesque sections of the Arizona Trail with USFS ranger Jane Jackson. Spectacular views, entertaining history, and nature at its finest. Meet at parking area (Aspen Corner) six miles up Snowbowl Road. Bring water, snacks, hiking shoes. Call 527-8222 for information. (Cecile’s note: this is a beautiful hike, see “Walk of the Week”)
*Saturday, June 20, 3 pm
Nature Walk
NPS TRT Karen Knorowski will lead a walk for kids on the Dairy Springs Loop Trail. Meet at Dairy Springs amphitheater at 3 pm. Go 20 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road to Mormon Lake turnoff. Proceed 3.7 miles to Dairy Springs. Call 526-1157 ext 273 for information.

Nature Photography Day

Today is Nature Photography Day! Go on a family hike and see what you can see! Here are some recommendations from North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA):

* Select a subject in nature that is small or common and thus easily overlooked. Then photograph it in a way to make the ordinary seem extraordinary.
* Take your kids and grandkids on a nature trek and give them a single-use camera to use. Then print some of their photos and present them, in a mat or frame, to those young photographers.
* Pick something that you've never photographed before, and then make plans to photograph that subject or scene every June 15.
* Look for and photograph something that detracts from the beauty in nature - images that show how human beings sometimes adversely affect our environment.
* Finally, ask yourself how your images can help to bring positive changes to your world!

This a fun way to see nature and to challenge yourself to see things in a new way. I love taking different photographs with our small digital camera. I liked the bark of a ponderosa pine tree at Buffalo Park. The bottom photo shows my son's arm next to some bear claw marks on a fallen aspen- grrrrr.

Always remember to Leave No Trace.

Thanks Molly, for sharing this information.

Leave No Trace website: http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php
NANPA’s website: http://www.nanpa.org/nature_photography_day.php

What to do while walking...

Different people do different things while they walk alone. I have a friend who prays while she walks. I found a website that teaches you how to meditate while walking. I have seen many people talk on cell phones.

I use to talk with my Mom, before she passed away. She would laugh, “You are doing what?” She couldn’t get use to the idea of a phone that could go anywhere. My sisters would relate to me that she would tell them, “You know where Cecile was when she called?” I miss talking with my Mom, but I do other things.

I try to figure out problems. I plan my day. And for long walks I listen to NPR on the radio. I at first resisted listening to the radio. After all I would be missing the bird songs and might miss subtle noises. But I enjoy it and I mix it up a bit too. I can always take the headset off to hear the meadowlarks in Buffalo Park.

The Best Way to Start the Day

Some mornings, no make that most mornings, I don’t feel like getting up early to go for my walk. I lie in bed thinking that this must be the best place to be. How do I coax myself out of the cozy comforter? First my mind tries to rationalize that I can go for walk anytime. Then reality creeps in… the list of to-do’s for the day scrolls through the mind and I realize if I want to go for a decent walk it’s now or never. So up I get. And then I realize: early morning is beautiful and as a man said to me the other day, “a walk is the best way to start the day.”

Feel Like Going for a Walk?

If you feel like going for a walk this week you have many options.

FRIDAY 12 JUNE
Walk Into Spring
Start Location: Buffalo Park
Time: 8:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding area.
Everybody Welcome! Please do bring a friend!

SATURDAY 13 JUNE
Walk The Walk
Ft Valley Trail System
Start Location: The "Y" Parking Area where Schultz Pass Road and Mt Elden Road part ways.
Time: 6:00 PM
About 4 total miles of walking to the section of the Ft Valley Trail System that connects
to the Schultz Creek Trail. This is where the FUTS, Arizona Trail, Flagstaff Loop and
forest trails - Schultz Creek and Rocky Ridge converge plus it the old site of the Flagstaff Golf Course. Lots of history here!

