Going Rogue in Ireland

See you later Northern Arizona! For this post I want to share my trip to Ireland with you.

Oh you know just a magical waterfall I found in the middle of nowhere.

Horse carriages everywhere! I wish I could have one to take to work on a daily basis. Imagine it though.

Ireland was beautiful. If you go for no other reason than to drive around and take in its features you will be thrilled. It is amazing. No billboards, no congestion, no smog; just green. Green land barely ruined by people. The little towns are just that....little. They haven't rid the town of its beautiful landscape, greenery and animals.

We explored the eastern, southern and western portions of Ireland. We met kind, positive, inspiring people who live minimally. We enjoyed cappuccinos daily with my new favorite treat, a chocolate biscuit.

You can't go to Ireland and not have Guinness and Irish whiskey.

We literally drove in our car going town to town exploring and it could not have been more perfect. Driving the Ring of Kerry and standing over a railing to view the ocean crash on a series of cliffs brought me life! If you can't tell yet by this blog, I LOVE NATURE. I found a waterfall in a forest and dreamed of putting up my hammock and spending the entire day there.

Becoming certified to pour Guinness. It is official. I got a certificate and everything.

Happy place!

Hammock Life is the Best Life

Let's talk hammocks.

You need one. Now.

Above all else in life (besides things like food) you need a hammock in your life.

Why? Well let's begin with this: it is one of the best things ever made. They provide a relaxation I have yet to find elsewhere. Put your feet up and feel how wonderful this creation is.

Hammocks are relaxing and mobile. I take mine everywhere, strap it to some trees and enjoy the noises of nature. I've had the best naps in my hammocks, read a few books and let go of any stress I had.

I highly recommend the ECO brand. The nylon is great quality and easy to put up and take down. I n addition to the actual hammock you will need to buy the straps to connect to trees.

You can go deep into the forest for hammock time or go hang out at a park.

Driving Through Hart Prairie

Hart Prairie. Are you ready for this magical place? Sitting amongst us is a heavenly place nestled behind the San Francisco Peaks and I was lucky enough to finally explore it.

October is a special time in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. As we welcome Fall we also welcome the color shifting leaves on our beloved Aspen trees. These white trunked trees move from their nearly year-round green leaves into beautiful reds, yellows and oranges. This time is quick and lasts up to 2 weeks so hikers run out to their favorite trails with the most Aspen trees to nest in the beauty of these trees.

Trails like Kachina Trail, Weatherford Trail, Lockett Meadow and Veits Spring Loop tend to be favorites (all of which I highly recommend). But for those who want a different way to view these trees head out to Hart Prairie.

Getting there:
Head out down Highway 180 toward Snowbowl. A few miles after the Snowbowl turn you will see FR 151 on your right. Turn in here. Follow the path (and stay on it. There is a lot of private land around here which you cannot access) and it'll lead your around a loop of aspens and Ponderosas. You'll exit out toward Highway 180 and make a left back into Flagstaff.
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Campbell Mesa Trail System

For a quick hike/walk/hammock session check out Campbell Mesa trails. There are several loops to choose from all of which are surrounded in Ponderosa Pines, wildflowers and singing birds. These trails are easy and range in length. Perfect for bike riding, snow shoeing and really anything you want to do to be outdoors.

There are 5 loops and they vary between 1.8 miles to about 5.7 miles in length.

With my sister exploring the trails.

Getting there:
On I-40 exit at Country Club and turn right. Approximately one mile down make a left on Old Walnut Canyon Road. Drive about a mile until you see the sign "Campbell Mesa Recreation Access". The last 1/2 mile will be on dirt road but is easily accessible for all car types. Park at the gate and do not block the gate.

There are plenty of areas to hang out in and picnic, hammock, etc.

October in Flagstaff is here!!!!

It's that time of year. Flagstaff is about to get 100x more gorgeous as the Aspen trees transition from green into yellows, reds and oranges. This time of year means one thing for me: it's time to take out my list and begin my October Flagstaff hike favorites.

One of my favorites is Weatherford Trail.  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves, but let's start with the essentials:

• you'll need bear mace
• this hike is long but you can go for as long as you'd like and turn back
• to access head up Schultz Pass and watch out for signage. You'll go about 7-8 miles on the dirt road.
• bring plenty of water