Graham and I like to be prepared when we camp. I've posted what we pack for Havasupai waterfalls before, but we take even more stuff when we camp anywhere that doesn't involve backpacking. Here's a list of what we bring in hopes it will inspire you to pack appropriately. Buddy Heater, if it's a cold location. Propane. If we can't bring our large camping stove, we'll throw in the canister ... Read more
Aravaipa Canyon Camping Trip
When I asked Graham what he wanted to do for his birthday I already knew the answer: camping. We chose to hike into Aravaipa Canyon, which he has been to before and I've always wanted to visit. Only 20 people are allowed into the canyon per day, and a permit is required. I paid $20 for two days of adventure — money well spent. From Phoenix the canyon is about a two and a half hour drive east. If ... Read more
Marathon Training, Week 3 (And Ragnar Training!)
Monday: 4-mile nighttime run at a 9:21/mile pace. I was going to take the night off, but I instead took advantage of the energy I had left. The moon was mesmerizing. I couldn't get a decent photo on my phone so I ran back home to grab my Nikon and went back outside for my cool down.Tuesday: Yin Yoga at Sutra taught by Nelly. It was a much needed flow followed by yin postures. I realized afterward ... Read more
Camping in Sedona
Work has been crazy, so I haven't been able to share our experience camping in Sedona last weekend. A year ago we camped in the exact spot we went to Saturday, and it was just as lovely and relaxing this year. With our dogs in tow, we set off for Forest Road 525 near Sedona. We stopped to get a Red Rocks Pass without even realizing that the America the Beautiful pass we received as a wedding gift ... Read more
Ragnar Trail McDowell Mountain Recap: How the West Was Run
Howdy, y'all! I survived my first Ragnar Trail. I had my eye set on that Phoenix double medal for completing both Ragnar Del Sol and McDowell Mountain in one year when I signed up in June, but between then and now I have been consumed with wedding planning and post-wedding laziness. Thus, I wasn't adequately prepared. But that didn't stop me from having a fabulous time! Our team, How the West ... Read more
Camping at Blue Ridge Reservoir near Strawberry, Arizona
Last time we tried to camp at Blue Ridge Reservoir near Strawberry we were thwarted by road closures. Luckily, Graham and I were finally able to check it out last weekend. We didn't bring the canoe because this was a short camping trip, but next time it is a must. There is a ramp for boat loading, and most visitors had their kayaks and canoes in tow. This time we were content to let our dogs play ... Read more
Weekend Getaway: Camping near Flagstaff
After exploring the Bearizona drive-through park, Graham and I ventured to Flagstaff for some cool, fresh air. We returned to Forest Road 420, where we've camped before. We even took our Christmas card photos there a couple of years ago.We found a camping spot just off the road and set up the hammock. We decided not to pitch a tent this time. Graham put together a sort of truck tent by leaving ... Read more
Camping at Knoll Lake, Mogollon Rim
Graham and I celebrated our first full weekend together in almost two months by going on a weekend camping trip. We set off toward Blue Ridge Reservoir, but we discovered it's closed until at least early April, so instead we kept driving until we hit Forest Road 95. Signs for the Arizona Trail make me want to hike at least parts of the 790-mile trail. Adding it to my travel list. Without ... Read more
A birthday canoeing and camping trip to Saguaro Lake
** This post contains affiliate links to camping supplies.When Graham told me he wanted to celebrate his birthday by camping at Saguaro Lake, I was nervous. We had an incident with some raccoons and skunks on our last camping trip there, though I admit it was because we were lazy about putting our food away in a timely manner.Our first step to prepare was to buy a used canoe, his birthday gift. We ... Read more
Staying at a Cabin in Payson, Arizona
After two nights in Page checking out Horseshoe Bend, it was time to head south for the second half of the trip. We rented a dog-friendly cabin outside Payson for the last weekend of 2013. Our cabin had a Butch Cassidy theme. The cabin had one bedroom and a loft bedroom upstairs. The back patio had a grill and picnic table. Behind the cabins was a forest. We went on a ... Read more