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 ... Read more
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 ... Read more
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 ... 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
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
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 ... 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