Well, May started out well with a camping trip to Hilltop Campground near Lynx Lake south of Prescott, AZ. We went up Thursday after work to find an almost empty campground so we had our pick and chose a perfect spot. It is over 5,000 feet in elevation so even at this time of year it is cool/cold at night and I’m glad my sleeping bag is rated for cold temps. I went up with my running group for the weekend and spent most of it napping in my hammock and hanging out playing games and having a few beers. On Friday morning we rented the spot next to us so the rest of the group would be right there and we could build our encampment. Many of us brought our bikes so a bit of mountain biking was accomplished and was very much fun.

Today was our Wednesday run and it was 95 degrees when we started, but it cooled down nicely when the sun began to set. By the time we were done it was nearly 85 – brrr.

Friday is our Full Moon run which is always fun and Sunday is the Mother’s Day run where we have to dress like our Mom. It should be a really fun time.

On Saturday I went to a matinee of the new X-Men movie Wolverine which was excellent.

Sunday morning or Mother’s Day is also mountain biking and I really look forward to that weekly event. UPDATE: This morning Jim and I went riding on the Mormon Loop Trail at South Mountain and it was a great trail. I like it much more than Desert Classic since it is all uphill and offers some great terrain. We ran into a couple of other friends on the trail who were riding as well and had a nice talk during a break for us all. As the weather heats up our rides get earlier, but this morning was perfect. Even at around 90F it was pretty nice with a breeze blowing through the hills to cool us off.

Happy Mother’s Day! I am so lucky to have the parents I have and as I get older I am more and more thankful for their ongoing support and love.

Well, that’s it for now. Next Friday (15th) is my birthday so I’m sure I’ll have a nice weekend. YEAH!

We had a run last Saturday (16th) which was the Graduation Day Run and quite a few people showed up to show their support for running and beer. The run went around the ASU area and with temperatures around 105 it was pretty toasty, but fun.

On Wednesday (20th) our run went over six miles, but it was fun and crazy. There are some neat little communities around Via De Ventura and Pima and I know our whistles may have disturbed some of elders living in the area.

This morning (24th) was my first North Mountain area, Trail 100 ride. It did not go as well as I had wanted, but was still fun. I had a rear tire issue and had to hike back to fix it. Tomorrow morning will be better since I’ll be on familiar turf on South Mountain.

Later in the month I had a few more runs with the group and hiked around Blue Ridge Reservoir, Fossil Creek and went to Chihuly one more time.

As the month comes to a close I am increasingly thankful for my family and friends. You have all helped me so much and I too hope that I have helped you.

See you soon for more updates.