Schultz Creek Trail Run

As I awoke on for today's run I peered at my digital indoor/outdoor thermometer and it read, -1 degrees...OK, I'm planning on doing the run whether I'm strapping on the Kahtoolas, snowshoes or cross-country skiis. Of course, I hadn't planned on being lazy and not shoveling the civic out the night before. But heck, I've never had a problem getting out of the driveway, until now. Realizing how late I was, I decided to take Diana's car. When I got to the meet spot, several cars including McKenzie's were there so I figured at least I might find the crew. I stuck to the Schultz Creek trail and once it got too deep to run I doubled back to the old CCC logging camp site and ran the trail up to the main road. Seeing no one, I figured I'd head up Schultz Creek Road until I saw Mackenzie. No such luck. After about 1.5 miles mostly staying on top of the snow, I turned around amid some gorgeous views of the Peaks. Somehow I missed all the runners but was glad to have gotten out. Despite the sub-zero temps, the sun felt pretty good and since it had been so cold, snow still clung to the ponderosas lining Schultz Pass Road. Upon returning home I called Mackenzie to find out that indeed, our friends from Phoenix, Rudy and Aldo had joined her, Don and Annika (Mackenzie's running pooch). They had taken the high road about 2.5 miles out and back, so I had completely missed them when I got to Schultz Pass Road.

Mackenzie relayed to me the answer to one of the most perplexing questions that we often have during every run. After 2.5 miles, the gang placed a GPS unit on Anneke to see just how far a dog runs. Anneke is known for running ahead and then returning to Mackenzie. On the 2.5 mile trek back to the vehicles, Annlka covered 4.22 miles!!!! And those are "snow" miles. Anyway, kudos to Mackenzie, Don, Aldo and Rudy for braving the cold this AM.


After returning home, Diana gave me the best present ever...the first NATRA running vest. Unfortunately I was too tired to hit the trails again so the field test will have to wait until tomorrow...

Jim Thompson Trail

Meeting at the freezing Fort Tuthill winter wonderland, we could only imagine where the snow line ended up in Oak Creek Canyon. We were about to be amazed! Within 15 minutes of leaving Flagstaff, we reached the 6000 ft. level and it looked like Spring! Absolutely no sign of snow. While it was a bit chilly when we reached Midgely Bridge, the sun was already warming the trailhead. The group consisted of Neil, Bruce, Kaci, Amber, Rhiannon, Aldo (again up from Phoenix) and Mackenzie. Along the way we took the time to enjoy Cottonwood Spring where a lone Cottonwood and Willow appeared stuck in time. A Historic berm catches water from the surrounding cliffs providing enough water for the Cottonwoods and Willow to survive. (You can see the cottonwood behind the runners in this photo). It was quite a surprise and a nice break! We have run this trail for many years but never noticed this oasis!

Turkey Day Run

On Thanksgiving, we hosted our 3rd annual T-Day Run. A record 25 runners showed up to join in on a wet, overcast morning. It was great to hear that Bob VW would be returning to town! Welcome back Bob...we missed you! Below is a shot of the group who decided to run about 4 miles through the streets and Urban Trail of Downtown. The rest of the group headed up to Cheshire. Based on the turnout of this holiday run, we'll do the same thing on New Year's Day!

Soulstice Slide Show