Snow Is Here

Winter in Flagstaff is here! And by "winter", I do mean SNOW! It is an exciting time to get out there and enjoy the beauty of Northern Arizona during this time of year.

Chunk loves the snow! He rolls and slides on his back for hours in it.

While many of the trails are closed right now, it doesn't mean you need to be stuck inside. You can head toward many trail areas, park and hike around. My favorite places include trails near Sandy Seep and Little Elden Spring. These trails are relatively flat which makes it less unknown and scary than one with a lot of incline/decline.

I also recommend Buffalo Park (a local favorite) or Schultz Pass Trail.

Chunk & Gizmo out and about in the Flagstaff snow.

If you do head out be sure you have checked the weather to ensure another snow storm isn't on its way. Additionally, people often think the cold weather suddenly indicates they can skip on water.

Uh, no.

You still need water! Always and forever :)

Finally, wear lots of layers as you will heat up throughout your stroll, but it important to still have warm clothes accessible. You can also go rent snowshoes to make your hiking more fun!

Happy snow hiking!

Top 5 2016 Hikes To Conquer

It is January 3rd and while everyone is making and maybe breaking those resolutions I am taking this tradition in a different direction. I am creating a list of hikes I want to get through this year. There are SO many options out here in Northern Arizona and I've created a brief list of the bigger hikes I hope to conquer in 2016.

Each of these holds a place in my heart as some will challenge me, others will humble me and all of them will introduce me to more of what we have in beautiful Northern Arizona (#2 is close, but is in Utah!).

1. Humphrey's Peak

2. The Narrows

3, Secret Canyon

4. West Clear Creek

4. Pacheta Falls, White Mountains

5. Horton Creek

Top 5 Hiking Mistakes

We have all done it. We've all headed out on a hike and messed up. It takes practice, research and commitment to be a strong hiker who knows what they are doing when in the middle of nowhere.

Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make when they decide to start hiking. Read these. Learn these. Be a better hiker!

#1 Wearing The Wrong Clothing

• Ok yeah let's go hiking with flip-flops on. Seriously? These people drive hikers crazy! Take a second to consider for a moment that you are going into the forest where pavement does not exist. Think about what you are wearing so you can be prepared for the weather and the conditions of the trail. 
• Typically I wear workout gear because I do day-hikes. I wear tennis shoes/hiking shoes depending on the trail, workout pants, sports bra and tank top. Depending on the weather I'll carry a jacket too. If I am hiking in the winter I am layering like crazy but still have big, thick shoes on to manage the terrain.

#2 Not Prepared/Pack Too Little

• If you are hiking for longer than a mile, you're going to need some stuff with you. It is hilarious but also terrifying when I see someone going on a super long hike with nothing but a single bottle of water. Not a Nalgene, I'm talking about an Arrowhead bottle.
• Always, always, always bring water. Not sometimes, not only if it is hot out....always. Say it with me....ALWAYS! And plenty of it!
• You're also going to need to bring pepper/bear spray, maybe a snack, you're phone, sunscreen, clothing if the weather changes, etc.
• I carry a waist pack if the hike is under 4 miles and my Camelbak if it is longer or if I am going to be out for awhile because it carries more stuff.

#3 Didn't Do Hike Research

• Ever go out and that 2 mile hike turned into 6 miles? I have been there. I'll admit to getting caught up in the beauty of the forest and missing a left turn. Oops. This is dangerous though.
• Use the power of Google to make sure you know how long your hike is, the difficulty and read people's reviews of it.
• I went out on a hike that was only 1 mile. Super simple! Until I got there and saw it was a mile straight down big boulders of rock which I wasn't prepared to have to climb down or back up. 

#4 Didn't Check The Weather

• I mean really???? Okay, I admit I've done this one too. Two miles into a hike on the side of Mount Elden it pours on us. I am not talking a sprinkle or some rain....I am talking full on waterfall coming down on us. The trail was a huge mud pit and we had to make some tough decisions on how to get out. 

#5 Not Following Leave No Trace

• If I see someone break this sacred rule I will lose it. You're going to go out into nature and respect it. That's the rule and that's the expectation.
• All the people who go out to Fossil Creek and leave beer cans and their trash everywhere deserve to be banned from enjoying every piece of nature. I could go off on this for days, but I'm just going to keep it to this: stay on the trail, pick up your shit and respect everything you encounter in the forests of our world.

Hiking Gear 101

Ok ya'll it is time to get back to basics!

