Enero

Wow, where the heck did that first month go? I can not believe it's almost the middle of February.

We are loving it this week. It's rained or snowed a little bit here and there over the last few weeks, enough to make some of the trails too sloppy to ride. But today it got up to almost 60. Hopefully things will start drying off now.

But back to January. It was a big month for us. We said our goodbyes to Ken and Pat, twice. They ended up swinging by here after their cruise thru the Panama canal. Now, they are back in IL, loving all the rain and snow.

A few days after their departure, my 2 older sisters, their husbands, all of their kids, and a fun set of in-laws came out to relax for a week in Sedona with my parents. Lori hasn't been here in about 7 years, and this was Troy's first trip. It was essentially all of their kids first time out too. It's old hat for Jen and Dave.

What a week; it seems so long ago already. Breakfasts out, short hikes right out the back door from where we stay, and lots of pool and hot tub. Even with the drizzle we had the first 3 days, we were hiking during the short periods when the rain stopped and then into the pool we went. We built towers, made smores, cooked out, ate burritos, and drank a coupla beers. Put together a few puzzles and were forced to watch hours of Fox News Channel.

We had a really good time. Hopefully we'll all be able to do it again.

Hiking around the Bell.












Wine at the Brewery








Soldier's Pass








The towers at Cathedral

Reunion then New Years

At the end of the Christmas week, Zach and I drove to Sedona to greet my parents. We had last seen them at the end of September when they were here to help us move in.

We fell right back into the old routine: ride, dinner out, hot tub, hike on Sunday, hot tub, dinner out.


On Monday all four of us drove back to Prescott to ring in the new Year. We started off with a hike, then met up with Ken and Pat for dinner at Murphy's. I called 5 minutes before we left to make reservations and lucked out getting the chef's dinning room. We were lead through the restaurant, back out a side door, then back in another door to a little room with a good size table and our own bathroom that was up this little staircase. It was pretty cool. Dinner was delicious.

My parents wanted an early dinner so they could get back to Sedona before it got dark. Okay buy us, we were in bed before 9pm.

Backtrack

I have a problem when I get preoccupied and neglect the blog. I have a hard time not going back a little and at least highlighting on the major events. So here we go.

We went on some great rides while Zach was off. Christmas Eve was a tough ride. We climbed and climbed and kept on climbing (62 to 9854 to 299, up 52A to 297 and down to 305). All the work paid off though, heading down 297 and 305 is such a blast.

Zach on 62











Me on 297











That night we went to dinner with Ken and Pat...I think we went to The Office. But before dinner Pat and I treated ourselves to Egg Nog with a little nutmeg and JB. We thought of the other Stanford women who were not with us to join in the fun. (I've decided I like mixing my own vs the gut rot from years past).



Christmas day we drove up Iron Springs Rd to ride out to Granite Mt. We did 37 to 40 up the road a little to 351, 346 and did an out and back on 347. Then took the new 332 back to Iron Springs Rd and rode that back up to the trailhead. That is a fantastic loop. You start off climbing for about 15 minutes and then head down 40 which starts off with big drops, roots and eroded gullies.

That afternoon K&P came over to our house for a nice simple Christmas dinner.

The next couple of days were cold, cold, cold. We had to wear full winter gear at least two of the days.











And then thank goodness we took care of this table before Ken and Pat left; it took all 4 of us to rig it up so the glue could dry properly.

Oh...

Blog...I kinda miss you. I haven't been here for a while. Stopping in I realize that I have pushed you to the side and I am sorry.

fluorescent illini

Saturday's ride. Parked at trailhead 37. Both of us completely overdressed. The last time we checked before we left the house it was 23. It probably got up into the high 40s.

Rode 37 to 40, then down and back up 347. Back to the trailhead via 332 and Iron Springs Rd. It was a great loop. First time we've done that one. We saw a big group of riders and knew a few of the people.












His house











Stylin

Huh?

Yep, the winter gear was officially hauled out on Friday. First time I've worn the Lakes or the winter vest. Love that vest. It is so warm.




I just went for an hour. It was my first ride since Sunday. I'm just getting over a head cold that moved to my chest.



On the way back on Lynx Creek Rd, I noticed this "outbuilding" door was up. Can you see the detail of the wall? Not too shabby. I wonder what they use that space for. That's one fancy garage.

Panorama

Another picture from Sunday's ride. My first attempt at a panorama. Jeremy's link to the Napa Valley dude's website inspired me.


This is a view of Sedona taken during our second attempted ride up to Jerome.

SFPs

From Sunday's ride.



We tried again to make it up to Jerome. This time we parked 10 miles in on the gravel road we took last time. We found the turn off of Perkinsville Rd that takes you into Jerome, we just didn't have enough daylight to make it the whole way. I think the road is called Orchard Draw and it is a long steady climb up. Looking at the map, I'm guessing we made it half way there? We either need to drive farther or allow more time. But from our perspective, with the mountains in our view, we still had no site of the town whatsoever. So maybe we'll try it again this weekend.

HOW?

Pictures from Friday's ride.

please tell me..............HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN??????













It will probably be a while before I see water in the creek again.

Happy Hour Ride

After our trip to the Dr, we picked up K&P and headed to the Coyote to meet Jeff. I love Coyote Joe's more every time we go there.

It was probably in the 30s that night.

Out on the patio, they had 3 fire pits that put off some serious heat. They always have some kick-ass band playing, and you can look up and see the stars....alot of them. 2 fer 1 from 4-6 and 8-10 (that special includes Fat Tire if you can believe it).

Jeff showed up a little later and later yet came the mysterious Vienna. She is lovely.

Pat had quite a time, apparently the White Zin must go to her head faster when she drinks it outside. She was making friends with everyone there. KR teased her good.

We spent the night at the apartment and woke to the smell of sausage. After some homemade egg mcmuffins, we drove home and slept till 1. How lame, but I think I am fighting a cold, so it was probably for the best.

We did end up riding, not very long or hard, but both of us were proud for going out all. And we were glad we did, it was another beautiful day.