SUNDAY 14 JUNE (morning)
Scalawag Climb of Mt Elden
Start Location: Mt Elden Trailhead on Highway 89 just past the Flagstaff Mall near the Peaks Ranger Station
Time: 8:00 AM
About 7 total miles with great views of East Flagstaff

SUNDAY 14 JUNE (evening)
Walk The Walk
Ft Valley Trail System off Snowbowl Road
Start Location: Parking Area at the corner of Highway 180 and Snowbowl Road
Time: 6:00 PM
About 3 total miles of a walk to the most difficult part of the Ft Valley Trail System. This hike is mostly flat but we will turn around where it starts to climb.

NPS/USFS Hikes

Thursday, June 11, 8:30 am to noon
Fisher Point new hike
Join USFS rangers Steve and Lois Hirst on a hike from Fisher Point down to a cave along Walnut Creek and back. Three miles total with a 400-foot elevation change. Take Old Walnut Canyon Road approximately two miles from Country Club Drive and meet at FR 301 turnoff at 8:30 am. We shall carpool from there three miles on rutted dirt road to trailhead. Trekking poles, water, and snacks/lunch recommended. Difficulty: moderate. Call 527-8222 for information.

Thursday, June 11, 9 to 11 am
Walnut Canyon Historic Cabin Walk
Journey back in time with rangers Jane Jackson and Charlene Stone at Walnut Canyon National Monument in an easy two-mile guided walk to the 1904 log cabin built by the first ranger to protect the cliff dwellings from pilfering pot hunters. No dogs please. Participants must be 16 or older. Limit of 8; reservations required at 526-3367. Park entrance fee. Meet at Walnut Canyon visitor center at 8:45. Difficulty: easy.

Saturday, June 13 NATIONAL GET OUTDOORS DAY
Nature Walk
NPS TRT* Charlene Stone will lead a walk for kids on the Dairy Springs Loop Trail. Meet at Dairy Springs Amphitheater at 3 pm. Go 20 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road to Mormon Lake turnoff. Proceed 3.7 miles to Dairy Springs. Call 526-1157 ext 273 for information.

*Teacher-Ranger-Teacher, a special Park Service program using full-time classroom teachers as summer rangers, who then take their summer experiences back to the classroom.

Sunday, June 14, 8 am to 10 am
Leroux Springs
NPS ranger John Westerlund will lead a two-mile walk to Big and Little Leroux Springs, discussing exploration and settlement of the area. Meet at Leroux Springs trailhead, about one mile up the Snowbowl Road. Difficulty: easy. Call 526-1157 ext 273 for information.

Learning Flagstaff

It’s funny. I have been trying to reach my 10,000 steps/ day goal, in earnest, each day since last Friday. And it hasn’t been easy. I am not saying that there aren’t enough trails in town or not enough places to walk. There are plenty. But the way I have been doing it hasn’t worked. I have been starting with a loop or walk in mind, say “walk to the Museum of Northern Arizona” or “deliver book to friend.”

Turns out the museum, that always seemed so far away, is actually only about 1.5 miles away, or less. So, a there and back (and a walk through the super cool Rio de Flag Trail they have) leaves me short on my goal. But I now know we should walk or ride our bikes to the museum.

Yesterday, I “ran an errand” by walking it instead (brought a book to a friend). I got to her house, her far, far away house, looked at my pedometer and sighed- less than a mile. She gave me a tip to get back home that would take longer- that took about a mile. Sigh, again.

I look at this as a good news/ bad news kind of lesson. Bad news: things are not as far away as they seemed, I will need to go beyond what I had originally thought to get my distance. Good news: I can walk, easily, to a lot of different places!

Gifts

I have come to realize that I can receive gifts while walking. This past April, Easter to be specific, for example my family took a hike in Sedona. Now the weather in Flagstaff had been less than ideal, I can’t say it had been terrible- just snowy and windy, and windy, and windy, when I was craving sun and warmth.

