It isn’t very often that the weather here in Phoenix forces us to change our plans, but the recent rain meant we couldn’t go for our planned hike on Saturday. No worries because we headed up north to play in the snow instead, and that made me very happy! The desert certainly needs the rain, so no complaints whatsoever.
As of today, the roads up in Flagstaff are dangerous and many of them are closed due to blizzard conditions. However, we got up there on Saturday before conditions worsened. We weren’t alone in our quest, and it was super busy. We left very early, though, and we didn’t encounter too much traffic. That is the key for north-bound activities.
As mom writes this for me, I’m hiding in the laundry room. I hate thunder and lightning! Crazy wind brought the temperatures way down, and we got ice pellets. It’s like heaven opened up and BOOM! Anyway, back to our Flagstaff adventure – the roads were clear until Flagstaff proper where the roads were a bit icy, and we saw several folks slide off the road. They were going too fast for the conditions so let this be a reminder to slow it down in rain and snow.
We stayed on 1-17 and headed toward Snow Bowl, which was sold out. They definitely needed the snow for skiers. We headed back to the Watchable Wildlife Viewing parking lot that we discovered last year. I guess people are reading my blog as it was packed this time. Lots of folks were there to play in the snow, snowshoe and sled. Mom’s ankle got twisted on a hike last week, so we weren’t going to snow shoe but just enjoy the snow.
I romped and bounced around. It was awesome! The wind kicked up, so we headed for the trees and walked 
on the scenic trail. In the nicer weather, you could read signs about all the wildlife in the area. Today, they were covered in snow and ice. This trail offers a very short, nature walk or options for longer trails, which we did last time. Today, we stuck to the easy and short. We found a big log for mom and dad to sit on and had our lunch. Dad heated up some tea, and I chomped on my jerky.
The snow wasn’t too deep yet but it sure was pretty. We sat and just soaked it all in. Before we know it, it will be hot again. Days like this are a treasure here in the desert. I’m so lucky to have parents who are willing to drive 2 ½ hours to allow me to play in the snow. I hope you get a chance to get up there, but you will need a 4-wheel drive and/or chains right now. I’m sure the snow will be sticking around with cold temperatures, so maybe wait a few days?
We headed down early afternoon, and the conditions were a bit worse. We just went slow, and once we were out of Flagstaff, it turned to rain. People were still climbing up the grade to head north. What a great place we live in where we can be warm and cozy then drive a couple hours and play in the snow. Life IS good in Arizona!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
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Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
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