Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Wednesday's Walker- Janine

Girl's weekend in NYC. mmm, yummy. :)
This is from my good friend, Janine, who dared to move out-of-state. She apparently now lives on a green belt which makes for nice walking, I always picture their family walking along a busy walk-way visiting with neighbors while their boys zoom up and down on bikes and skateboards. Fun stuff.

What do you do? What keeps you busy? What is your passion? I'm a mom of 2 boys (12 and 8) and I work 2, flexible part-time jobs so that I can fit my hours into the school day. I guess you could say that my kids are my passion. I also am involved in a few volunteer commitments, one of which I'm starting to regret right about now. (: So, between work, homework, after school activities, laundry, cooking... I haven't found a lot of time to walk. Exercise is the first thing to go for me. Looking at my hands as I type I realize that I haven't even found time to file my nails!

I walk because … It makes me feel good physically - I have more energy. But more immediately, it clears my head, makes me feel peaceful, gets me outside and forces me to realize that there is still a world out there that is accessible to me outside of my nutty schedule, lets me indulge my own thoughts for a while.

What do you do when you walk?  I try to walk at a pace that pushes my muscles. A walk feels successful to me if they are twitching a little at the end. I focus on taking in my surroundings. Listening for birds, watching the ducks in the canal, checking out the passersby. Then, if a thought creeps in after my head has cleared that I want to roll around in my brain for a while, I enjoy the uninterrupted ability to follow it from beginning to end.

What do you like about walking? The only thing I would add to what I wrote above is that it is usually my only chance for solitude - to re-juice.

Describe a walk where you found something special or something that made you happy or something surprising ? Hmmm, dunnoh.
What is your favorite walk?  I most frequently walk on the race (a path beside an old canal in our town). It is by our house (convenient) and runs along the woods, a park, empties into a lake at one end and the farmer's market at the other. It's pleasant and easy. I also like the woods in a protected area 10 or so minutes away that has paths that take you around fields and along streams. There are tons of birds and I find I enjoy discovering them in my older age. (:

Any tips to get people walking?  Just start. It's hard to just get started, but once you do you will be quickly rewarded with how you feel physically and emotionally.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Blog details


A little blog upkeeping today.

I have been enjoying including your writing every Wednesday in the form of “Wednesday Walker.” That has been so fun for me to read and share. Unfortunately, I am reaching the end of this series. I think I have about three more weeks left. I will be more than happy to include any other responses for “Wednesday Walker” just email me (cleblanc46 at gmail dot com writing it all out to avoid the spam you know) and let me know. I have enjoyed the wide variety of responses and suggestions. So far, I have known everybody who has responded and everyone is so different. Yet walking has been a positive part of all of their lives in one way or another.

After I run out of “Wednesday Walkers” I will try out something else. My sister, Denise, shared some “green” photos with me for St. Patrick’s Day. That was a lot of fun. It would be fun to get more photos from folks, especially for holidays.

Thank you for your comments. On Facebook or on the blog. I am still learning how to be social online, but I will do my best to get back to you.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Flagstaff Fridays

Biking to school in spring- yayy! FUTS trail
Snow, sunshine, rain... ahhh, spring in Flagstaff. Time to get outside and explore. Oh, I almost forgot- wind. Still, there are plenty of nice days and Jack has listed plenty of wonderful walks.

From Jack-

SATURDAY 26 MARCH
Rio de Flag Walk Series
Behind Fox Glenn Park
Start Location: Fox Glenn Park on Butler
Time: 3:00 PM
The Rio is wide in this area and plays host to a beautiful section of the FUTS.
Restoration was done last year on this section of the Rio

SUNDAY 27 MARCH
Rio de Flag Walk Series
The Rio through the Golf Course/Campbell Mesa area
Start Location: Please note new start location!
Cemetery Parking lot across from the Campbell Mesa Trailhead
From County Club Drive go East on Old Walnut Canyon Road for 1/2 on paved road.
Next 1/2 mile is gravel. Look for the large white cross on the right hand side of the road across from the Campbell Mesa Trailhead.
Time: 3:00 PM
We'll walk the wide route of the Rio de Flag to Highway 40 and on the way take a look at the Bottomless Pit.

