Wednesday What is it

Yellow dusted petunia

Here is a Wednesday What Is It? Flagstaff residents: you cannot play (because you know the answer)! :) Answer is below so don't scroll down too fast if you want to guess.

What made the Flagstaff skies hazy for about two weeks in early June?

Hazy Flagstaff skies

What covered our shelves, roads, flowers with a fine layer of dust?

What was kicked up in swirls by cars as they drove down the road?

What was so thick on our porch that it allowed me to leave a footprint in the yellow dust?

Footprint in yellow dust

What created mini yellow dust devils in the wind?






Hint: it's natural, happens every year, this year seemed heavier...




Answer: It blows in the wind, and it needs to, and we have had a lot of wind this year- not that that has had anything to do with it...


Clouds of it puff from the ponderosa pine trees

it's the pollen. And based on the amount of pollen I have wiping from my shelves I predict a lot of hearty pine cones and happy squirrels. Our local paper had an article about it.

Glad I was there

Big Lake big skies

I haven’t been writing in here lately. I realized two things.

1. Not much to write about when I am just walking around in a “circle”- good walking, not good writing. I have been walking around nearby Buffalo Park every morning. I am very proud of that but it doesn’t lead to many stories.
2. I really don’t have many photos of the stuff that I mentioned for the Wednesday stuff. I may have to let that go and let you know about it as I experience it.

Good morning Big Lake

However, I guess this is how I communicate with some friends and family members so I am back- again.

The Wallow Fire in eastern Arizona has been all over the news. The fire is huge and is directly impacting some small communities and indirectly impacting many other with the vast plume of smoke. Flagstaff has not been impacted at all. If we head to a high point in town we can sometimes see the smoke plume, waaaaaaay off in the distance. It looks like a far off thunderhead.

Pip looking for canoe

One of my husband’s favorite places to camp in late summer is at Big Lake in the White Mountains. It’s at least a two hour drive to get to the campground, probably more. Even from Flagstaff, which is in the “mountains,” it feels like you are going into the mountains. The forests are still ponderosa but there are spruce and fir. Open meadows are ringed with aspen. Small lakes dot the countryside. I call it the “big sky” country- it’s big, open, green.

Misty morning Big Lake

When we go there it’s monsoon season. Every afternoon towering cumulous gather in the skies, threatening rain. The first year we were in a tent. We had arrived at the campground wondering why everyone had a tarp. After the inch of rain flooded the campground we escaped to Springerville to buy our own tarp. The next time we went there it was in our pop-up trailer, much nicer.

My husband and son go out on a canoe in the lake to fish. I walk the shores with Pip. It’s a peaceful place and very pretty.

Camping spot at Big Lake

The Wallow Fire has already engulfed Big Lake and is threatening Springerville. It’s hard to imagine, it’s a huge area. Springerville was at least a half hour drive from Big Lake and Springerville is a town. Seeing the photos of the fire we are hoping the fire burned fast, leaving many trees. I have included photos of Big Lake and our camping spot.

Flagstaff Fridays

FUTS Trail by the Rio de Flag

First of all, I just have to congratulate Flagstaff for being designated as a bronze-level Walk Friendly Community! Flagstaff is one of eleven communities nationwide to receive a Walk Friendly Community designation, so way to go! A lot of people put a ton of work into this designation including Jack, Martin, Kim, Heather and many others. Congratulations!

from Jack:

MAY IS A BUSY MONTH!
City announces a new program for those interested in the Flagstaff Urban
Trail System. Become a FUTS Steward. It's called Adopt-A-Park or a section
of the FUTS. Great opportunity for groups, organizations or just the lone
individual interested in helping create a more beautiful Flagstaff.

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS CONTACT -
Tammy Bishop at: tbishop at ci dot flagstaff dot az dot us
or
Tom Boughner at: tboughner at flagstaff dot az dot us
Or Call: 213 3604
************************************
Shopping Carts Left Rolling Around Your Neighborhood?
Contact Michael Olson (679 8428), the man in charge of the Adult Probation Work Crew that is helping the city with this project and they will pick up the carts and returned them to the store where they belong.
Shopping Carts are just like broken windows or graffiti. ignore the problem and it only gets worse.
+++++++++++++++
National Senior Fitness Day - Wednesday 25 May at the Flagstaff Aqauplex on 4th Street from 8:30 AM until 2:30 PM. For more information contact the Staff at the Thorpe Park Community and Adult Center: 774 1068
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Table Tennis Play at the Adult Center Every Wednesday and Thursday evening except for the third Thursday of the month. 6:00 PM until 7:45 PM. We have three good tables in play
**********************************************
Karen Cooper FUTS dedication at Cheshire Park.
Friday 6 May
Start Location: Cheshire Park on Fremont Blvd
Time: 2:00 PM 2:00 PM
Ceremony will be followed by a walk along the newly dedication section with several locations where those doing the walk can turn around.
For More Information Contact Jack Welch at 714 0504
*********************************************

