Phoenix Trip: Replenishing My Vitamin D

I think doctors should prescribe us 'northerners' a trip south at least once a month during winter. It's good for the body, mind and soul. The first half of my trip to Phoenix was business related; I'll spare you those uninteresting details. I do have to say, this trip I missed Chris and Jackson more than I ever have and that made being away so hard. Being with the Syring's the second half of the trip helped keep my mind from wandering to them (I didn't have time!).

The first afternoon after my conference ended I met Mike for lunch and then got a tour of his lab. That was awesome! Thank God I have a science background or I would have sworn he was speaking a foreigen language (he usually does). We met Mara that evening at the YMCA for a workout. It was my second of the day so I did more of my leg routine and added in abs. This was a mistake, I had no idea what the next two days held for me. Read on....

Thursday morning Mike and I did the first of two hikes, Camelback Mountain. We hiked up Cholla Trail and down Echo Canyon trail. Friday morning we hiked Tom's Thumb. Hiking in AZ, especially Camelback Mountain, is NOTHING like hiking in Wisconsin...nothing. There are some stats below about each trail. Photos of each hike are peppered in the slideshow. Mike has a nice write up on his blog if you care to know more.

Camelback Mountain Hike (Thursday: up one side and down the other)

Summit Trail (Echo Canyon)

Length: .1.2 miles one way
Elevation gain: 1,264 feet (summit is 2,704 feet)
Difficulty: Strenuous and difficult

This is a very strenuous trail recommended only for experienced hikers. The trail ascends through some spectacular sandstone rock formations and offers unparalleled views from the summit of the greater Phoenix area.



Cholla Trail
Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous and difficult

This trail is recommended only for experienced hikers. There are steep, rocky sections with drop-offs on both sides.

Tom's Thumb Trail (Friday)
RATING: Be Aware of: Route finding, scrambling, bushwacking. This is a Moderate difficulty hike.

Thursday afternoon we met Mara at the dog park for awhile. It was nice to soak up the sun and let the dogs burn off some energy. It's so much fun hearing how that morning she delivered a baby by c-section or how she held a human heart or watched the use of a rib spreader. You can tell she's loving her career path and her face really lights up when she talks about her pediatrics rotation. All in all, she loves her patients and is going to make an excellent doctor, no matter what specialty she goes in to! After Mara got off work we all met at him and made Indian food (you know how much I 'love' spicy food) and Sasha (friend of M&M and fellow DO student) came over and enjoyed the feast with us. Then it was off to rock climbing at Az on the Rocks. This I LOVED! I've already done research on climbing gyms here but they're only in Milwaukee and Madison. Damn it.

Friday was another hike in the morning and then a 4 mi run, abs and chest at the YMCA. By this time my body was actually invigorated by the physical tests, I loved it. My reward: being able to soak my aching ankles in the hot tub under the stars each night. Ahhhhhhhhh......

And then there's Roh. What a sweetheart! He's the happiest, most well-adjusted and content little man. I loved watching him as he is beginning to process thoughts and make strategic moves. Watch out Mike and Mara, you're in for one hell of a ride with this little smarty-pants! Sorry Mike but pay backs are hell (Mom has to be smiling at this statement).

Thank you to the Syring's for their hospitality!

 
For now, Mike can have his fun with Rohan. This smarty will be turning the tables in the not so distant future.

 
I can't resist posting a video that reminds me of how Mike used to act as a kid. Children bring out the kids in us all, this was cool to see.