TUESDAY 29 MARCH
Walk Into Spring
Start Location: Adult Center
Time: 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding neighborhood

FRIDAY 1 APRIL 2011 Note new start location:
Walk Into Spring
Start Location: FUTS parking area at the corner of Lone Tree Road and John Wesley Powell
Time: 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles in and around the surrounding neighborhood
Expect a few hills

FRIDAY 1 APRIL 2011 This is not an April Fool Joke!
Bald Eagle Talk
Location: Arizona Game and Fish Office
3500 South Lake Mary Road
Time: Noon - Bring your lunch!

SATURDAY 2 APRIL
5 K Walk for Willow Bend on the NAU campus
Blue Key Walk the Talk for the Environment
Start Location: South Field on NAU campus
Time: Walk starts at 9:00 AM
Registration between 7 AM and 8:45 AM
Check the Willow Bend web site for more information: www.willowbendcenter.org

SATURDAY 2 APRIL
The Rio de Flag Walk Series
Wildcat Reach - a section of the Rio in need of help
Start Location: Front Home Depot Parking Lot - East End
Time: 3:00 PM
A much abused section of the Rio after it goes under Highway 40 and Route 66.

SUNDAY 3 APRIL 2011
Rio de Flag Walk Series
The Rio through Picture Canyon
Start Location: On the paved road between the Wildcat Waste Water Treatment Plant and The Gas Company
Time: 3:00 PM
Lot's to explore here. The recently restored of the Rio de Flag meander above and below Flagstaff's only water fall. Native American Glyphs and great views. Don't miss this one!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Wednesday's Walker- M.C. LaForge

M.C. is my very creative sister. I will never forget the time we found out she painted a mural on the walls of her bedroom, and our parents were not angry- the mural was so beautiful! (that's the way I remember it anyway)