WALK THE WALK SCHEDULE
(Including the remainder of the Rio de Flag Series plus rescheduled walks)
MAY 2011

THURSDAY 28 APRIL 2011
Doney Park Multi-Modal Plan Open House
Location: Summit Fire District Station 32
6425 North Cosino Road
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Opportunity for the community to comment on the multimodal transportation plan for Doney Park

FRIDAY 29 APRIL 2011 (Please note the change in the start location)
Walk Into Summer
Start Location: Police Department Parking Lot at 911 Sawmill Road (South of the New Frontiers Store on Butler
Time: 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding neighborhood

SATURDAY 30 APRIL
Rio de Flag Walk Series
The Rio Through Baderville
Start Location: Parking area at the corner of Snowbowl Road and Highway 180
Time: 3:00 PM
About three miles of walking as we see where and why the Rio coming off the Peaks flowed south instead of north.

SUNDAY 1 MAY 2011
Audubon Bird Sanctuary Walk
Start Location: Southeast corner of Sam's Parking Lot
Time: 7:00 AM 7:00 AM
A bird walk with Jim Logan down to the Rio de Flag pond along the FUTS.
For more information contact Jim at 526 3244

SUNDAY 1 MAY
Rio de Flag Walk Series
Leroux Springs
Start Location: Parking Area next to the Hot Shot Entrance - On Snow Bowl Road - About a mile from the corner of Snowbowl Road and Highway 180
Time: 3:00 PM
Lots to see on this walk! History, the old NAU Arboretum, Big and Little Leroux Spring, Spur& Ski Ranch

TUESDAY 2 MAY 2011
Walk Into Summer
Start Location: Adult Center
Time: 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding neighborhood

THURSDAY 5 MAY
Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting
Location: City Hall upstairs in the Staff Conference Room
Time: 4:30 PM
Discussion of local bicycle issues and the upcoming Bike To Work Week

THURSDAY 5 MAY
Friends of the Rio de Flag Meeting
Location; Adult Center
Time: 6:00 PM
Spring bird migration is an exciting activity along the Rio de Flag in May. Join us for a discussion with Jim Logan as we learn about the best locations to go birding and what birds you may encounter along the Rio's riparian corridor.

FRIDAY 6 MAY
Walk Into Summer
Start Location: Police Department Parking Lot - 911 Sawmill Road
Time: 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding neighborhood

FRIDAY 6 MAY
Karen Cooper Dedication of the FUTS
Start Location: Cheshire Park on Fremont Blvd in Cheshire
Time: 2:00 PM 2:00 PM
Dedication Ceremony to change the name of the North Rio FUTS to the Karen Cooper FUTS Walk on the newly dedicated section - From Cheshire south to City Hall with several points where those walking can return to Cheshire Park

SATURDAY 7 MAY
Work Day at Logan's Crossing
Start Location: From the corner of Highway 89 and Townsend-Winona Road
Go right on Townsend-Winona Road 4.5 miles
Turn left on the dirt Road - Look for the banner advertising the event
If you get to Slayton Ranch Road you have gone to far
Parking area is on that dirt road just off the highway.
Time: 9:00 AM
For more information contact Cliff Holtz at 214 9457

SATURDAY 7 MAY
Loop Trail Work Day
Segment 25 - Old Walnut Canyon Road to Campbell Mesa Trails
Look at the Flag Biking Web Site for more complete details


SATURDAY 7 MAY
Audubon Society Bird Sanctuary Program
Logan's Crossing
Start Location: Meet at Southeast corner of Sam's Parking Lot
Time: 7:00 AM
For more information please call Jim Logan at 526 3244

SUNDAY 8 MAY - Added Rio de Flag Series Walk
Rio Canyon next to Warners on Butler
Start Location: Sam's Parking Lot - South End
Time: 3:00 PM
We'll all looked at this canyon from Butler. This walk will take us to the other end and into canyon from the FUTS.

New Wednesdays

somewhat random- not coffee, but what if...

It’s Wednesday and I am ready to try something new. I am sure that this will change as I move along, but these are my first ideas. There are three, actually:

One of my favorite things to see are what I call “random” sightings. Usually we see these on the road, but they definitely can be spotted while walking and it can be something experienced with other senses as well. “Random” to me means- something that makes you do a double take, makes you look twice, or think about what you just experienced, something a little out of step with ordinary. And to me, it always, always, always has to be positive- it has to bring a smile to my face. Here are some examples of recent “random experiences.”

