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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Neglecting my Running Shoes in New Orleans

I didn’t train as hard last week as I did the previous week because I was preparing for my trip to New Orleans. Last week reminded me that life is unpredictable and I should give myself a break when needed. Some weeks I’ll kick ass at training for a race, and the next I’ll have to focus on other aspects of my life. Try as I might, I can’t always fit everything I want to do in one day. Do you ever feel guilty about missing workouts? Tell me I’m not alone! This week looks to be more of the same as I travel. I keep telling myself it will be OK.

 Last week’s workouts:

Sunday: Rest day.

Monday: Run 1.2 miles and 25 minutes of yoga.
Tuesday: Orangetheory. I ran 2.03 miles and rowed 750 meters in the first part of class. The floor exercises included side lunges, bridge leg-ups, pulsing half-squats and low rows with the TRX straps.
Wednesday: Rest.
Thursday: 20 minutes of yoga.
Friday: Orangetheory session included 2.65 miles on the treadmill and several all-outs, plus 600 meters on the rower and lots of floor work.
Saturday: Rest.
February mileage so far: 15.18
Yoga minutes: 45 minutes.

I’m writing from my Airbnb in New Orleans. I’ve only been here a day and I already love this vibrant and unique city. I will definitely be back. I plan to share more about the trip soon, but in the meantime take a peek at scenes from the Big Easy.

New Orleans

Lafayette Cemetery, New Orleans

New Orleans

Exploring Hilo, Hawaii

Our next stop on our Hawaii circumnavigation was Hilo.

It was too early to check into our hotel, so we explored the downtown area shops, farmer’s market and restaurants. We found almost any type of food in the area. We picked Lucy’s Taqueria for lunch; I was thrilled to find decent Mexican cuisine in Hawaii. I also found a couple of yoga studios and bought some shorts and a top at a clothing store.

Afterward we went to Akaka Falls, which is about 15 miles outside Hilo. The tranquil garden was a treat to walk through. We were surrounded in color and plants, but never by people.

We also went to Rainbow Falls. The waterfalls were flowing and the sun was shining. In fact, the temperatures were above normal every day on our Big Island vacation.

It’s just a short walk to the top of the waterfall. We paused to admire the banyan tree on the way.

Next we walked across the street to Rainbow Falls Cafe for a beverage. I opted for a lilikoi-flavored soda while Graham chose an iced white mocha coffee. We sipped our drinks on the patio for a while.

Hilo Hawaiian, adjacent to the bay, is one of the few hotels in the town, and we were told it’s the best option. The rooms were recently renovated and comfortable. Graham requested a room with a view so he could see the water and the colors at sunset. Mauna Kea’s summit is visible in the background.

I had time for yoga at Yoga Centered. It was an early evening class that focused on doing less. The instructor asked us to put in 75 percent effort into every pose. It was a drastic change from the classes I am used to in Phoenix, and I appreciated that.

In the morning, Graham watched the cruise ship come in.

We spent more time in the downtown area before departing for our next destination.

And that was our short but sweet visit. See you soon, Hilo!

Our Stay in Pahoa

After visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Graham and I drove to Pahoa to check into our rental on Kehena Beach. We encountered the only traffic of the trip on the drive along Highway 130. (It became clear how the entire town could be cut off from the rest of the island if the lava flowed over it.)

Our beach rental was the Whale House, which is just across the street from the ocean. It was a one-bedroom cottage on the same property as two other small cottages. 

A banana tree grew outside our door.
We ate lunch on the patio before making our way to the water. 
We took the opportunity to throw our wedding leis into the ocean that day. We watched them sway on the water before disappearing. 

Later, we went down to the beach, promptly discovering that it is a nude beach. We were OK with that, but we were also aware of how much we stood out. We sat on a rock and watched the waves and the locals’ interactions with each other. At one point a man greeted a boat tour, which had stopped in front of the beach, by turning around, bending over, putting his hands on his knees, and showing them his bare ass.
We also witnessed moments of camaraderie. An older man started to get swept away by the strong surf, and two younger men dove into the water to help him. Graham complimented one of them on their efforts; he acknowledged us with a look but said nothing. 
I won’t lie, I felt uncomfortable being one of the few people in clothing among the locals. 
Later, we drove to the Wednesday night farmers market. This is probably the biggest crowd we were a part of at any time on the Big Island. It was difficult to choose what to eat — everything looked so appetizing. I opted for veggie tacos made from non-GMO, locally grown veggies. 

We also bought pesto and spinach pizza from a food truck, and I paired that with lemonade. 
Among the goodies for sale were locally made soaps, jewelry, artwork, clothing and incense. We learned from some people we met that Wednesday nights were when the entire town gathered. Someone even called it his date night with his partner. A few people we spoke with said they were actually new to the Big Island and that they loved it there. Graham said a few times that he felt at home among the crowd. 
It was an enlightening experience to be in a setting where you stand out because it’s clear you are not from the area. I see it as a positive and important experience. It’s why I want to travel more; to feel uncomfortable so I can learn more about myself.