Walking


Currently, I work four days per week as a concierge/receptionist at an acupuncture clinic. I am otherwise kept busy by supporting my ability “to go on” mentally and physically.
For the mental part I attend Buddhist classes and meditations regularly- this helps keep me calm and non-reactive to the never ending “messinesses” of life. At least, that is the goal. I also try to keep the brain active by trying to write about day to day events. Recently, I took a creative nonfiction writing class. I like the way words that have not been used by me for decades will come to the rescue when I’m trying to relate a story or thought.
For the physical I rely on the support of an acupuncturist, naturopath doctor, occasional massage therapist, (that helps keep my neck from cracking all the time.) As I told the N.D. recently, I don’t like to “work out”- though I know I should.
I like to walk. It’s free and freeing. Walking presses the reset button in my body. Breathing hard and warm from exertion, the body thanks me with good feeling. I also get to process life and get outside and out of myself. I get to breathe fresh air.
Locally, for the quick walks, we have the level trolley trail close by. For more of a work out, a walk down the hill to the Willamette River and then back up is the ticket. A pretty walk can be had by walking to Elk Rock Island. If the Willamette River level is down you can walk to the island and up and around. It is a sweet walk with beautiful scenery and wildlife. In the spring you get trilliums. Most recently a neighbor told of a beautiful walk to town. First you follow River Road, walk through Island Station (a quaint neighborhood overlooking Elk Rock Island from the river shore) onto a park path by the river leading to one of the traffic light intersections in Milwaukie, OR. What I loved about this walk was the close relationship that the walker has with the sky and water: recently, soft tones of late fall/early winter and low clouds blended in an airy watery fashion quite marvelous to be a part of. This can also be a purposeful walk for me; I can walk this way to the library or coffee shop with my little laptop in a backpack and use wifi at either place.
Back in 1999 I lived in Stehekin, WA. The only thing that made Stehekin a town was a dock and post office and a little cafe. The only way to get to Stehekin was by boat, float plane or walking. This tiny place is stapled to the end of 55 mile long Lake Chelan. While I lived there I walked a lot. Here is my very first ever writing (let alone writing about walking.) :
“Had to move. Even out those joints and muscles much used in the past few days. Cleaning and hauling, hauling and cleaning, up and down stairs. Not used to the physical labor. Easy work, just physical.
Loaded up my pack with a thermos of coffee, apple, and water. Put my boots on and hit the trail.
A bit of wind, lots of sun. I stepped past clumps of lupine, yarrow, Indian Paint Brush. The air is dry, smitten with that dusty pine scent. The lake had the hue that can only be achieved by infusing snow melt with glacier water. Aquamarine, quick silver, slate, jade, turquoise, royal blue, purple. A mélange.
Easy walk. Mostly level.
As I walk an unseen army of insects makes a scratchy click, click, click. Everywhere. I’m surrounded. The sound makes me itchy.
Lizards dry whisper out from under my feet. At least three kinds of butterflies float over my path- painted ladies, pale white swallowtail, and the kind with soft blue wings.
Coming round a bend close to Four Mile Creek I’m greeted by gunfire. Many shots. I stop, ready to hold up the white flag- if only I had one. Next to an old stone fence curving around the hill I spy on two older gents- one with a very large handgun. They see me and start walking down the hill.
We chat. One fellow said he knew there were hikers around and felt he was shooting in a safe direction. Said he hadn’t shot the gun in forty years. Said it was a ZZ…?
After my visit with the shooters, I continued walking to the creek. It was swollen…and loud. I was greeted by some bobbing heads of wild tiger lilies.
My return trip was good. Quiet. I like the smell, the dirt, the rocks…
Eight miles there and back.
Got home.
Took a long nap.
By the time evening came on, the wind had really started to roar down the valley. We lost electricity. My roommate and I went to the local café and had a wedge of mixed berry pie with a cumulus cloud of vanilla ice cream for dinner.”
I guess if I were to write about that walk nowadays, I’d mention one spot on the trail that has its own little ecosystem. You can look at the northern side of a tall rock wall and see moss with a veil of water that trickles through it. Wait. Look. A tiny, wild orchid!
About 12 years later, I’m still walking. The best walk, in my opinion, is when you can just step out of your front door. I’m so fortunate to have good places to walk close by. Our local trolley trail (soon to be connected with Portland’s Spring Water Corridor) reminds me of the lanes in England. Portland is a really beautiful and well planned city with lots of parks and trees and places to walk.
One thing that England has over us is this: all landowners must provide walkers access to their property anytime, anywhere. So you see quaint little steps going over fences everywhere.
It is, at least in the Lake District, the law.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Passions, walking with burros


Welcome to Oatman, got carrots?
I have read a few sources that say to remember what you are passionate about go back to what you liked in fourth grade. I have found myself trying to remember what I liked back then and all I get are fuzzy generalities. I liked being outside. I liked to draw. I liked animals. I liked looking at the stars. I am not going to come up with some great breakthrough story- oh I spent hours working on such-and-such as a kid, it’s no wonder I am still doing it today. But, sometimes those generalities really hit home as my passions, and it’s no surprise. Take my experience last week.

Last week was spring break. We went to Lake Mojave for a camping trip. The weather was beautiful (I write, frowning at the new seven inches of snow on the ground out the window), in the low 80s. A mild breeze kept things cool. We brought our canoe and kayak so we could go on day trips on the water. Very lovely.


The story of Oatman

One afternoon we took a trip to the old ghost town of Oatman, Arizona. The town has actually become a tourist trap, buses and all. The draw isn’t the just the old buildings, now souvenir shops, but the multitude of burros that wander the street. I kept telling myself that the chances of us seeing a burro would be small. Wrongo.