The other day my son and I were stopped at a light and we saw a motorcycle, with its rider stopped at the light heading the opposite way. We saw something different sticking up behind the rider on the motorcycle. I thought it might be a folded up umbrella and we joked about that. My son looked as we passed the motorcycle. It was a vacuum cleaner! On a motorcycle. Random.

We were in a small desert town during spring break and passed a small, compact car with a palm tree in the back seat, the palm fronds sticking out the back window. Random.

Another of my favorite things to see are what I call “I Spy” places. I don’t know if there is a copyright of that, so for here I will call them, “look and see” but in life, “I Spy.” These are walls, cars, yards, fences, you-name-it that are covered with so much stuff that you could spend a lot of time just looking at it and seeing different things… “I see a tiny goat…” I have seen a “look and see” gravesite.

Finally, I love things that make me go… hmmm, what is that? And when I find out what it is, I want to tell everyone.

So Wednesdays will be dedicated to one of these three things. I would love it if you would contribute as well, just let me know

Flagstaff Fridays

Kite Festival

Oh, Jack is starting his Walk Into Summer walks, barely feels like spring! But he is right, we are heading into the hot and dry phase of the season (but could still get snow!) so get out and enjoy the greenery while it lasts!

SATURDAY 23 APRIL
Rio de Flag Walk Series
The Rio from Crescent to Blue Willow Drive
Start Location: Sechrist School on Ft Valley Road
Time: 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
A closer look at the new bridge over the Rio de Flag and the wonderful Rio canyon in that area

SUNDAY 24 APRIL
Rio de Flag Series
The Rio through Cheshire
Start Location: Museum of Northern Arizona Parking Lot - North end
Time: 3:00 PM 3:00 PM
We'll explore the wonderful canyon behind the museum and the newly restored section of the Rio that goes through the Cheshire neighborhood.

TUESDAY 26 APRIL
Walk Into Spring
Start Location: Adult Center
Time: 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding neighborhood
Fast and Slow Pace

FRIDAY 29 APRIL Please note the Start Location Change
Walk Into Summer
Start Location: Police Department parking lot located at 911 Sawmill Road (about 1/4 mile south of New Frontiers on Butler)
Time: 9:00 AM 9:00 AM
About 3 total miles of walking in and around the surrounding neighborhood

SATURDAY 30 APRIL
Rio de Flag Walk Series
The Rio through Baderville
Start Location: Parking Lot located at the corner of 180 and Snowbowl Road
Time: 3:00 PM
The Rio came off the mountain and then started its southward flow toward town

SUNDAY 1 MAY 2011
Audubon Bird Sanctuary Walk
Start Location: Southeast corner of Sam's Parking Lot
Time: 7:00 AM
A walk with Jim Logan down to the Rio de Flag pond along the FUTS
Need more information?
Call Jim at 526 3244

SUNDAY 1 MAY 2011
Rio de Flag Walk Series
Leroux Springs
Start Location to be Announced
Time: 3:00 PM
Lot to see here. History, the old NAU Arboretum, the big and little springs, Spur and Ski Ranch
Don't miss this one!

Wednesday's Walker- Happy Walker

Aaack! This will be the last the of the Wednesday Walkers! Thank you so much to everyone who contributed. It isn't too late if you still want to- let me know. Also, if for some reason I failed to include your Wednesday Walker response, please let me know. I think I got them all in the posts over the course of about half a year. Thanks again, I have enjoyed them all!

Wednesday's Walker- Happy Walker

This "Happy Walker" is a close friend of mine. We worked together and fortunately have stayed in touch. I love to hear her walking adventures. The other day I ran into her at Buffalo Park, she was at the tail end of a 12 mile walk, smiling and happy to see me.

I have a part time job that pays me money, but mostly I am passionate about people, specifically family. And if I like you and love you, then you are my family. I want to always be involved with people. After caring for 'blood family' for years, in the form of raising my children and then as caregiver for aging/dying family members, I voluntarily care for others I have come to love. There are no set hours and no end in sight. It fuels my soul to love and share life with others. I have been and am loved, and cared for by others. How can I do otherwise than to love outside myself.

And another passion is being out in God's creation. I started walking when we were needing to mind our money, use our discretionary funds for children's activities. Previously, our family belonged to the athletic club. Since I had always exercised I knew I would have to find an affordable and satisfying form of exercise. One of my dearest friends, in her 80's, advised me to walk. Her example of fitness as an octogenarian got me thinking that maybe walking would work. I started about 1995. At first, it was rather unsatisfactory...difficult to get aerobic, a bit boring, missed the camaraderie of a class workout. But I carried on. 2 miles, then 3, soon 4 miles. Partners came and went. The dog died. I needed to walk early in the morning because of familial obligations. Not many people cared to go out in the dark. But I still moved.