Well the day before Easter we had another snowstorm/ windstorm and Easter was going to be another blustery cold day in Flagstaff so we headed towards warmth. That’s the benefit of living here- we can head south towards warmth. We decided to hike in a wash/canyon that was fairly protected from the wind. My son and I had hiked this wash/canyon a couple weeks earlier and found it to be an easy and interesting hike. So off we went only to discover that this previously dry wash now had a small flowing stream. My husband decided it was still doable. So we jumped over the rocks and stream and continued our way up the wash/canyon. I am glad we did even tho it was a little more difficult. In places the water poured over boulders or over slickrock and into pools. The water flowed in a mere stream but the sound it made soothed the soul.

I felt like I had a surround-sound of a relaxation tape in real definition- the water flowing into the pools, birds singing in the canyon walls, wind blowing through the trees and the sun bathing me.

This was my gift for the day- something surprising and unexpected. If we had looked for it I am not sure we would have found it, but since we found it I am grateful.

Walk of the Week

I have added the "Walk of the Week" to my sidebar. My son and I just got back from Flagstaff's First Friday Art Walk- always a fun time. My favorite piece of the night was a collection of three glass bowls artfully arranged on the wall. My son's favorite was a giant metal sea scorpion that had captured a fish. We heard some wonderful music and tasted some great food- including fried pickles! We left before the Movies on the Square started but I think that is when the crowds really got big.
If you have any photos you would like to share for Walk of the Week, let me know.

Keeping track of distance

I find it very motivating to keep track of how far I walk. I use a pedometer. As I mentioned in an earlier posting, one of my goals is to walk 10,000 steps, six days a week. Thanks to my pedometer I know that that is between three and four miles. For about half a year my pedometer’s batteries were dead. While I knew the routes that would get me the right mileage, for some reason it just wasn’t as satisfying as seeing the huge step count on the pedometer screen- seeing “11,267 steps” is very encouraging. Just as my preference, I don’t always wear my pedometer- only when I am intentionally walking somewhere for distance.

About.com has some nice information about pedometers:

http://walking.about.com/cs/measure/bb/bybpedometer.htm

I received my pedometer as a present from my husband, so it’s fancier than I would have picked out. One really nice thing about it is that I can put it in a pocket, instead of clipping it on- I really like that. This pedometer also tracks calories expended, miles traveled and will log the data for several days. All of these functions have been useful and/or interesting at one time or another but really I could do with just knowing the steps I have walked (but I am not complaining, really). The point I am trying to make is that you can get simpler pedometers for relatively little money ($8-$10 and probably a lot less, but you want them to be reliable).

Other ways to determine your distance:

Use maps-

hard copy: you know, the traditional map, the FUTS trail maps are very nice

computer maps: such as Google maps (has a walking option) or Map Quest

Drive the route in car and record the distance travelled

Other ideas?

Plan your weekend

End-of-School, All-Ages Hike
School's out, so come hike the newest section of the Arizona Trail on Saturday, June 6. It crosses upper Hart Prairie on rolling terrain for four miles, with views all the way to the Grand Canyon. A car shuttle means we won't have to retrace our steps. Carpool from the First Congregational church parking lot (740 N. Turquoise, at the corner of Turquoise and Switzer Canyon Drive) at 9 a.m. Bring a sack lunch, water, hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Questions? Call Randy 774-5776


Saturday, June 6, 3 pm
Nature Walk
NPS ranger John Westerlund will lead a walk for kids on the Dairy Springs Loop Trail. Meet at Dairy Springs amphitheater at 3 pm. Go 20 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road to Mormon Lake turnoff. Proceed 3.7 miles to Dairy Springs.

Walk-the-Walk

FRIDAY 5 JUNE Please note the new start time

Walk Into Summer

Start Location: Buffalo Park

Time: 8:00 AM

About 3 total miles of walking

SATURDAY 6 JUNE

National Trails Work Day

Observatory Mesa Loop trail

Please Look At The Flagstaffbiking.org web site for complete details

Special T Shirt for this activity.