Frisky baby with protective mom
As we walked from our parked car toward the public restroom a baby burro (a foal?) came kicking and running towards us and the other people standing around. The mother was close behind. I, a very mature woman, was instantly transformed back into my young self- a kid with a bag of carrots intent on taking photos of the burros and petting all of them if at all possible.

Another baby, waiting for mom
Gone from my concern were my barking dog, my son and my husband. Fortunately, my husband had Pip behind the fence because the mom burro was intent on protecting her young and made to kick barking, whining Pip. I think I managed to squeak out questions of: did my husband and/or son need anything? Carrots? My son took a few but gave them back after awhile and they, plus Pip, headed off to do some shopping/sightseeing.

Yet another baby, with sticker
The baby burros had stickers on their foreheads asking people not to feed them and in general leave them alone. The adults on the other hand were use to being fed and in some cases very pushy. At one point I had four burros surrounding me and my quickly diminishing bags of carrots. I was in heaven. I am sure I had a silly grin on my face as one of the burros followed me and my purse down the street. I know I forgot to look both ways for cars, I was happily standing in the middle of the street. I did share the carrots with my son, but it was hard.

More carrots please...
So I confirmed one passion: Animals. But I think I already knew that.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Flagstaff Fridays

Rio de Flag, March 2010, near library
More walks along the Rio de Flag- be sure to check them out if you can!

from Jack Welch


SATURDAY 19 MARCH
Rio de Flag Walk Series
Confluence of the Rio de Flag, Sinclair Wash and Bow and Arrow Wash
Start Location: Sam’s parking lot- south end
Time: 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
A walk near the wetland and the convergence of three water routes.

SUNDAY 20 MARCH
Rio de Flag Walk Series
Behind Little America
Start Location: Little America parking lot- east end near the gas station
Time: 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
The route of the Rio de Flag as it makes its way past the recent Hardy Fire location.

TUESDAY 22 MARCH
Walk into Spring
Start Location: Adult Center
Time: 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding neighborhood.

WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH
Table Tennis/Ping Pong Play
Location: Adult Center
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
We’ll have three tables in play

THURSDAY 24 MARCH
Table Tennis/Ping Pong Play
Location: Adult Center
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
We’ll have three tables in play

FRIDAY 25 MARCH
Walk into Spring
Start Location: Harkins Theater north parking lot
Time: 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding neighborhood.
Expect a few hills.

SATURDAY 26 MARCH
Rio de Flag Walk Series
Fox Glenn Park
Start Location: Fox Glenn Parking Lot on Butler
Time: 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
A walk along the Rio on the FUTS near the recent restoration area.

SUNDAY 27 MARCH
Rio de Flag Walk Series
The Route of the Rio through the Continental Golf Course
Start Location: Park along the Old Walnut Canyon Road next to the two lakes
Time: 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
See where the Rio makes its turn out the Continental Neighborhood and on toward Picture Canyon.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Have a wonderful day o' green!
We just got back from a camping trip, in brown Arizona (near a lake, but still brown- how does that work? actually I know, it was all rock). So no green. These photos are from my sister, Denise, in green, green, green Oregon. Thank you, for the bit o' green. So lovely.



Friday, March 11, 2011

Flagstaff Fridays

Abert's Squirrel, looking for food
We are back. Jack has been having email issues so hasn't been able to email his list. He provides such a wonderful service to the community. If you want a complete copy of his walks you can get one at one of his starting locations- or check the Arizona Daily Sun. Thank you, Jack, for all of your work.