Weekend 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 from Perfectley Peared works for that land as well. Oh well, at least we know for next time.

Our dogs immediately scoped out the area and indulged in some play time. After we were all set up, we hiked to the top of a small hill with our chairs and set up a fire in a conveniently located fire pit.

Sedona and yoga just go together.

The lighting at sunset was gorgeous against the red rocks. I never get tired of seeing it.

The temperatures were in the 50s during the day, which didn’t feel cold, until the winds suddenly hit in the middle of the night, dropping the temperatures into the 30s. We kept a Buddy Heater in the tent with us (with ventilation). At some point the wind pulled a stake out of the ground and part of the tent came blowing toward us and right to the heater, which promptly burned a hole in it. There was no fire, luckily, just a 6- by 6-inch hole. It was disappointing given that this was our first time using that tent.

The next morning we packed up and drove into town for Starbucks. We drove on the Boynton Canyon scenic route to get there.

 I would love to stop at a local coffee shop next time when we don’t have the dogs, but at least there was this view to enjoy.  It is probably the best from any Starbucks I’ve been to.

We also stopped at the Airport Overlook.

 We returned home by that afternoon to relax before the workweek. I love our little adventures!

Camping at Blue Ridge Reservoir

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 in the water to cool off.

Taylor loves to fetch sticks thrown into the water.

The access road was popular with campers on Saturday. Typically we like to camp away from the forest road, but we found a decent spot just before the area where camping is prohibited. My only gripe was the abundance of mosquitoes. No amount of insect spray would keep them at bay, and I took home several bites, including one on my forehead. It was worth it for the quality relaxation time, though!

I love watching the changing light shining through the trees.

Wild Ride at Bearizona

As I mentioned in my recent posts, Graham and I made an impromptu visit to Williams last weekend to tour Bearizona wildlife park. It wasn’t on the way to Flagstaff, but we had always wanted to go there. We found it just off Interstate 40, at Exit 165 in Williams. We had our two dogs in tow, so we were worried we might not be allowed to see the park. But when we got there the attendant gave us a warm welcome and even gave Capone and Taylor some treats. Dogs are in fact allowed for the drive-through portion of the park, provided that the windows are rolled up the entire time. (However, if you want to stroll through the animal exhibits in the fort, the dogs are not permitted.)

When you enter the park, you’re given a GPS unit that plays audio along the tour. It repeatedly warns that you should keep an eye out for a Sasquatch, but we didn’t spot any on our drive. (It’s all part of the fun, I guess.)

 
You’re cautioned on several occasions not to lower your windows, but we didn’t have any issues with curious wolves or bears. Most of the animals were more concerned with getting food and water, which was left on the side of road so that passers-by can get a glimpse of the animals.

You’ll also notice train and car wreckage along the route, as if the attraction were part junk yard, part park.
You’ll see Rocky Mountain goats, Dall sheep, American burros, bison, Alaskan Tundra wolves, Arctic wolves, black bears, white bison, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. If you don’t catch a peek at one of the animals you can always drive through again; admission gets you as many tours as you’d like. And the park is open 7 days a week year-round. 

We came across a bear that was cooling itself off in this pool. Temperatures in the high 70s were too much for him, it seems.
The Fort Bearizona walking area has javelina, a red fox, spotted skunks, swift fox, bobcat, badger, porcupine, ringtail cat, river otter, beaver and more. Live raptor shows are held three times a day from March-December. 

The best part of the visit was seeing the bear cubs play. Two were play-fighting atop the trees, which was entertaining yet anxiety-inducing. I am still in awe of how they can avoid falling. Impressive … and adorable!

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 open the back of the Jeep and putting the tent’s rain cover over the opening. (More on that later.)

The  dogs love running around our campsite.

 Later, we went on a short stroll, where we came upon this view.

I love how little you need to do to have a good time outdoors. Later we made dinner and talked before heading into our truck tent. We blew up the air mattress and placed it in the Jeep. I must say, it was the most comfortable bed I’ve had while camping. But, as you can imagine, it was chilly that night. The temperature dropped from about the 70s to the 30s. We couldn’t use the heater because we weren’t in our tent and there was no place safe place to put it, so we cuddled each other for warmth. In the morning we turned on the Jeep for a while to warm up while packing up our stuff.  
We started our Sunday by driving to Arizona Snowbowl Road to see the Aspens. While getting out to snap photos, I turned around and spotted two deer. Then three more crossed the road to join them! Sometimes it pays off to wake up at 5:30 a.m.

The view from the end of the road is always impressive. We didn’t quite summon the energy to climb to the top of Humphreys Peak again, like we did in 2011. Maybe sometime soon!
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