Hikes and Activities April - June 2025

 April:

This month has a lot of hikes, and A LOT of driving. Packing in 4 national parks in a 6 day road trip. I may be nuts, but its better to do the Southwest in April than in July- last year taught me that. 

Saguaro National Park pronounced Suh-waa-row - So I've been saying that wrong for years, was stop 1. I have never seen so many cacti in my life, or ones this big.  The perfection of the 2 loop drives was only stifled by the fact I'm pretty sure this is where I crack the windshield of my rental car (wamp-wamp). It's not in my opinion on really hike friendly park, but does have loop roads in both east and west parts of the park that have plenty of places to get out and get photos.  The ones on the left include 2 beautiful flourishing Saguaro Cacti, 1 cactus showing the glory if the inner workings, that are no longer working. A close up shot of one of the brightest flowering plants and a beautiful shot down an open road. 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park was the highlight of my trip. This amazing network of caves is massive and as is every time I get to explore a cave, I turn into a child and love every second of it.  To access the Caverns you have 2 options. The first being what I did- a 1.25 mile hike descending 700+ feet into the cavern system. You enter through the natural cave entrance and while it is a steep descent it's paved and has hand rails most of the way. However if you struggle with mobility, aren't up for the extra 1.25 miles or just don't want to, you can also take an elevator from the main building down into the Big Room of the caverns. You'll loose out on the other rooms, but I like that there is an accessible option and certainly liked that there was an elevator for me to go back up.   

Once you reach the great room there is a 1.25 mile trail to help you explore the space. There were a few sections that are not wheel chair accessible, but most of the trail is and I saw many people with canes easily exploring the entire space.  It took me about 2.5 hours to enjoy both the descent and the big room, but they recommend giving 3 hours on their website. 

The cave is a pleasant 50ish degrees which was warmer than it was outside in Carlsbad, but after descending 700 feet I did work up a sweat. Some people were brave and took the route back out hiking up 700 feet, but I had not brought enough water to feel like I could comfortably do that and was grateful for the elevator back out. 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Is just 45 minutes south of Carlsbad Caverns.  I had origianlly planned to take a day for each park, but mother nature had other plans.  My route ended up being diverted due to snow storms in both Guadalupe and Carlsbad national parks on what was supposed to be my first day in the area.  I hadn't planned on or packed for snow, so I had to go get some warmer clothing in Las Cruces, and drive the northern route due to road closures to get to Artesia where I was staying for these parks.  

As a result of snow on Limestone, my plan for Guadalupe was severely limited.  Limestone is slippery when it's dry- the ease at which it erodes is why the cave structures exist in the first place, but when it's wet, it's dangerous.  The lovely Park Rangers warned of doing any hikes without poles or additional traction. Neither of which I had for this trip. As a result I ended up doing a few short nature trail hikes and calling it a day at Guadalupe.  I know I will revisit this park and do more, but until then it was beautiful. 

White Sands National Park Was NP #4 for the trip and it was magical.  Driving up it looks like snow because it is so pure white. And that's because it's not actually sand- It's the world's largest gypsum dune field. 

There is a 1 mile loop trail through the dunes that has several placards explaining wildlife and plants in the dunes.  It took me a little over an hour when I read the placards and a about 35 minutes without. I did two loops one in each direction.  If you're up for it you can also rent sleds at the visitors center and go sledding on the dunes. 

Kartchner Caverns State Park- AZ Cave adventure #2 for the trip was a state park in Arizona about 1 hour outside Tucson.  This set of caves is HOT and MUGGY. Being that in some spaces the cave ceiling is only 18 inches below the surface it was a much different experience.  These caves were only discovered in the late 70's. It was fun to learn their history, but I was sad no cameras are allowed in the space. I was also bothered by the no water rule, as again it was hot and by the end of a 1.5 hour tour I needed a drink of water.  But its a fun side quest if you're in the area and enjoy caves. 

Mount Lemmon This part of my trip was dedicated to my dad.  For those who don't know my dad was in a cycling accident this spring just a few days before he planned to bike Mount Lemmon.  This has become and annual trip for him and I know he was sad he wasn't able to do it this year.  So I took the drive up the mountain and made sure to make plenty of space for cyclists- as the road really is theirs I'm just borrowing it.  I know my dad is a little nuts when it comes to cycling but driving this road cemented that for me.  The road is 26 miles and climbs over 5,000 feet in elevation. That is truly nuts, but it is incredibly beautiful. 

