Desert Heat & Big Wins: Our Phoenix Adventure March 17-24, 2026
What a week in the Arizona desert! Our time in Phoenix was the perfect blend of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable accomplishments, despite the relentless 105° heat. While exploring near Apache Junction, I caught a flash of zebra-striped wings and a vibrant red cap. It was a Gila Woodpecker , a bird that seems entirely unfazed by the brutal March sun or the formidable spines of its home. Of course, I couldn't visit Mesa without hitting the trails. Before the swim meet humidity took over my day, I headed out to Usery Mountain Regional Park for a 4.5 mile run . Coming from the higher elevations of Castle Rock, I thought I’d be ready for the challenge, but the Sonoran Desert is its own beast. The terrain at Usery is beautiful sweeping views of the Goldfield Mountains and trails lined with those architectural Saguaros, even though I was terrified of seeing a rattlesnake. We kicked off the trip with a visit to Saguaro Lake, spending the day at B...