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Posts from the ‘States’ Category

Feb 2

Sedona’s Overlooked Neighbor

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Deservingly so, mountain bikers regularly flock to Sedona, Arizona.  Well known as a mountain biking playground, there is no denying the allure of the famous red dirt and stunning mesas.  Include me among the many that will always jump at the chance to ride the area.

But, those in the know are well aware of the awesome, but less known trails overlooking the nearby town of Cottonwood.  Offering a slightly different riding experience, Cottonwood doesn’t bring the vast scale of trail networks one will find in neighboring Sedona, but don’t let that fool you.  I’ve been riding here the past few days and have been pleasantly surprised with the variety of riding conditions, lack of crowds, and immediate access from the Dead Horse Ranch State Park campsites.

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Feb 1

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What Polar Vortex ?

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Much of the country is currently experiencing frigid weather, but Kelly and I have managed to essentially dodge the dangerously brutal cold.  In fact, wandering around Joshua Tree National Park today, she and I momentarily forgot the Polar Vortex was even a thing.

Jan 15

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Escaping Las Vegas

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In a move that can only be described as being highly uncharacteristic, last week Kelly and I made a snap decision to leave the soothing vast emptiness of Death Valley National Park and visit its evil twin – Las Vegas – for a few days.

We made the decision knowing that during the stay I would have a chance to meet-up with former colleagues attending a conference while also making time to visit family.  Coupled with a few other to-do’s while in the area, these “up-sides” became justifications Kel and I anchored to as we ventured into the city known for showcasing much of the urban trappings we otherwise loath.

And yes … we did spend an evening on the strip dining and walking – not gambling – through casinos.

Valley of Fire State Park is located about an hour from the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas strip, but scenically the park may as well sit atop another planet.  This being our second visit to VOF we knew what to expect.  The park is not particiually large and ambitious hikers can easily  traverse most of the trails in two or three days.

As an escape from the Vegas circus this place is just about perfect … even more so if you camp in the (cheaper) non-hook-up sites.

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Jan 8

Hiking Death Valley

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Despite the government partial shutdown closing many areas of Death Valley National Park, Kelly and I did manage to find a few places that remain open and accessible for hiking.

The Mesquite Sand Dunes and Mosaic Canyon we’re easily accessed from our campground and brought us two contrasting experiences.

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