Please make plans to participate. I know I'll be there

SUNDAY 7 JUNE

Walk The Walk

New Section of the Loop Trail

Start Location: Mormon Ranger Station parking lot that is located on the corner of

Lake Mary Road and John Wesley Powell

Time: 6:00 PM

About 3 total miles of walking on this newest section of the Loop Trail that connects John Wesley Powell with Skunk Canyon

USFS & NPS Hikes

A friend forwarded me this list of hikes from Stephen Hirst, USFS/NPS.
Thank you!
Plenty of group hiking opportunities.


SNOWBOWL RANGER TALKS

NPS and USFS interpretive rangers answer questions and give periodic presentations at the top of the scenic Skyride every weekend, Friday through Sunday, and holidays. Open from 10 am to 4 pm every day, the Skyride takes passengers to 11,500 feet above sea level for the greatest view in the Southwest.

INTERPRETIVE HIKES
Saturday, June 6 3 pm
Nature Walk
NPS ranger John Westerlund will lead a walk for kids on the Dairy Springs Loop Trail. Meet at Dairy Springs amphitheater at 3 pm. Go 20 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road to Mormon Lake turnoff. Proceed 3.7 miles to Dairy Springs.

Thursday, June 11, 8:30 am to noon
Fisher Point new hike
Join USFS rangers Steve and Lois Hirst on a hike from Fisher Point down to a cave along Walnut Creek and back. Three miles total with a 400-foot elevation change. Take Old Walnut Canyon Road approximately two miles from Country Club Drive and meet at FR 301 turnoff at 8:30 am. We shall carpool from there three miles on rutted dirt road to trailhead. Trekking poles, water, and snacks/lunch recommended. Difficulty: moderate. Call 527-8222 for information.

Thursday, June 11, 9 to 11 am
Walnut Canyon Historic Cabin Walk
Journey back in time with rangers Jane Jackson and Charlene Stone at Walnut Canyon National Monument in an easy two-mile guided walk to the 1904 log cabin built by the first ranger to protect the cliff dwellings from pilfering pot hunters. No dogs please. Participants must be 16 or older. Limit of 8; reservations required at 526-3367. Park entrance fee. Meet at Walnut Canyon visitor center at 8:45. Difficulty: easy.

Saturday, June 13 NATIONAL GET OUTDOORS DAY
Nature Walk
NPS TRT* Charlene Stone will lead a walk for kids on the Dairy Springs Loop Trail. Meet at Dairy Springs Amphitheater at 3 pm. Go 20 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road to Mormon Lake turnoff. Proceed 3.7 miles to Dairy Springs. Call 526-1157 ext 273 for information.

*Teacher-Ranger-Teacher, a special Park Service program using full-time classroom teachers as summer rangers, who then take their summer experiences back to the classroom.

Sunday, June 14, 8 am to 10 am
Leroux Springs
NPS ranger John Westerlund will lead a two-mile walk to Big and Little Leroux Springs, discussing exploration and settlement of the area. Meet at Leroux Springs trailhead, about one mile up the Snowbowl Road. Difficulty: easy. Call 526-1157 ext 273 for information.

Thursday, June 18, 9 am to noon
AZ Trail Aspen Corner toward Bismarck Lake new hike
Experience one of the most picturesque sections of the Arizona Trail with USFS ranger Jane Jackson. Spectacular views, entertaining history, and nature at its finest. Meet at parking area six miles up Snowbowl Road. Bring water, snacks, hiking shoes. Call 527-822 for information.

Saturday, June 20, 3 pm
Nature Walk
NPS TRT Karen Knorowski will lead a walk for kids on the Dairy Springs Loop Trail. Meet at Dairy Springs amphitheater at 3 pm. Go 20 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road to Mormon Lake turnoff. Proceed 3.7 miles to Dairy Springs. Call 526-1157 ext 273 for information.

