Most of my life thus far has been all about luck. Something that initially seemed to ruin a plan or situation turns out to have been just what needed to happen for something truly amazing to follow suit. That is probably the best way to explain it. Take how a rain storm that last all…
Tag: outdoor adventures
Fish Creek
In the year of 2013 I flew to Phoenix to see Eddie Vedder. Before the concert I took a drive into the Sonoran desert without really knowing where I was going. This was my first time exploring the Fish Creek area, but I had only dipped my toe into all the spectacle and wonder this…
The LaVerkin Trail
For as many times that I’ve been to Zion National Park in Southern Utah, I had never entered the Kolob Canyons backside of the park. The lesser known entrance is quite far from the main entrance. On my annual drive to see family for Thanksgiving in 2024, I decided to try hiking from this side…
Dragoon
Along the I-10, between Tucson and the New Mexico border is a unique formation of boulders called Dragoon. Over the years I’ve passed this place while going to other destinations, but on the first weekend of November decided to explore this area with CBug. We started from our stay at the Triangle T ranch, and…
Ryan Mountain
It has now been eight consecutive years that I have been returning to Joshua Tree. The magic of the area has not diminished, only my energy has decreased. I now try to just do one hike in the Park, with Ryan Mountain being what I selected this time around. High clouds and cool Fall temperatures…
Crown King
Over twenty plus years have I driven past the exit sign for Crown King without giving it much thought, as there is nothing in the surrounding area but a vast desert with mountains in the distance. Recently I learned that there actually is an unincorporated community that lives in the mountains, if one is willing…
The Lava Tube Cave
So I have come to the belief that one shouldn’t mix your workplace friends with your life outside of work. Doing so can cause an unhealthy life balance, at least for me. Sometimes I give in though, as was the case when some work peeps asked what I was doing for the weekend…. I wanted…
Chiricahua National Monument
2010 was the last time I was in Chiricahua, and it wasn’t pleasant. I had major health issues, and I ran into my first snake on the trail, which only added to my anxiety and stress. I knew that my return this time around would be more meaningful, carefree and adventurous. At least I hoped…
Mount Graham
The Labor Day long weekend is here, which finally gives me some time to explore a place that I’ve wanted to see for over twenty years now…..Mount Graham. High above the community of Safford, Arizona, this lone mountain is the perfect place to explore while escaping our brutal summer valley heat. The single road takes…
Adventures with Cbug
My nephew moved in with me in August so he could pursue his love of pole vaulting while going to college here. I was excited for him to experience life outside of his home State, as well as having some company for the next year or so. August is easily the worst month to move…
Finding myself in Sun Valley Idaho
Fifty plus years out here in The West, most of those spent in Northern Utah, yet it took me until 2024 to finally make it up to the Sun Valley area and the Sawtooth mountains. Yet I found that some things are worth the wait. I stayed in a little condo in the Sun Valley…
Sun Valley AZ & the Petrified Forest
I hop in the truck and start my weekend road trip heading back out to the Petrified Forest. Energy levels are still low, and my hopes of doing some longer hikes get bashed. I do enjoy wandering around the ancient logs from what once was a marshy swamp land a millenia ago. I find a…