Hiking Locally

Do we look ready?  Certainly we look happy. 

It was, as you can see, an absolutely beautiful day for a hike!  To be honest the threat of rain in the early morning hours put us off a bit, but we pulled up our Columbia boots and tied our laces tight, then grabbed our gear!  Armed with walking sticks, coats, hats and gloves, it is after all January, we filled our water bottles and cemented our resolve and made our way outside.

Only three miles through the rugged terrain of Cottonwood Canyon (right outside my back door).  Not much in the way of elevation, but certainly worth the effort.  Nancy and I focused on placing our feet firmly upon the ground and deeply inhaling the crisp, snappy air.  As we walked further up the trail and began to feel that warm glow we associate with a good round of exercise, we both exclaimed about the beauty of the desert and much we love Vegas in January.  More so than say, Montana or Wisconsin.

Yup, it's official, Nancy's now a "tree-hugger."

As you can see, I take my hiking seriously. 

While Nancy and I didn't overly exert ourselves, we felt the symbolism of each stride we took.  The first official training hike for our international adventure along the Franciscan Trail.  Of course, before we headed out my back door we consumed good fuel for our bodies.  For Nancy, blueberries (high in antioxidants) and bananas (lots of potassium) for Nancy, while I consumed a toasted power bagel shmeared with peanut butter (protein, something I lack) topped with some of Nancy's banana.  We both sipped on cups of piping hot coffee brewed with dark Guatemalan beans sprinkled with pinches of cinnamon and turmeric.  Our supplement for the morning? Bee pollen.  

We kept our pace rather fast, wanting to increase our heart rates and work up our endurance.  But then we had to rest.

Resting our dogs.  

Our next hike will be, I don't know . . . a full four miles?!  With more elevation to really challenge us!  So watch out Sierra Club comrades, we're getting ready for you!