Back from Tucson and Breckenridge!!

Six weeks at La Paloma in Tucson, bookended with snowshoeing in Breckenridge, made for a fun and very sunny winter:):):)  The hard part was coming back to cloudy weather, cold and even a little snow.  The KS winds are always tricky when planning bike rides and have required some indoor spinning classes.  I am now back with the trainer three times a week.  For the first time I am sore today!!!  Even though I have worked out some on my own, it seems impossible to push myself as much as the trainer does!!  I am walking the Shawnee Mission hills, 4.5 miles, twice a week with six lbs in the backpack and ready to take it to eight lbs. My goal by June 10th is to be able to walk nine miles at Shawnee Mission Park with 10-15 lb backpack weight.  Thank goodness for my walking and biking partner, Barb.  It is so helpful to have a support system as there are days you want to stay in bed when it is cloudy and cold??!!  It was quite easy in Tucson when the sun was shining every day!!!

Tucson, Gates Pass, 3/11

Two and a half hour hike on Gates Pass. This was the second, flatter route. Turned back on the first one that was steep with loose rocks!!??!!

Tucson, 3/13 Mt Lemmon & Gates Pass

Barb arrived on Wed and we rode Mt. Lemmon on Thursday, hiked Gates Pass on Friday, and did a 23 mile biking loop yesterday.  Biking Mt. Lemmon twice in one week is enough!!  We abandoned the ride leader on Gates Pass after 30 minutes and came back down.  Very loose rocks and gravel on a steep ascent did not make sense to me or seem safe!!!!!!!!!  We drove to another trail head and had a safer more pleasant hike.  Susie lives near so she actually hiked back to her house and had lunch and Margaritas ready for us!!  A perpect ending!!!!!!!!!!!!  Social life has been over the top!  Tonight, we go to Judy and Pablo's for our sixth happy hour in six days!!!!  It has been fun but I could not continue this???!!!  In an hour we will ride to Rincon Market with the KC group for the every Sunday "Farmer's Market" breakfast.  It has been in the 80's for the last week!!!  Most important, we see the sun every single day!!

Tucson summary 3/8/11

I have been in Tucson for five glorious weeks and I leave in a week.  Weight training is not the same without a trainer but I have managed to use reciprocity at JCC and average 2-3 times a week lifting weights on  my own.  I have hiked once a week with the longest hike 9.2 miles.  Sally Krusing, (climbed Kili two yrs ago) suggested that hike was equal to the longest Kili hike, without the altitude!!!  Pontatoc Ridge last week with Lynn & Ginny was shorter but it was a little more technical and a great work-out.  Bike rides have averaged about three a week.  The Mt Lemmon ride, which I have done every Tuesday, is a great cross trainer!!  Today, after Mt Lemmon, I am looking forward to a round of golf with Bill and Kay W. and a dinner at North.  We have had great meals at Jasper's, Vivace, Arizona Inn, Firebirds, and an amazing sunset/meal at Hacienda Del Sol.  Lynn and Ginny left yesterday and Barb comes in tomorrow.   Life is "oh so good" !!!!!:):)::)

Pontatoc Ridge hike, Tucson, 3/5/11

Pontatoc Ridge, Tucson - A gorgeous day, 78 degrees, starting at 9 am and finishing around 1:30. Close to my condo at La Paloma. Friends of Lynn and Ginny joined us; Jack, Gary and Connie. It was a great overlook of the city and especially the Westin golf course and La Paloma. It is the closest I have been to Finger Rock!! We finished with a great lunch at Blanco!! Foot feels fine but it always does the same day!!

Mt Lemmon, Seven Cataracts

Sally K. and I rode to Seven Cataracts, mile nine, on the Tuesday Mt. Lemmon ride. It was my first ride past Molina Basin.

Marlene, Tucson, Aqua Caliente Ridge,2/11

We missed the hiking group so Barb and I lagged behind and hiked this ridge on a cool Friday in the middle of February; about 4 miles. The foot felt fine. Yea!!