In January 1998 I set a goal to hike the distance of the circumference of the earth, about 25,000 miles. I completed the goal in February 2009, 10 years and 1 month from the beginning. And I'm still walking. I have over 30,000 miles logged since I began. No injuries, most every weather, in any city I find myself in. It's a great, affordable and healthy activity.

Today I walk because I MUST. I clear my thoughts. I pray. I dream. Sometimes I argue. I listen to music, or radio, or not. I hear and see birds, dogs, deer, elk, skunk, possum, porcupine, fox, cats. I notice, or not, people...on foot, in cars, on bikes, on unicycles, laughing, crying, chatting, scowling, all living life.

I walk on streets, in the woods, at the beach, in the desert, in the dark, in the sun, in the rain, in the snow, but not in the sleet. I walk up hills, down hills, on flat land, in canyons, on mountains. I walk with walking shoes, hiking boots, ice grips or katoolas if the conditions necessitate. Sometimes I walk with poles depending on where I am going.

I walk 6 days a week. I always walk at least 6 miles, and often many miles more. Fast. I walk fast, but I am willing to slow down to accommodate a companion. I rest one day every week, because God gave us a day to rest, and my body needs it. Maybe that one day of rest is why I still love to walk. My mind and body get refreshed and I'm ready for yet another week of walking.

My first trip into the Grand Canyon began my love affair with "the Hole". It may have been in 2000 that I began day hikes, going to the river and back out using corridor trails, almost always alone. My first Rim to Rim was in 2005. I was so invigorated by the experience that I continued to do R2R's and soon began to dream of a Rim-Rim-Rim. My training for the endeavor began in earnest in late 2006. April 2007 I hiked a solo Rim3(cubed) in 14 hours and 25 minutes. In 2008, in honor of my 50th birthday, I hiked my first marathon in 5 hours 23 minutes.

I enjoy hiking with others and have come to savor the solitude of my regular walks. I've never depended on others to motivate me to hike. If I had to rely on the companionship of other people, I suspect I would have not completed my original goal of 25,000 miles. But walking/hiking has many benefits. Along with mental and emotional outlets and health, consistent walkers tend to have good bone mass, smaller waists, lower blood pressure, functioning metabolism, weight management, and other physical benefits. Not much in the way of equipment is required, so it really is affordable and portable. Every society walks, so I can do it everywhere, and always with pleasure.

I really enjoy exploring new places. Since I hike even when I travel, I make many discoveries. Seeing a new place on foot is entirely different than by car, or video, or photo. I've hiked in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho; at Lake Powell, in the Colorado Rockies, around Central Park in New York; in Hawaii, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Mexico, Virginia; on the Appalachian Trail, and along the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Well, I explored a lot of places on foot.

Briskly Walking

It’s been a long time but I am finally back on a regular walking schedule and I am feeling pretty good. My feet and legs are still bothering me a little but overall I feel pretty good. When I first started this blog I was walking regularly, not a lot of miles, but walking, and walking briskly, regularly. I felt great. I reported about a terrific low blood pressure reading in this blog. Through rain, snow, everything I kept walking. I walked inside at the gym if I had to. And then came last summer.

I am not sure what happened but I know we had to work hard on our patio and I often felt too tired to walk. I put pressure on myself to walk longer distances and I did and I walked most days. But not all. I don’t think I was walking as briskly. Funny how that works. When I walk at our local city park, Buffalo Park, I can walk briskly and keep an even, steady brisk pace. Buffalo Park has a two-mile dirt course with quarter mile increments marked. I can keep track of how fast I walk between these increments and I do. On good days I try to go faster than ever before. Today I felt great and even walked/jogged parts of it. On bad days I just do my best and keep an even steady brisk pace. I think I do really well. Get me off of a course like this, however, and I go to la-la land. My pace slows way down.

I always thought I was a fast walker. My Mom was a fast walker. I thought I would have gotten it from her. My first indication that I wasn’t was when I talked a friend into doing a 5k walk with me, back when I lived in Utah. We started the walk off great and had a fun time visiting. It was a blustery late winter/early spring day or late fall/ early winter day. I hardly noticed all of the runners/walkers passing us by as we made our way through the course. In our/my defense- I have to pause here, my friend is quite athletic, she was just keeping me company- we actually stopped at one point to help an elderly woman cross an icy street with her groceries. But still I was shocked to get to the end of the “race” to find everyone packing up the food and everything. We were one of the last two people to finish the course.

I was talking with a friend the other day who was remarking about how she just goes faster and faster as she walks about the neighborhood. I admire that really. I have another friend who also can’t help going fast. I know it’s good for you.

I read a New York Times article the other day about the best exercise. I think they ultimately decided running up and down stairs was the best exercise, but walking briskly was right up there. Even 30 minutes a day.