familiar place, new sights (part 2).

This past weekend was spent in my
favorite city: Flagstaff, Arizona.


Not only is this city beautiful it makes me feel alive.

I loved living there, going to school there, meeting new people there, and above all else having fun there.

I was spending two days in a city that I lived in for two years and was going to try all new things (with ONE exception).

second adventure.

Hike through the Lava River Cave. Located nine miles north of Flagstaff on Hwy 180, turn west on FR 254 (at milepost 230). Continue three miles to FR 171, turn south one mile to where FR 171B turns left a short distance to the Lava River Cave.

This mile long cave is a bit intimidating from the start, but don't be discouraged it becomes a bit more flat and manageable. It can range from 32-45 degrees inside the cave during any season. Dressing warm in definitely recommended, also bring a flashlight because it is pitch black inside the cave.

The US Forest Service describes it as a "Lava tube cave formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. The top, sides and bottom of the flow cooled and solidified first, after which the insides of the lava river continued to flow emptying out the present cave".

This was the most unique hiking experience I have ever had, it should not be missed. Don't forget extra batteries for your flashlight.

familiar place, new sights (part 1).

This past weekend was spent in my
favorite city: Flagstaff, Arizona.


Not only is this city beautiful it makes me feel alive.

I loved living there, going to school there, meeting new people there, and above all else having fun there.

I was spending two days in a city that I lived in for two years and was going to try all new things (with ONE exception).

first adventure.

Hike at Red Mountain Trail. This is located along the Hwy 180 approximately 30 miles north of Flagstaff. West of the highway there is a sign for the Red Mountain Trail and about a 1/4 mile back there is a parking lot and well marked trail head.

The hike is easy and only about 2.5 miles round trip.

The US Forest Service describes it as, "A volcanic cinder cone that rises 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. In addition, a large natural amphitheater cuts into the cone's northeast flank. Erosional pillars called "hoodoos" decorate the amphitheater, and many dark mineral crystals erode out of its walls. Studies by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Northern Arizona University scientists suggest that Red Mountain formed in eruptions about 740,000 years ago".

A beautiful hiked not to be missed, don't forget to bring a camera.

snickerdoodle cookies. yum.

This is one of my favorite cookie recipes, my mom would make these all the time for the family when I was a kid. I loved them so much I even named my first dog after them. They are a very easy to make holiday cookie! Give them a try, you will not be disappointed.

Prep Time: 20 Min
Cook Time: 10 Min
Ready In: 1 Hr

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2.Cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
3. Mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls of dough in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove immediately from baking sheets.

Yield: 4 dozen