Dad's advice was to get a cookie at the top- which I did. A massive dinner-plate sized cookie that I could not finish, but I'm sure after 26 miles and 5000 feet is a treat.   I also stopped and took in a short walk-a-bout on one of the pull offs (Windy Point Vista) for some spectacular views.  

I spent around 36 hours in the Phoenix area getting time with my Great Aunt.  She is an incredible world traveler.  When I was younger I wanted to be just like her, and as I get older, she's still a wonderful role model.  She took up hiking and travel in her late 40s and she took on the world. She's been so many places and it was wonderful to hear stories of her travels.  She is also an artist and it's fun to share that with her- though our mediums are very different.  She is a highly skilled fiber artist. To the right is a piece that she made.  

I got home and took Friday off from pretty much everything. No driving, no cooking (other than to put a pizza in the oven) and very little movement at all. But Saturday was a beautiful day made for a walk or two in the woods. We started with a morning hike launching from the Harvey Manning Trail head on Cougar mountain and made our own path- app 3.75 miles and in the evening took a nice walk on the nature trails in my back yard making for about a 5.5 mile day total. I like having someone who wants to take hikes with me, even the short ones. I feel most connected to myself and others when I'm in nature. It is truly grounding and I am really enjoying having a partner to do that with. 

It's Tulip Season on the West Coast and that means a trip up north. We made a whole day of it. Tulips and the long drive home with a quick ferry ride to cap off a pretty perfect day. I have been to several Tulip fields in WA and I truly believe that RoozenGaarde is the best. Lots of fields to enjoy, dozens and dozens of varieties and colors of Tulips not just in rows but also in floral displays.  For my friends that grew up going to the Daytons floral displays every year, this would bring you the same joy. 

On the way home we drove through Whidbey Island and stopped for a short hike at Deception Pass. We did the Goose Rock Summit Trail Which was about .8 miles from the parking lot- so be aware that the signs and maps lie. But we got some great views at the top and along the way. Including some cool structural views of the bridges connecting the islands. 

After the pass we took in lunch in Langley before venturing down to the ferry.  Thankfully we were able to get right on the ferry and enjoyed a quick ride across the water. I'll be honest I'm not super smitten with boats.  I don't have great history with them, but so long as I face the direction the boat is moving in, I do pretty well. We will certainly be taking in more ferry rides this summer. 

This month I went to Life of Pi on tour at the Paramount. The puppetry was incredible. Strongly encourage seeing it if it's touring near you. 

The last weekend of April was for charity.  We attended a fundraiser for Ukraine Defense Support. If you are interested in supporting the efforts in Ukraine, but have been unsure of how to get involved or get resources to where they are needed, this is one of many groups doing good and needed work. 

May: 

The first weekend in May was filled with Ferry Boat Rides.  My partner has family in town and what better way to occupy a child than with a ride on the Ferry.  We took the ferry out into the sound and took another one home.  While ferry's a the fastest way from the mainland to the Islands once on some of the island chains there are bridges that connect them.  We got a nice break from overcast and raining to enjoy some time in a park and walk along the water.  The trip for me was highlighted by what I think was a Heron spotting during our walk. 

Second weekend in May is mother's day weekend. I am not normally with my mother for this holiday due to my work schedule, but this year I planned for her to be out here to celebrate. 

On Saturday we took the ferry over to Bainbridge and drove up to Poulsbo. We enjoyed the downtown scandi area. Picked up a pastry, some lefse and cinnamon bread for the next 2 days at Sluy's Bakery. You can smell fresh made bread nearly a block away and the line out front is valid. It's a bit pricey but worth it as an occasional treat.  After a few hours of being out and about we made our way back to the ferry, and missed it by a handful of minutes, so we waited, because that's just something that has to be factored in.  

For Memorial Day Weekend my partner and I had planned to take a camping trip; but illness got the best of us. So we stayed in Seattle and had a day of rest on Saturday taking an evening walk in the neighborhood and enjoying Seattle in full bloom. Then we planned a hike for Sunday.  

