We all like to hike, camp and I think some of us, when the weather here in AZ gets just too hot like to hit the lakes. J. kayaks and I meet the nicest people on the beach...like the 'Brockfish'.
So, I've gotten to know a little bit this guy Chad Brockman...he builds Stand Up Paddleboards...this is some really wicked footage of Chad 'surfing the wave' kicked up by a boat.
GO BROCKFISH!!!!!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Secret Wildflowers - North Wilson Trail #123 Sedona, AZ
Sometimes the greater the push the bigger the reward. I certainly am not quite ready for this hike rated strenuous by the NFS, but J. and the dog were game so I agreed to see how far I could go.
North Wilson Trail #123 is a 2.8 mile in and out with a 1450 elevation gain. The trailhead is at the Encinoso Picnic Area about five miles north of Sedona on 89A north. The first .2 miles or so is like climbing Chase Field...from the Diamond to the nosebleed seats....or at least that's the way it felt. But the views are spectacular even from the lower parts of the trail and the narrow trail winding through tall grass is a delight to the senses.
At about 500 feet elevation the trail levels off a bit. It winds around tree trunks split and blackened by lightning strikes and quickly enters into the Secret Mountain Wilderness, which has over 43,950 acres of forest held within the high canyon walls.
This part of the trail is so different from what we are used to in Phoenix. The lushness that my memories of California's Central Coast are made of and wildflowers personal to the region. I could have stayed forever but a fast look to the cliff tops told us that the time had melted away and a lack of flashlights made our decision to leave that part of the canyon and head back to the parking lot.
As we broke through the shadows back into the sunshine of the crest of the trail we watched the hikers ahead enjoying the view of Oak Creek and vowed to tackle this trail again and again and again.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take 89A north through Oak Creek Canyon to the Encinoso Picnic area which will be on your left. This will be about five miles north of Sedona. There is a small parking lot here with restrooms and water fountains and ramadas shading picnic tables and charcoal grills. The trailhead itself is directly at the entrance of the park and starts elevating immediately.
North Wilson Trail #123 is a 2.8 mile in and out with a 1450 elevation gain. The trailhead is at the Encinoso Picnic Area about five miles north of Sedona on 89A north. The first .2 miles or so is like climbing Chase Field...from the Diamond to the nosebleed seats....or at least that's the way it felt. But the views are spectacular even from the lower parts of the trail and the narrow trail winding through tall grass is a delight to the senses.
 |
| Boundary of Secret Mountain Wilderness ©2011 Marcia Mauskopf |
At about 500 feet elevation the trail levels off a bit. It winds around tree trunks split and blackened by lightning strikes and quickly enters into the Secret Mountain Wilderness, which has over 43,950 acres of forest held within the high canyon walls.
 |
| Wildflowers overflowed in the middle of the forest. ©2011 Jeff Felske |
This part of the trail is so different from what we are used to in Phoenix. The lushness that my memories of California's Central Coast are made of and wildflowers personal to the region. I could have stayed forever but a fast look to the cliff tops told us that the time had melted away and a lack of flashlights made our decision to leave that part of the canyon and head back to the parking lot.
As we broke through the shadows back into the sunshine of the crest of the trail we watched the hikers ahead enjoying the view of Oak Creek and vowed to tackle this trail again and again and again.
 |
| Hikers making their way back down the trail. ©2011 Marcia Mauskopf |
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take 89A north through Oak Creek Canyon to the Encinoso Picnic area which will be on your left. This will be about five miles north of Sedona. There is a small parking lot here with restrooms and water fountains and ramadas shading picnic tables and charcoal grills. The trailhead itself is directly at the entrance of the park and starts elevating immediately.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Those Campfire Recipes - No Campfire S'Mores
Today is the start of the 'No Open Fires' season here in Maricopa County. Now, I don't know about you, but I equate camping with flames, at night, warming my toes and making childhood treats like pudgy pies, roasted marshmallows and S'mores....
So what's a campfire junk food junkie to do? Make a family activity out of spreading ooey gooey goodness on graham crackers and enjoying S'mores as good as roasting marshmallows without the flames or sticks. Check it out, you are only three ingredients away from having them any time of the day.
No Campfire S'Mores
Nutella
Marshmallow Creme
Graham Crackers
Yup, you got it....spread Nutella on one cracker, treat another to a layer of Marshmallow Creme, smoosh together and fall in love. Best part? Not one bit of refrigeration means that this can even be a backpacking treat ;-)
So what's a campfire junk food junkie to do? Make a family activity out of spreading ooey gooey goodness on graham crackers and enjoying S'mores as good as roasting marshmallows without the flames or sticks. Check it out, you are only three ingredients away from having them any time of the day.
No Campfire S'Mores
Nutella
Marshmallow Creme
Graham Crackers
Yup, you got it....spread Nutella on one cracker, treat another to a layer of Marshmallow Creme, smoosh together and fall in love. Best part? Not one bit of refrigeration means that this can even be a backpacking treat ;-)
 |
| No Campfire S'Mores ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011 |
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday Surfing - Hiking Food 5000 Calories Per Day.
I thought this was really interesting. Good ideas for packing your backpacking, hiking, camping foods. Found this on a really good blog, Eric the Black's Backpacking Blog. I know when I have time I will be digging through this blog more great stuff ;-)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sunday Surfing - How To Make A Paracord Survival Bracelet
Fun, I just made my first one out of 2mm Gold paracord. It was finished with an overhand knot at the end to slip through the starting loop. Next time I'll get a quick release buckle for a cleaner fit. Mine has about 8 feet of cord.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Are We Facebook Friends?
Hey, check it out...I opened a FaceBook page for The Arizona Hiker Girl and we already have about 35 people chatting and sharing pictures of different trails. I'd love for you to check it out and if you like what you see, well, join ;-) If I get enough activity there I'll approach some of the local outdoors vendors to sponsor some concerts and/or events. So, come by, enjoy, become a part of the party and everyone wins.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sunday Surfing - Chiricahua National Monument.
Simply Surreal. Anyone been here yet? What was your experience like?
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