Beginner Hiking Clinic:

Our next "Beginner Hiking Clinic" will be held on June 6th @ 7:15 am.  If you ever wanted to try hiking the great AZ trails and weren't sure where to start, then this clinic is for you.

Click on "Events" for more information.  (check out our blog and pics from our last clinic below)

A couple of weeks ago, I learned that my hiking partner, for over two years, has cancer.  This news has practically devastated me.  I knew something was wrong, and even told him so several times.  However, he just chalked it up to old age and by the time he had it checked out it was really bad.

He is currently going through chemo and radiation, and is in my daily prayers.  I always hoped that he would be my Mt. Whitney partner (our party will consist of 4 hikers), but now I am forced to find a new partner. 

I have been putting off and putting off creating a training schedule (which I am very good @).  This past week, however, I came to the realization that I could no longer put it off.  I started doing daily hikes or am using the elliptical.  My dog walks (via Comfy Pets of AZ) has also been helping me keep going.  It's very hot in AZ @ the moment, so I must be on the trail by 5 am or no later than 6 am, especially if I am doing a 4-hour training hike.

As of today, Sunday May 24th, I have 99 days in my countdown to Whitney.  I must stay focused, continue my prayers for my partner, and just keep moving.  I am planning on hiking Humphrey's twice in June (to make up the day I was supposed to hike it in May).  Once on my own and the 2nd time with one of my meetup groups.

So, here is to my buddy--may God heal your cancer where you can get on the road to recovery.  I miss you out on the trails.  Besides you are the only friend I have that will do my crazy hikes with me, including climbing up and down cliffs.

God will provide.