But mother nature hadn't quite caught up to our spring outing plans and the Tunnel Lake Trail still had considerable snow- reasons to check multiple sources- All Trails would have been clear that it was a no go while WTA didn't provide the same insight. We started by taking the wrong trail a half a mile accident and then made it a little less than a mile and 600ft of elevation gain before I made the call to turn around as I was not prepared for snow and had no interest in being sick and injured.  

On the drive back we stopped at the Iron Goat Interpretive Site and did the Windy Point overlook 2.5 miles round trip and another 660ft of elevation gain. All in all a beautiful day to be out- even if I was cursing the world at about the .8 mile mark after a few dozen switch backs up the Windy point trail.  Thankful for a wonderful hiking partner who stopped with me every time, provided encouragement and good company. 

The weekend was topped off with a few good games, good food and lots of relaxation and ice cream. 

Spent the last week in May feeling like trash. Completely wiped out. 

June: Unfortunately the start of June wasn't any better than the end of May. Still Sick. lost my voice and attempting to do vocal rest at the end of the school year isn't working out well. 

Made it to the first weekend in June- still not 100% but probably somewhere around 75% which is a HUGE improvement.  Enjoyed the pool several times this weekend. I think getting up and even the slightest bit active helped.  Honestly walking from my car to work and working all day has been about all the activity I have been able to handle without crashing out, so just moving my body was nice.  I'm not a swimmer but it's getting hot and I plan on using the pool this summer as much as possible. 

Went to a mid-week concert of one of my favorite singer-song writers Mary Chapin Carpenter at Benaroya. Successfully lost whatever had gained back of my voice. But I was sort of expecting that. Hopefully it doesnt take another week to return. 

2nd weekend in June was for celebrations.  Graduation celebrations for my students and Birthday Celebrations for my partner. For his birthday I got him a stained glass class. It's one of those things he'd mentioned would be something fun to do together awhile back,  It was fun to get to share a hobby I love with someone I love.  If I had the tools I could teach this course, but we each made a piece to take home and will have some new cool decor with a fun memory. 

3rd week is for graduation and an all nighter.  

It was a good an necessary distraction from the anniversary of my wedding. It doesn't magically get easier, and I needed more support than I got, so I was glad to have some distractions this week (other than being sick)

We had the largest graduating class in my time teaching at this school. Nearly 500 kids. This is the group that brought up back after the pandemic, and the graduation speakers focus on mental health and wellbeing was a welcome change. We should really show that speech to incoming Freshman next fall. It's okay to work for greatness, but not at the cost of mental health and wellbeing. 

 Grad Night is a lock in intended to keep recent graduates safe the night of graduation. We had a similar event when I was in high school.  Never thought I'd volunteer to do it.  I may not in the future but I did last year and said I would do this year and since I missed prom due to being super sick I'm glad to have a final send off celebration with this years group. I was still sick going into grad night but actually after 24+ hours awake and 8 hours of sleep and a day of rest I am starting to feel better.  Not done with school yet though we go to the 24th.

Weekend of the solstice was not a very pleasant one in terms of weather.  Lost power at my home 3 times this week due to rain and wind. Caught up with a former student and enjoyed a quiet weekend split between our homes with my partner. Probably at about 80% in terms of recovering from illness. Learning to slow down, ask for quiet time and be okay with letting others down to take care of myself. 

School is over. We ratified a contract that I'm not super excited about, but given that our district is going under binding conditions with the state in July, its good to have a contract even if it's not one I'm happy about.  I'mg going to enjoy the last few days of the month without posting -if anything happens I will share in July. 

 

Dating myself

Years ago I got this poster as a fun set of things to do with my now- ex-husband.  Considering it left with me still in the tube, you can imagine how that went.  I moved out on my own on January 11, 2024. Over the last year and half I have dated myself.  I didn't do everything on the list, but it got me through some of the most difficult and earth shattering moments of my life. It provided structure and a sense of adventure. 81 activities later, and in no longer being single- while I can still buy myself flowers, and take myself on dates, I don't need the structure of this any more. 

 

Sad

 I know no one knows what to say when you first get divorced people say I’m sorry or congratulations but when your wedding anniversary rolls around, I know people don’t know what to say. But I wish someone had said something because going through the day, isolated and sad and not having anybody check in just to say I’m thinking of you. It’s like a whole different level of loneliness .