Today I spoke with a co-worker about a valid concern: what is with people going on these long hikes with NOTHING but a small water bottle!?!?!?? It is kinda funny, kinda sad and very concerning.

Let's get it together and own the the fact that anything can happen and it is up to us to be responsible for our safety.

So here are the basic essentials I urge you to bring with you while going on a hike. This is going to focus on day hikes, as an overnight trip will be coming in a future blog!

1. Backpack/Waist Gear- If I know I'm going to be out for a few hours I load up my Camelbak with plenty of water so I don't have to worry about running out in a water bottle. The Camelbak allows you to have your hands free and pack everything you need. If my hike is less long I use my waist gear to carry a large water bottle and hold all my stuff.
2. Sun Protection- Whether you tend to tan or not you need to protect your skin from the sun rays. I like to tan so I spray on a low sunscreen to ensure I don't burn, but can still bronze up a bit. You also should consider lip protection (we all know how much we use Chapstick in Northern Arizona). 
3. Light snack- depending on the length of your hike, you're going to need to fill that belly. I tend to stick with almonds, a granola bar or fruit.
4. Medical Kit- You seriously never know when you need to patch something up before going to find help. I have had a few close calls while hiking where I thankfully was okay enough to keep going and get to my car. If you are bleeding and in bear country you are going to be thankful you have the supplies needed to clean yourself up.
5. Water!- I mean....duh.
6. Bear Spray/Pepper Spray- I hate that I have to bring this stuff. I want to enjoy nature without fear of running into some crappy people. But the world we live in tells me I need to protect myself. I keep the pepper spray in an easily accessed spot outside of my backpack. I keep the bear spray in a mesh pocket on my backpack.
7. Shoes- the right shoes. If I see one more person hiking in flip-flops I'm going to scream. I'm talking hiking boots, tennis shoes or sandals like Chacos or Tevas.

Be safe. Be smart. And most of all enjoy!!!

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Product Review: Leatherman

My brother-in-law gave me his old Leatherman tool after he bought a new one. I had never heard of it before and had to have him show me all of its goodies.

This tool is such a camping/outdoor necessity. Think Swiss Army Knife, but a million times better!

The Leatherman is packed with a variety of tools including wire cutters, knives, pliers, saw, can opener and so much more.

So what makes this incredible? If you are going camping or hiking this tool is going to be a consistent go to. I used it to hunt for pitch for the fire, open cans, and cut a nice point on my stick for s'mores. One tool which easily fits into your pocket and gives you access to anything you could need if you are outdoors and/or in trouble. If I were lost on a hike this tool would instantly make me feel more confident as I know I could use to help with a variety of survival scenarios.

Prices vary and the site even offers engraving so you can give one as a gift. For more information check out http://www.leatherman.com/

Exploring Soldiers Pass Trail

This trail allows you to visit some of the more popular gems of Sedona: Devil's Sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools. The beginning of the trail keeps you in beautiful red rocks and connected to what most of us love about Sedona. However, there is a section of the hike I wasn't a huge fan of. You'll pass through areas which have been under fire in years past which I found sad, and not appealing.

Overall this hike is easy, minus a big hill you have to get up. But it is doable for sure, and will aid in sculpting those Beyonce thighs. This is the perfect time of year to go see this trail.

Sacred Pools of Sedona

What to bring:

• Water! I use a hiking belt so I don't have to hold it in my hands. You can get one at Walmart for about $10.
• Hiking shoes
• Snacks (almonds would be perfect enough)
• Hat/Sunscreen (you'll be in the sun)
• Pepper spray or something else to protect you

Getting there:
Head down to Sedona via 89A. After you pass through town, turn right onto Soldiers Pass Road and drive about 1.5 miles. Follow signage for the trail.

Coffee & FroYo at Cultured Cafe

When you need a relaxing local favorite to study or read in go no further than Cultured Cafe. This chill coffeeshop has delicious treats to make you feel warm inside as you look at the snow falling outside. In addition to creative coffee flavors and brewed teas, they serve frozen yogurt. Let me tell you....yum! You get to pick from a variety of flavors and can load up as many toppings as you would like. You pay for the froyo based on its weight, and the variety offered is overwhelming in all the right ways.

My favorite aspect of Cultured is the decor. The intentional design is inviting, appealing and what I would give to hire whoever did to come shopping with me for my own place.

Location:
Cultured is located off of Butlter Ave, near REI and Whole Foods. Address: 319 West Regent St #209.