** This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links. If I could change one thing about my home in Chicago, it'd be that it would have a swimming pool. If you have a pool, do you know just how lucky you are? No, really, do you? The lake isn't exactly conducive to floating on a large tube sometimes, and in fact floats aren't allowed. ... Read more
Chicago Summer Goal: Get on the Water
I have always felt a connection to the water and boating. My grandfather was a fishing boat captain in Mexico for many years. I remember visiting him on the boat during summer vacations and loving every minute of it. Now, boat is still accessible to me via Discover Boating's Get on the Water tool, which shows boat classes, charters and rentals in my area, as well as around the ... Read more
Butcher Jones Recreation Area
Saturday's plan was a hike at Butcher Jones Recreation Area. Taylor and Capone joined us for the mini-adventure, and they took the opportunity to jump in Saguaro Lake to play. You can't keep Taylor out of the water. It's her happy place. We had originally planned to drive to Sedona or Flagstaff, but it was too cold up north that day. "Why did we come to Arizona for the holidays if we want to be in ... Read more
Marathon Training, Week 15
After missing two long runs during our move to Chicago, I was finally able to return to my training schedule. And I love my new running path!Monday: 5.12 miles. It was finally sunny, and the run felt amazing. The wind still pushed me back a bit, but I loved the views. My pace ranged from 10:05 to 11:11, though I didn't stop my timer during stoplights.Tuesday: I did some at-home yoga between ... 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
Stormy Day at Saguaro Lake
Sunday at Butcher Jones Recreation Area turned into a weather-watching event. It started raining as soon as we arrived, so we watched from the lake's edge as the sprinkles hit the water. It didn't take long for the storm to make its way to the Valley. Then we headed out into the water on our rafts. By then the temperature had dropped enough that I was even a little ... Read more
Dolly Steamboat Cruise on Canyon Lake
Part of our anniversary weekend was cruising Canyon Lake on the Dolly Steamboat. As an outdoors enthusiast, I was excited about the possibility of seeing some animals along the 6-mile ride. It's quite a hike out to Apache Junction — it took an hour to get the the marina from central Phoenix — but it's worth the trip to check out another one of our state's gorgeous lakes. You'll drive through ... 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 Hike to Upper Cliff Dwelling, Tonto National Monument
On a recent morning when the rest of the country was preparing to watch the big football game, I was heading east toward Globe in search of ruins. I had made reservations for the Upper Cliff Dwelling tour at Tonto National Monument. A two-hour drive leads to the park, about 25 miles outside of Globe (though GPS thought it was 17 miles). The ranger and other tourgoers were nice enough to wait for ... Read more