Dust Free Oldham Steps

Nine runners set off from Buffalo Park following the same route as the 50km/50mile ultra-runners that started a few hours earlier. Their route was very well marked!

Not surprisingly, the hill directly behind Buffalo Park was the worst spot with wet clay and mud -- otherwise the trails were in great shape. No dust, only a little water, and excellent traction. And the sound of water dripping down the rock faces while running up Oldham was a special treat.

At the cutoff from Oldham to Rocky Ridge, Mark and DavidMc decided to keep heading uphill while Susan and David, Mackenzie, Heather, Amber, Stephanie, and first timer Sarah followed the standard route back to Buffalo Park.

We reconvened at Kickstand Kafe for apres-run caffeine and enjoyed the warm sunny weather. It won't last too much longer. (Thanks to David Blanchard for this post!)

Sycamore Rim Solitude and Spectacular Waterfalls

 

Seven NATRA runners defied the predictions of heavy rain and set out on the Sycamore Rim trail in search of water pools, lily pads, and waterfalls. The real treat of running along the edge of the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is that it is only a 30 minute drive from Flagstaff, less drive time than many of the trails we often run in our backyard - yet we've never run into a hiker or biker; once we did encounter two horsemen.  Ah, Wilderness!

We accessed the trail by driving south of Parks on Forest Road 141. This drive through Garland Prairie affords some of the most spectacular sweeping vistas of Northern Arizona. The San Francisco Peaks to the east and Bill Williams Mountain to the west frame the expanse, with Sitgeaves, Volunteer and Kendrick Mountains filling in the rest of the view. Every low spot along the way was filled with water that had drained off these nearby mountains.  Tina and David (from Phoenix), Sara, Neil, Bruce, Tzeidle and Jeff plodded onto the slick trails, carefully planting every foot fall, savoring this 7.5 mile out and back run.

Along the way, I gave my usual history spiel, however this time I was proud to display our recent efforts that had made the Dow Springs site much more visible. A little over a month ago I worked with our Williams Youth Conservation Corps and Coconino Rural Environmental Corps to remove nearly 100 years of accumulated pine needles and weeds from the historic logging railroad and cabin foundations. This simple but time consuming and tiring work made the interpreted historic site even more visible for the public to enjoy. It also gave a bunch of local kids some ownership in protecting the history of Kaibab National Forest that surrounds Williams and Parks.

 

As we skirted the head of the water filled canyon, we noticed beautiful lily pads in full bloom and abundant cattails. The sound of water trickling made the run even more enticing. In my 23 years working on the Kaibab National Forest, I've never seen this area so lush and green.At the Sycamore Canyon overlook Bruce hushed everyone. We then heard the sound of rushing water more than 2000 feet below us.   This meant that a spectacular sight was nearby - the thunderous water pour offs at Sycamore Falls, our final destination.

Due to the high humidity and cool temperatures, none of us carried water. By runs end we were dehydrated yet one more treat awaited us - the icy clear cold water of Dow Springs. I kicked myself for not bringing a large water bottle, so we drank straight from the spring.

 

After we outran mosquitos back to the cars at the trailhead, I promised everyone we had a good shot at seeing a rare gem - the roaring waterfalls. As we arrived at the Sycamore Falls trailhead (aka, the world famous crack climbing area also named "Paradise Forks")  we heard thunder overhead. I bounded out of the car and scurried as fast as I could to the south fork. I could hear all the comments about how the gang had never seen me so excited or run so fast (except for when I find an elusive Porcini Mushroom in the forest!).

We all marveled at the waterfalls, however with raindrops getting larger and thunder getting louder, the exposed overlooks with every single ponderosa donning multiple lightning scars signaled we needed to get back to the safety of the vehicles.  What a day!



Kendrick Mountain Run, Into the Fog

(Joe's first NATRA run and he's thinking what am I getting myself into!)

I always get excited for the end of August as this is when I usually post the Kendrick Mountain run. The trail's nearly 3000 foot ascent and 8.5 to 9 mile round trip usually seems daunting, especially after its first oxygen deprived uphill two miles. However, after those first two humbling miles a break is reached at the saddle at the base of the switch backs.

(One of the many wildflower filled meadows brought to you by the Pumpkin Fire!)