The Rio de Flag is one of Flagstaff's hidden jewels. I hope to learn more about this greenbelt.

from Jack Welch (any typos are mine, tho)
KICK OFF FOR THE RIO DE FLAG SERIES
17 Walks along the Rio de Flag Greenbelt 3 to 5 total miles
SATURDAY 12 MARCH 2011
SOUTH SIDE RIO
Start Location: Mountain Line Transfer Station on Phoenix across from Fratelli’s Pizza
Time: 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
A walk to show folks the route of the Rio de Flag through the Southside Community from Route 66 to Lone Tree Road

SUNDAY 13 MARCH
The Rio de Flag in Sinclair Wash
Start Location: Police Parking Lot at 911 Sawmill Road just east of Willow Bend
Time: 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
A walk along the Rio that runs next to the FUTS in one of the most beautiful sections of Flagstaff.

TUESDAY 15 MARCH
Walk into Spring
Start Location: Adult Center
Time: 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding neighborhood.

WEDNESDAY 16 MARCH
Outdoor Presentation
Rock Art of the World
Presented by Evelyn Billow and Bob Mark
Location: Adult Center
Time: 6:00 PM
The rock art around here is extremely interesting but this will be an opportunity to see some famous rock art in the rest of the world.

WEDNESDAY 16 MARCH
Table Tennis/Ping Pong Play
Location: Adult Center
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
We’ll have three tables in play

THURSDAY 17 MARCH
FLAGSTAFF AREA STREAM TEAM – F.A.S.T.
Location: Adult Center
Time: 6:00 PM
Plan of action for the coming year.

THURSDAY 17 MARCH  NO TABLE TENNIS THIS EVENING

FRIDAY 18 MARCH
Walk into Spring
Start Location: Harkins Theater north parking lot
Time: 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding neighborhood.
Expect some hills.

SATURDAY 19 MARCH
Rio de Flag Walk Series
Confluence of the Rio de Flag, Sinclair Wash and Bow and Arrow Wash
Start Location: Sam’s parking lot- south end
Time: 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
A walk near the wetland and the convergence of three water routes.

SUNDAY 20 MARCH
Rio de Flag Walk Series
Behind Little America
Start Location: Little America parking lot- east end near the gas station
Time: 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
The route of the Rio de Flag as it makes its way past the recent Hardy Fire location.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Wednesday's Walker

Their trip to Bryce Canyon

This Wednesday Walker is my brother-in-law, married to my sister, Denise. He is a talented wood worker artist, carpenter and keeps very busy. He writes that he is a sedate retiree, but I can't picture that...

What do you do? Sedate retiree
What keeps you busy? Housework, my family
What is your passion? My family, the outdoors, motorcycle riding

I walk because …. It wakes me out of my customary stupor, it is the only exercise I can do anymore on an everyday basis.

What do you do when you walk? Daydreaming mostly

What do you like about walking? Being outdoors, being aware of my body, and the aforementioned daydreaming.

Describe a walk where you found something special or something that made you
happy or something surprising. This morning I stumbled across 3 power poles down because a 100' fir killed by ivy had come down, the other day it was a coyote.
My most favorite walks are when Denise can enjoy the outdoors, like we did in Zion, and Fort Bragg botanical gardens.

What is your favorite walk? The one I am on.

Any tips to get people walking? There are many benefits to walking besides exercise but for me you feel more alive and can still enjoy your surroundings if you can get your pulse rate going. I watch lots of folks who stroll past our house and wonder why they don't ratchet it up a bit and get more out of it.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Go Spring!


The air was crisp and cold this morning. Snow crystals brightened the road. I was on a walk with Pip, the dog, and just walking. I guess I was happy to be walking, but I think I was wishing it were warmer- as usual. And then I heard the robin. The clear, sweet American robin song.

Somehow that changed everything. I started to feel warmer somehow. It’s not that I haven’t seen robins recently, but their song just feels like warmth, like better days. I started to think of the sweetness of changing seasons. That’s one of the rewards of going through a tough winter, a tough time, a tough headache- you get to the end and … everything seems brighter or lighter.