Thursday, June 25, 9 am to noon
Bismarck Lake
Join USFS rangers Steve and Lois Hirst on an easy half-mile walk to Little Spring, where C. Hart Merriam set up camp for his seminal study of climate zones. The hike continues up a moderately strenuous, unmaintained, half-mile trail ascending 500 feet into beautiful mountain meadows atop the Hochderffer Hills with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks. Difficulty: moderately strenuous climbing to 8800 feet. Bring water, snacks/lunch, and trekking poles. Go north 22 miles on Hwy 180 to MP 235. Turn right onto FR 151 and proceed 1.6 mi to split and continue on FR 151 (right fork) another 0.8 mi to small meadow and park at junction with FR 418B. Call 527-8222 for information.

Thursday, June 25, 9 to 11 am
Walnut Canyon Ranger Cabin
Journey back in time with NPS TRT Charlene Stone at Walnut Canyon National Monument in an easy two-mile guided walk to the 1904 log cabin built by the first ranger to protect the cliff dwellings from pilfering pot hunters. No dogs please. Participants must be 16 or older. Limit of 8; reservations required at 526-3367. Park entrance fee. Meet at Walnut Canyon visitor center at 8:45. Difficulty: easy.

Saturday, June 27, 3 pm
Nature Walk
NPS TRT Phred Salazar will lead a walk for kids on the Dairy Springs Loop Trail. Meet at Dairy Springs amphitheater at 3 pm. Go 20 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road to Mormon Lake turnoff. Proceed 3.7 miles to Dairy Springs. Call 526-1157 ext 273 for information.

Walking Flagstaff

I have often wondered if I could make it in Flagstaff without a car with my current lifestyle- mom with son. I have reason to wonder. I have a mild seizure disorder that was diagnosed with a grand mal seizure over 10 years ago. When I had the seizure my driver’s license was taken away for several months. I rode the bus to work or rode with my husband. I really had no transportation problems. My seizure activity is minimal or non-existent right now, but I sometimes wonder how I would get around without a car.

Just out of curiosity, I checked walking mileage for a couple of Flagstaff locations on “Google maps.” To go from the Flagstaff Medical Center to Target is 2.3 miles or 44 minutes. From Target to the Flagstaff Mall is six miles, or about 2 hours walking. Of course, I could always ride the bus or ride a bike. But what is a reasonable walking distance?

Our fast-paced society has changed our attitudes towards how we spend our time (time is money?) so while one mile should be no problem, it translates to 20 minutes walking versus five to ten minutes in the car. Also many United States towns are car-dependent, they really aren’t built for pedestrians: sidewalks are missing, crosswalks are non-existent, traffic whizzes by at scary speeds, etc. (People are working to make Flagstaff more pedestrian friendly. See FUTS trails, improved crosswalks, timed crossings, etc.)

But since it’s one of my goals, what will it take for me to forego the car and take to my legs, bike wheels and bus? Convenience has been the big winner so far.

I think a challenge is in order. Stay tuned for details…

Walking to School

I have walked my Son to and from school since he was in kindergarten- he is now finishing fifth grade. I can’t say it was everyday and some years I was working full-time so I walked even less, but I made many of the walks. It’s easy for us to walk. According to my pedometer the distance is about half a mile to the school. And we get to walk through the forest.

We have seen deer, elk, foxes, squirrels. One year we got to see twin fawns. We have also enjoyed seeing tracks of wildlife in fresh snow. One day it looked like the deer were heading to school. Their tracks led us right through the school gate.

We are very lucky to be able to walk here. When we first started we would walk along a rough trail. A lot of times we were the only walkers heading to school on this trail. Two other families might join us. The amazing thing about these families is that they were second generation walkers. The kid’s moms went to the school and walked through this forest to get to school. Other walkers came and went. And then the trail was constructed. This trail bisects the forest and makes it easier to go downhill. Now there are four families that use the path regularly and three to four that use it off and on. It’s wonderful to see the younger kids explore the rocks and stop to pick up sticks.