1882 Johnson Canyon Tunnel Run

12 runners and Matt the Mountain Biker toured back in time to 1882 to visit the Historic Johnson Canyon Tunnel , about 10 miles northwest of Williams, Arizona. (Thanks to Don Bayles for the following photos).

With Mark, Howard, and Scott joining the group it was just like the first days of NATRA.

The out and back run was almost exactly a 10K, with the downhill return harder as the approaching winter storm brought 30-40 mile per hour head winds.


The inside of the tunnel briefly provided a sanctuary from the winds of March.

And yes, as it was a truly tough journey, as NATRA runners did see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel!

If you missed out on this run, it is certain to become part of our repertoire! In addition, we will add the 10K abandoned Route 66 loop run in the same area and also add the Bill Williams Mountain climb to our list of great runs on the western edge of the Mogollon Rim! Bring on the snows so we can get rid of the wind!

A Windless Sandy Seep?

An unusually small turnout today for the group run at Sandy Seep. Well for those that missed, you will be surprised to hear that the wind was noticeably absent. Yes, the usual wind blasted run was more pleasant than ever. David, Neil, and Don enjoyed soaking in the rich colors that contrasted with a snow covered Mount Elden. David bounding out front encountered several deer, but could not catch up with any of the elk running just ahead.

We also ran the trail to do a condition assessment on our section of the Arizona Trail and to take photos for the new Arizona Trail guidebook. The trail was certainly in good shape, except where Neil and Don took a wrong turn. So others don't make our same mistake, we built two small cairns where the trail is obviously missing a carsonite post north of Sandy Seep. On the downhill return, Neil stumbled twice taking two spills but managed to protect the camera on his way to the ground. All returned safe and went their separate ways, Neil to patch up his bruises....

Next week we will meet at the parking lot of the Flagstaff West Athletic Club at 8 AM and head for a special run west of Williams, Arizona. We will run to the abandoned 1882 Johnson Canyon Tunnel. Don't miss out on this run back through time!

Dodging Leprechauns on Brins Mesa

(Thanks to Bruce for the post and Don for the photos!)Jen, Diana, Susan, David, Don, Chris, Sabrina and Bruce avoided the Sedona leprechauns and their odd calendar by moving today's run from Jordan Road to Soldier Pass for the 5+-mile loop that feels like a lot more. Several people decided just jogging this tough loop wasn't enough and added bits to it - a climb up a rock monument, a jog to Dry Creek and back up Brins, a jog in the neighborhood or a jog to the coffee shop 2 miles down the hill. All had a great time and the little people were back under the hill for the year as we departed town.

A Yetiless Campbell Mesa

No Yetis or rogue pandas on a blustery Saturday morning at Campbell Mesa. The above video was taken last December - remember winter?

Today, 17 runners, Tony on his bike, and more newbies than ever ran in what felt more like spring than the end of February! Bret was right on about running the loop counter clockwise. The tail wind may be in part to explain for the early blistering pace. However when Team USA Arizona runners led by Brett Gotcher blew by us, they created a head wind that dropped many of us dead in our tracks. Back at the parking lot, I did not understand why I was the only one who could see a shiny white full moon at 10:15 AM.

We made our first visit to the Seasoned Kitchen in a while, and Tony warmed everyone up with his gourmet lates! While it was a great run, many of us still longed for winter to show up!

Later in the day, John, Diana, Jen, and Neil represented NATRA at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Bowl For Kid's Sake fundraiser. It was probably the exhausting runs earlier in the day that prevented any of them from breaking the 100 barrier - but we sure had fun trying to do so!


Jen, John, Diana and Neil

Well, we all shared a lane and collectively broke 100 proving once again that the sum of us was greater than our parts!

Companion to A Run Down Memory Lane

A Run Down Memory Lane. Arizona Daily Sun 2/19/2012.

Conservatory Water Boat Pond.

Central Park Zoo Seals.

September 19, 1981 Simon and Garfunkel in Central Park




June 12, 1982 Springsteen and Jackson Brown at the Rally for Disarmament in Central Park. Rolling Stone article.





Crouching Bronze Lion

Egypt or Central Park: Where Does an Ancient Obelisk Belong?

A Hiking Guide for the Central Park Reservoir.

Why Did Tavern Fail?"

On Tequila and Locoweed

On a brilliantly sunny and warm Saturday morning, eight runners once again set forth for the majestic "Crack" of Wet Beaver Creek. I enjoyed running alongside Matt Ryan who brought me up to speed on Coconino County's efforts to preserve open space around Fort Tuthill. The County has submitted a petition to the State Land Commissioner, Maria Baier, to initiate the Arizona Preserve Initiative (API) process according to A.R.S. § 37-331, et. seq. for the acquisition of open space at Fort Tuthill. The County is asking Commissioner Baier to reclassify the state trust lands (approximately 220 acres) directly adjacent to Fort Tuthill County Park as suitable for conservation purposes under API Petition 35-116166. As part of this effort, I will be submitting a letter of support for this conservation designation.

Last Tuesday, the City of Flagstaff faced a similar situation over Picture Canyon. The State Lands commission heard the voices of many in support of designating Picture Canyon lands as suitable for conservation. City Hall chambers filled quickly and the overflow was put in the lobby with streaming video. NATRA's David McKee kicked off the meeting by highlighting the efforts by the city and its partners in restoring Picture Canyon. While there are no guarantees that the land can be secured, it is comforting to know there is plenty of local support for both causes.


David McKee discusses Picture Canyon at Arizona State Land Commission's hearing on 2/14/2012. (Photo Credit: Tom Bean).
Once we made our way to the "Crack", only after carefully threading a needle through a large hiking group and horse manure, we enjoyed the warm February sun. Warm as it was, no one was up for a swim, not even Susan or Sabrina. A slight breeze would have made the return rather uncomfortable.

As we basked at the "Crack's" edge, we noticed beautiful purple locoweed, and towering over us was a skyward shooting stalk of a mature agave. We mused about making some tequila, but since it would take a bit too long to ferment we thought it better to return to the Coffee Bean in Flagstaff. Thanks everyone for a great 8 miles!

Buffalo Park/Oldham/Rocky Ridge

Twelve runners gathered by the buffalo for a sunny, warm run up to Rocky Ridge and back. Some choose the shorter loop, some choose long, but the mud stayed frozen on the trails for the most part. Congrats to Bruce for returning from Tanzania safe and sound, and to Janie Bohn and Bret Sanquist for doing a trial run after coming back from recent injuries, too!

Everyone met at the Kickstand for some coffee afterwords, where Judge Moran coached Terrance and Sabrina on what to do for their upcoming Soulstice wedding. Good times!(Thanks to Sabrina B for the post)