We held our first “Beginning Hiking Clinic” on Saturday April 25, 2009.  We had a small turnout, but it was a great class.  There were three ladies, besides myself.  The first part of the clinic was going over the “Beginning Hiking Clinic Manual” that I had written.  It included an extreme amount information for a beginner hiker.  Even though I will be tweaking it for the next class, I received a lot of very nice compliments on the manual.

After the class portion, we headed up the “Kiwanis” trailhead in South Mountain.  This is an excellent beginner trail and is only one-mile in length (one way).  Since this was a beginning hike, we started out very slow.  We had a slow and gradual steady climb of 435 feet.  At the end of the trail we took our lunch/snack break, which I am sure the ladies certainly enjoyed after doing their hike.  We ate our food and took some great pictures, and then headed back down to the trailhead.

 

After our hike, Carol and I decided to head over to the “ECC” (Environmental Community Center) located @ the beginning of the park.  We toured the “CCC” (Civilian Conservative Corp) exhibit, which I highly recommend for all families to see.  We also toured the new gift shop, where they had some really cool t-shirts and souvenirs.  So, when visiting South Mountain, you really should check that out as well. 

 

We will be holding our next Beginning Hiking Clinic on May 23^rd.  So, for those of you that have always wanted to try hiking, now is your chance to learn.

 

When I first went on the South Beach Diet three years ago, I lost 40 lbs.  The hardest part of the diet is giving up all sugar, starches and even fruit for the first two weeks.  You then gradually add a piece of fruit.  Well over the years I have maintained the weight, but have eaten sugar again.  My sister tells me I am a closet sugarholic.  I do love my sugar.  So, since I am now in training mode for the next four months, to prepare for my climb to Mt. Whitney, once again I have given up sugar and am back on the SBD. 

This morning I was to climb the Alta trail, but it was hard waking up, so no hiking today.  But, I did do 2.5 miles in doggie walks, so I guess that’s better than nothing.  Tomorrow morning I am determined to begin getting up @ 5 am and do my hike.  It’s a grueling 5-mile hike, with over a 1,000 feet in the first mile, once I hit the trailhead. 

April is a pretty busy month for me, and if I want to get as much hiking in as possible before the AZ intense heat arrives.  However, I also have a very nice elliptical so that helps when the heat is too much for me.