I have been hearing lots of birds lately. We have been feeding the songbirds so they congregate in our pine tree and sound like the Grand Central Station of little birds. Buzzing, chirping, chips, titters, tweets: juncos, siskins, finches. I have also heard lots of drumming from flickers and woodpeckers, mainly on metal streetlights and wooden power poles, respectively (drumming: rapid hitting with beak, I read they do this to attract a mate).

Here in Flagstaff with spring comes the melting of the snow, thankfully we have had some (I can be thankful now), so for a time we will have some running water. And lots and lots of mud. But bring it on! Spring! Hurray!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Wednesday's Walker

My blurry photo on way to Park City to visit with Elise and the girls
I met my friend Elise fairly soon after we moved to Utah. She helped me find work in the field of wildlife biology. She is a very active person, biking and hiking, and has had a rough year with injuries. Her latest injury was the result of an interaction with an angry mama moose. Apparently, Elise was returning from a hike and heading down a fairly narrow canyon when she was confronted by the moose. Elise dove out of the way (sorry if I am getting this wrong), thankfully behind a a big tree, but in the process tore her ACL. She found out from another hiker that the moose cow had a calf in the area. And, yes, Elise is recuperating nicely.

What do you do? I’m a wildlife biologist but now I’m a manager more than anything.
What keeps you busy? Unfortunately work, but when not working I love to do just about anything outdoors and travel.

I walk because …. It makes me feel good and it gives me time to myself.

What do you do when you walk?  I have conversations in my head about issues of the day or plan out my future. Sometimes I listen to audiobooks.

What do you like about walking? I like it because it makes me feel good, it’s functional – transportation, and its relaxing.

Describe a walk where you found something special or something that made you happy or something surprising ? This one is stumping me. When I walk it always makes me happy when I see wildlife.

What is your favorite walk? I have too many to pick one! I have different “favorite” walks for different seasons and different locations- desert, mountains and cities.

Any tips to get people walking?  Just do it – I’ve never regretted a walk – ok, maybe the one where I got attacked by a moose, but that’s it…..

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Slow Hiking Time

Not on Sycamore Rim, but similar landscape
I have been unable to walk much recently so have gotten out of shape. My thoughts have gone to walks o’ the past. One hike was to the Sycamore Rim Loop Trail which was about an 11 mile hike. I was probably the least experienced hiker of the bunch, but as our intrepid guide (IG) said, I had a “good hiking constitution.” I think that meant I could go for long distances without complaining. She figured we would start around 9 am and be done about noon or one.

She described the hike as easy, but long. We would be doing the hike reverse what other hikers typically do, to get the harder part out of the way.

Okay. Let me describe this hike. Take a flat sixty inch round table. Throw on a table cloth, roughly. Don’t make it smooth. So there are bumps here and there, right? But overall pretty flat. Pretend the trail goes around the edge of the table.

Now go get a mixing bowl that has steep sides and plunk it down in the middle of the trail. Oh, you might say, but the trail can go around the bowl. But it doesn’t. The bowl is called KA Hill and the trail goes up one side and down the other. Go ahead and come up with all sorts of meanings for the acronym KA- we did. The description says it’s a 500 foot elevation gain, seemed higher.

So we went up and down the unnecessary hill first instead of last, and I am thankful for that. Overall the hike was really amazing. It hits some highlights along the Sycamore Rim: Sycamore Falls (they were dry), wetlands, other viewpoints of the rim. This is a hike I would do again.

Towards the end of the hike we lost the trail. We were in good hands with our IG and others who had maps and compasses and we headed off through the woods. At one point our IG turned to check on me and I looked up and whump, fell flat on my face. I think my knee did hit a rock, but what I remember most is soft cushion of the thick bed pine needles. The fall was almost comfortable.

We met up with the trail without any further incidents. I think we made it back to the cars by about 4 pm. Our IG was definitely not on slow hiking time when she thought we would be done by noon.

I wish I had photos of this trip. This is a very pretty area (especially the vistas looking over the rim) and I hope to visit again soon- hiking. Some of the places are accessible via car.