Saturday Hikes

August 31, 2016August 31, 20161 Comment

A few times this summer, I convinced myself to ignore the urge to sleep in on a Saturday and went for a hike. Each time I realized how amazing it was to watch the sunrise from the side of a mountain. How much cooler the air was at 6am at the peak of Camelback. And how nice it was to enjoy some peace and quiet without having to watch the clock.

This past weekend, I was treated to a truly breathtaking sunrise, vegetation that was greener than I’ve seen in months and a cool breeze with just a few sprinkles of rain.

I looked like a total tourist taking so many pictures, but I really couldn’t resist. At least I wasn’t hauled off the mountain by paramedics like a tourist so there’s that.

Seriously, I couldn’t get over how green it was

A view from the top

Day Trip to Flagstaff

October 23, 2014Leave a comment

Have you ever tried to keep a two-year-old still? If not, I’m sure you can imagine what fun it is.

Before our overnight to the hospital with Auggie, we had been planning a day trip to Flagstaff. I wanted to see the leaves changing and we wanted to get out in the cool air to hike. We decided that the cool air and forced rest (strapped in car seat, strapped in hiking pack, back to car seat) might be just what the Auggie boy needed.

Saturday morning we threw some stuff in the car and took off. That’s the best part about a day trip – light packing. We didn’t need as much which made getting out the door so much easier!

Excited to get there.

Perfect hiking weather.

Ready to go!

The destination: Red Mountain. The trail was 3 miles round trip and B walked the whole thing!

Counting tree rings

The trees changed from Pinons to Ponderosa Pines

B was really into the light layers. Notice she has two sweatshirts and a hat tied around her waist.

How could he pick just ONE stick?!

The trail winds through the a volcanic cinder cone. The gravel they are walking through was volcanic rock. Can you see them way up in the middle?This might be the best picture I’ve ever taken

This worked just fine on the way up. We didn’t think about how to get down….

We made it!

Exploring the Hoodoos

The hazards of baby wearing

Little different picture on the way home

We took the long way home through Sedona to catch a few more changing leaves. Totally worth the detour! Especially when a skeptical Peter declared “Slap a bumper sticker on the truck because I am a Leaf Peeper and I don’t care who knows it!”. Which was a hilarious way of saying that he was enjoying himself. I snort laughed for the next 2 miles.

As we pulled into Phoenix, we were welcomed home with one of the most amazing sunsets. A perfect end to a great day!

If you want to check it out, see the link below for directions. This was a fantastic hikes for kids – flat and lots of interesting things to keep them moving and exploring!

Red Mountain Trail #159

Fancy Footware

July 16, 2014July 15, 2014Leave a comment

I think we have a Keens problem….

Feel free to send us some swag, Keens!!

Lake View

July 18, 2013July 24, 2013Leave a comment

Ok, ok, okay. I’m sure you’re tired of seeing pictures of Montana. But I’m not so here are a few more 🙂

One of the prettiest hikes at the ranch, in my humble opinion, is the trail around the lake. It’s about a mile and a half and there is little elevation change so it’s pretty easy for Baylor to do and I can carry Auggie in the backpack AND walk. The scenery is spectacular – you walk through fields of wild flowers, duck under dense, dark forest and hop over small streams. It’s really amazing.

The Quaking Aspen trees shimmer and shake as the breeze blows

The wildflowers are amazing

The view of the lodge from behind the lake

So the theory goes that Baylor will hike the lake. The reality is that she spends most of the hike on Peter’s shoulders. Translation? Mom and Dad are wiped out from hiking with an additional 40lbs and 30lbs (Augg plus pack) and the kids are well rested.

Nothing puts that kid to sleep like a hike in the backpack

Taking in the view

Take A Hike

March 1, 20111 Comment

Last Sunday afternoon, we decided to venture out to one of the great hiking trails near our home and enjoy some nature. It had rained the night before so we knew the desert would be particularly beautiful. The clouds were big and puffy, the air clear, it couldn’t have been nicer. Peter carried Ms.B in the backpack and we enjoyed some great family time.

The Iphone camera doesn’t do the view justice. There is snow on the Four Peaks in the distance. Cotton candy clouds and blue blue skies.