All dressed up and ready to go!

The dogs and I are headed off to do some hiking. We have been making the most of our fantastic weather with hikes at Thunderbird Park and North Mountain.

Today we are going to do an oldie but a goody, Squaw Peak Circumference Loop. It is a nice little 2 mile hike. Not too difficult and very pretty this time of year.

Reece has the water bottles, she's ready!

Hiking season!

Am I the only one that feels guilty if I don't get outside and enjoy this glorious weather? I just know it is going to turn in to 100 + degree weather and I will be wishing for these days.

On that note, I decided to try out a new place to hike. It's Thunderbird Mountain Park at 59th Avenue and Deer Valley. There are lots of trails at all different levels. It was a great hike and I can't wait to go back!

 The trail is dog friendly and there were lots of people out there with their pups enjoying this beautiful day. Lily and Reece were pretty pooped as you can see. They were just wanting me to snap the picture so they could get back in the shade.

What are your favorite hiking trails?

Snow in April? Really?

Myko making a run for the tennis ball before it hits the snow drift

Well folks, we had some actual bona fide weather this weekend! Snow showers in April here in AZ! Here are some snowy pictures to enjoy.

Spring wonderland

Myko debating the wisdom of her summer hair cut

Lily mid-shake

Some of us are not as thrilled about the snow as others. 

The next morning I could hear loud thunks as the snow dropped off the roof, the sunshine sparkling off the icicles.  The blue sky was a beautiful contrast to the green of the trees adorned with little bursts of white stuff. I guess this will probably be the last of it until next year.

Oh! And we had a wonderful surprise when we found some tulips coming up. They looked pretty sturdy even after the snow but they still haven't bloomed. Any time now.

Bring on the Spring!

Spring Fever!

I've got Spring Fever and I've got it bad. Today I took a nice long hike with the pups and I gotta say, it was a spectacular day to be outside. We had temps in the low 80's with a nice cool breeze and a blue blue sky. You just can't ask for anything more. As we were hiking along, the dogs sniffing every single rock along the way and me trying to keep the leashes from pulling me down, I thought about the many hikes of years past and all the fun we had.

Back in the day, my girlfriends and I would scurry up Squaw Peak on a Saturday morning getting in our exercise before hitting Aunt Chilada's Patio for some chips and salsa with a side of Corona. The rest of the day was spent lounging by the pool. Sigh. Those were the days.

Nowadays it is all I can do to force myself away from my desk to grab the dogs and get out for a 30 minute traipse around the block. Being out on the trails today inspired me. I am going to get outside and get my hike on!  In honor of my new found motivation, I thought I would take a second to tell you about a few places I like to hike.

Today I went to Lookout Mountain, it is located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve at 16th Street just South of Greenway. There are a few trails to try and my favorite is the perimeter trail. It is a long-ish hike (about 90 minutes) and there are some small hills but nothing crazy. A few of the other trails are a bit more challenging if you like your hikes with a dash of sweat and tears, check out the 301 trail. There are some pretty views of the City to reward you for your hard work.

Another trail I like to hike is the Dreamy Draw Nature Trail. This trail is located at the base of Squaw Peak. The best way to get there is to take Northern Road East under the 51 freeway and the road winds up in the parking lot. This is a great hike, lots of different trails of all different levels. You can wander around the foot of the Peak and just forget you are in the middle of the City.  This area is great for mountain biking as well.

The last one I want to throw in here is the Squaw Peak Circumference trail. Not the big, scary, stairmaster-on-steroids trail, this is the one at the end of Squaw Peak Drive.  This trail is about 1.5 miles and depending on which way you go (clockwise is more challenging, counter clockwise is moderate) you can have a nice quick work out and get back to the rest of your day.

All of these trails are dog friendly so take your favorite four-legged buddy out there with you. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen!

Here's a link to a good website to find other hiking trails near you. Arizona Hiking Trails