 

Heading up, each relatively low grade switchback offers different views and at the end of August the openings created by the Pumpkin Fire in 2000 are chock full of the most brilliant wildflowers, a sea of purples, yellows and reds.  As we passed through these small meadows, the fog billowed in from the southwest. We could see the moist air rising towards the mountain top and as we hit the moisture plume the temperatures quickly dropped into the 50s. Joe threw his wool running cap on!

(The fog rolled in)

 

The real treat for me is arriving at the Kendrick Lookout cabin built in 1911 that served as the home for the fire tower lookout.  It is one of 41 sites the Kaibab National Forest has listed on the National Register of Historic Places. My friends and long time co-workers Teri Cleeland, Larry Lesko, and John Hanson stabilized the cabin and placed it on the National Register in 1988 two years before they hired me.

(Last week the Kaibab gang had a much anticipated reunion when Larry and Teri visited from Tallahassee, Florida)

Now as an archeologist for the Kaibab, it is part of my job to make sure these places are kept in a stable condition for the public to enjoy. Kendrick Cabin is certainly one of the most difficult to access at more than 10000 feet above sea level!  The log book was filled with many recent happy visitors and bear sightings and on this northwest like morning. On the run, we encountered about 30 hikers and several runners probably training for Imogene Pass! 

(welcome to our house)

For the past few years I have gotten side tracked collecting mushrooms below and had not made it up to monitor the cabin. As most of my favorite edible mushrooms were past their prime and maggot filled, I concentrated on pushing my way to the cabin. I was thrilled to see that the broken window pane 5 years ago had been fixed. I did notice a hole in the roof that we need to get fixed up before the snows start falling in the next month.

(Inside of the 1911 cabin - not much has changed)

As we reached the top, Christina Bauer appeared running out of the fog behind the cabin. In less than two weeks, Christina is running the Wasatch 100 miler, her first 100 ever. She had made the epic clockwise Kendrick Mountain loop, leaving from the trailhead, running to the Pumpkin Trail and then connecting to the Bull Basin Trail, thus explaining her mysterious appearance out of the fog! 

(Neil surprised to see Christina)

 

The ascent took about an hour and 20 minutes, and that included a lot of power walking. The descent of course is thrilling and fast (about 35 minutes). Luckily, we were enshrouded in the clouds so all of our attention was on the trail (as opposed to the expansive views of the Kaibab National Forest) and there were no death defying stumbles, this time. Of course I know that the aftermath of pounding down the trail will take its toll and I will ache all over on Sunday, a small price to pay.

(Sasquatch sighting..kind of)

 

Back at the trailhead we mused about a Sasquatch bumper sticker and figured today would have been a great day for a sighting, but no such luck!  We were luckier that a fresh crop of brilliant orange lobster mushrooms were emerging from the soils in the parking area. When I got home I sautéed one perfect lobster in butter, olive oil, and more than a dash of salt. This more than satisfied my craving for lost electrolytes and led to a well deserved afternoon nap!

(For all you relocated east coasters here is Flagstaff's native lobster)

BBBSF Half Marathon and a Wedding Proposal!

(All photos by Mom, Jackie Weintraub unless otherwise noted)

 

It is hard to believe the 9^th Annual Run Flagstaff Summer Series is in the books as the 36^th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon closed out the Series in a most memorable fashion.  On the course two battles raged between close friends; Michelle Wesson kept a shadow’s length behind Sara Wagner as she has done all summer long, and Chris Gomez stayed on Jason Wolfe’s heels throughout the epic race.

(John Lowe photo)

 

In the end, Wolfe’s 1:17.56 and Wagner’s 1:32.52 (a new personal best on the course) gave them the overall BBBSF titles.  Flagstaff’s extraordinary ultra-marathoner and distance coach Ian Torrence’s 1:30.32 gave him his first Master’s division title at any race!  On the women’s side, Kristina Saxton took her first BBBSF Master’s title in 1:44.12. In the 5K, all the way from Heimbach, Germany, 45 year-old Krischer Siegfried smoked the 5K in a record 15.05. On the women’s side Dayna Guerro from Magdalena, New Mexico won easily in 19.54. Jack Welch once again led 31 walkers who successfully ambled across Observatory Mesa, taking in all the scenery the course offers.

About a dozen kids dashed through the downtown streets with David McKee leaving the last place honors to Margot Saltonstall.

 

 At the Half Marathon’s infamous halfway aid and cup voting aid station, runners overwhelming cast their vote for restoring Pluto’s status as a planet!

