Staying busy from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been difficult. I still can't figure out how so many people are finding big chunks of time to do deep cleaning, sorting and tossing/recycling/donating! 🙂 Between sewing masks, gardening, exercising, cooking/baking, learning and family phone/Zoom calls, our days are rich and full.
So many great hiking trails, so little time...It's challenging to choose just one hike, but we eventually opted for the 8 km (5 mile) loop comprised of a long section of the Brins Mesa, Soldier Pass, Jordan Road and Cibola Pass trails. Highlights included fantastic views, the Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen and The Mitten. We completely missed the Hole in the Sky and Soldier’s Arch in our trip planning, so that means we have a ready-made reason to return some day.
Connected by a lovely scenic drive, Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments make for a great half-day trip out of Flagstaff, AZ. Wupatki appeals to those with an interest in anthropology, archaeology and nature, while Sunset Crater Volcano has a couple of short hiking options and appeals to those with an interest in geology and nature.
To a greater or lesser degree, COVID-19 has triggered change for pretty much everyone. Since we've been working (and working out) from home for well over 10 years now, we're coping with fewer changes to our world than many people are: mostly lower level challenges, like figuring out how to order groceries for pick-up when then next pick-up window is 10 days to 2 weeks out, how best to support elderly neighbours and extended family members, adjusting to virtual choir rehearsals and wondering what the 2020 hiking/biking season will look like.
For day trippers based out of Flagstaff, AZ, winter is a great time to visit Grand Canyon National Park's South rim. There's plenty of parking, visitor services are open, Hermit Road is open to private vehicles, and there's still great shuttle service for those wanting to hike at least part of South Kaibab Trail.