(David Blanchard Photo)

While the race was notable for the duos that went toe to toe across the stunning landscape, it was most memorable for the grandeur at the start finish line. Once again, couples have a penchant for celebrating their love at the Big Brothers Big Sisters race. Kristi and David Bluestein were back celebrating the 4^th anniversary of when they got married prior to the race in 2009; David as always wearing his sparkling red wig and Kristi with her huge smile.  

 
The biggest moment came when Emily Rufo crossed the finish line to be greeted by her closest friends and family, and her boyfriend who proposed!  I am pleased to report the answer was “Yes” and Emily is now happily engaged!

 

The race was also a triumphant celebration of the return of Kay McKay, co-founder of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff in 1967. The race is now named in the memory of her late husband and Kay perfectly fired off the starting gun for both races.

 

Special thanks to all the nearly 100 volunteers who came out in support of the race including the Coconino Amateur Radio Club, Grand Canyon Harley Davidson, all of our sponsors, and most of all the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Board many who have been involved with the race since its inception in 1978. For race results visit https://www.virtualroster.com/index.cfm?action=dspClientHome&clientid=73&showBanner=1 and for free downloadable photos, visit natra.org!

(David Blanchard Photo)

Also, check out complete race coverage in the Arizona Daily Sun at http://azdailysun.com/sports/running/wolfe-wagner-win-half-marathon/article_6ef99694-024e-11e3-a08a-001a4bcf887a.html and be sure to mark August 9, 2014 on your calendars for the race’s 37^th edition!  

(David Blanchard Photo)

 

I Heart Bill Williams Mountain!

7 NATRA runners made a last second decision to try multiple trails to avoid the hefty ascent to the of Bill Williams Mountain. They were just as challenged by the forever gradual up Forest Service Roads and side trails to Clover Spring - runs varied in length from 4 to 7 miles. All returned to https://www.facebook.com/Cafe326 for delicious drinks and breakfast items. — in Williams, AZ.

 

 

 Bruce powers up the mountain.

 Sam on his first NATRA run

 

 David enjoys hiking due to his painful knee.

 Bruce runs into an old friend

Café 326 is an awesome Williams hangout.

 

The Zephyr was delicious!

 

Arizona Trail all the Way to Bismarck Lake

(23 runners are off!)

 

 

(Heading towards Kendrick Mountain)

For 12 years, I have never known what to expect for a turnout for a group run. My predictions are almost always off, as they would prove on Saturday. With the Team Run Flagstaff Snowbowl Road Uphill Climb on Sunday, I figured it would be fairly small. Wrong!  23 runners and 4 dogs went to Bismarck Lake and back on the Arizona Trail from Aspen Corner. For me, the greatest surprise was having Margot, Betsy, Howard, and Andy on the run. It was a throw back to the first days of NATRA, the thought of that always makes me smile! 

(NATRA throw back: Andy, Neil, Howard, Margot, and Betsy)

Since I had never completed this run all the way to Bismarck Lake, I was pretty much set on just doing my typical 3 miles out and back. However, at mile three, I caught up with Tzeidle and after a lot of chit-chatting, before I knew it we were at the 0.2 mile junction to Bismarck. She said "see, Neil, that wasn't so bad!" Not yet anyway...... As it turned out, I had made it pretty close in the past, but always turned back. At the junction I started feeling really, really good. I would soon find out why.

 

(My favorite places on the Kaibab National Forest in the background!)

 

 As we regrouped at the dry lake, Mark Thurston, Chris Gunn, and Myles Schrag met up with us and took a few photos. It was then time to turn back and I understood why my usual decision to turn back early was always a good one. The reason I felt so strong, was that the last part of the run was down hill. Whoops. Tzeidle and Stephanie pulled me through though and by the time I got back, I was pretty damn proud of myself, and knew I had earned my afternoon nap. We packed the Kickstand for our post run coffee, filling the outdoor patio and taking over most of the inside tables!

 

(Arizona Trail Bismarck Lake Junction)

Oldham Steps Getting Steeper!

14 runners showed up on a muggy but beautiful morning at Buffalo Park, several of them curious to determine if the Oldham steps are still getting steeper every year. They are.  Two newcomers to NATRA and Flagstaff joined us on a busy morning in the outback, with many hikers about - appreciating the monsoon's arrival. Coffee was at the Kickstand. (Thanks to Bruce Higgins for the post)