Jenna Volden has a degree in business and has spent the last 10 plus years working for others. She believes it is time to start her own photography and writing business. She enjoys running, coffee and helping others achieve their goals. Gluten-free foods are a lifestyle, not a choice, for her due to celiac disease. She is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona.
If you are looking for a way to explore your state, State Parks are a great place to start. They often preserve historically significant sites. They offer a way to see your state and learn it’s history!
Slide Rock State Park
In Arizona, there are currently 31 state parks spread throughout. But when did we decide we needed to save these places for future generations? It all started 63 years ago. In 1957 the Governor appointed seven (7) members to a state park board.
As far as I could find in my research, Tubac was the first official state park.
On December 12, 1957, Frank and Olga Griffin donated three (3) lots to the Parks board through their Tubac Restoration Foundation. The donated land became a park, with a museum, ruins, and the first Arizona printing press became an official park on September 28, 1958.
Tombstone Courthouse was the second official state park and opened in 1959. The Courthouse was built in 1882 for $50,000. It has been preserved as a museum and has a replica of the gallows where seven (7) men were hung. The building is shaped like a cross.
Jerome’s Douglas Mansion was placed on the board’s 10-year plan, which in research makes it look like the first, but it didn’t open until October 16, 1965. Jerom is a very scenic part of the state and historically significant, and the Doulas Mansion was chosen as the ideal site for a visitor center and museum. When it opened, admission was 25 cents for each adult.
The most recent park was added in 2016 to honor the Granite Mountain Hot Shots, who lost their lives during a 2013 wildfire. The memorial is at the site where they lost their lives. There’s a 3.5-mile hike to get to the monument. Spots along the walk are marked with plaques honoring each of the men.
State Parks aren’t without drama.
Due to budget cuts in 2009 and 2010, several state parks were closed. It looks like all parks have since opened back up. And most recently, the Governor fired the Parks director in late 2018 for mistreatment of employees and cultural sites. Archeologists should not be damaging cultural sites; they should be preserving them. Or leaving them alone because its not their culture.
Which Arizona State Parks have you visited? Which ones do you hope to visit?
I’ve decided to start sharing the books I read each month with my thoughts on each book. Every year I try to read at least 52 books (one per week), so I can share at least four every month. I’m trying to do a mix of kindle, paperback, fiction, and non-fiction each month. I’m also forcing myself only to read books I already own and not buy new books this year! I own over 400 – I take advantage of my Prime membership and free/discounted books. I also have started buying used books. As long as they have no writing or highlighting. PLEASE STOP DOING THIS PEOPLE! No one else cares what you thought was an excellent passage. LOL
I’m also planning books based on prompts from three different reading challenges (since I couldn’t decide on just one). I’m using Goodreads ATR, PopSugar, and Book Riots Read Harder. I started a spreadsheet with all the prompts and the books that fit most of them. There’s some I won’t have books for unless and Amazon Prime Reading book fits (and I don’t have ten books out already LOL).
For January, I started with Influencer by Brittany Hennessy for the social media prompt. It was an easy, fast read. I would recommend this book only if you want to be a true influencer. I picked it up on Amazon Prime Reading, thinking I may get some tips for my business, but it’s more for beauty and fashion influencers. I did get a few ideas for this blog, but the goal isn’t to be an influencer, but rather to share my love of fitness, running, and books. The only thing I did not like about it was the influencer interviews got to be very repetitive. They pretty much all said the same things. I gave it three stars on Goodreads, which means it was an average book, not bad. Would I re-read it? Nope. Would I recommend it? Yes, to someone that wants to work at being an influencer.
Next, I read The Hunger Games (yup, little behind there) for the first book in a series prompt. I’ve had the first and third books for a while and finally bought the second book, so I figured it was time to read. I’ve watched the movies, so I knew the general story (plus knowing there are two more books in the series I kind of figure the main character will live). I gave it five stars which for me means it’s a fantastic book and everyone should read it. Even though I had seen the movie, I was on the edge of my seat and did not want to put the book down. I didn’t see Jennifer Lawrence but yet could picture my version of Katniss. I must admit I read all of Haymitch’s lines in Woody Harrelson’s voice. LOL If you haven’t read this one, I highly encourage you to pick it up.
The only non-kindle book I read this month.
The third book I read was Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste, and Style for the book by an LGBTQIA+ prompt. I was a little disappointed with this book. I had previously read his book Gunn’s Golden Rule and liked that one. I think there was some useful info in A Guide to Quality, Taste, and Style, but it felt contrived. Almost like he was trying too hard. I gave it three stars but not sure I’d recommend it. It had some basic advice and a lot of things I already knew, but it seemed to be a very surface-level look at style. I would have liked a more deeper dive in a few areas.
For my last January book, I decided to read The Upside of Falling Down by Rebekah Crane. I picked it up what feels like years ago on Amazon Prime Reading and never read it. It fits the prompt of an author with flora or fauna in their name (crane). It’s not as well known as The Hunger Games, so a brief synopsis: a young woman is the only survivor of a plane crash. She wakes up in the hospital with no memory from before the crash. This was a fast read. About halfway through, I started figuring out the story, but I still enjoyed the book. The ending wrapped up a little too quickly. Overall I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads.
Since I had extra time in the month, I added an Ann Rule book I had on Amazon Prime. The End of the Dream: The Golden Boy Who Never Grew Up fit my a book you meant to read in 2019 prompt because I grabbed it in 2019 but never got around to reading my Prime books. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads, but I rounded up from 3.5. The crime story was good, but I felt like Rule spent too much time giving the background of every single person involved. I think she could have gotten the point across with a little less information. I found myself skimming a few times because it was becoming long and repetitive. Rule is usually known for her wordy, murder stories, but this was a wordy bank robber. I had never heard of the case, and it was interesting to see her do something non-murder.
I still had time left in the month, so I started another Prime Reading book, How to be an Imperfectionist by Stephen Guise. For the prompt picked based on something you read in 2019 (Present over Perfect). I like how the book was set up. The first half was informative while the second half offered ways to work on letting go of perfectionism. The areas that I felt needed the most work on felt like a skim rather than a deep dive. I got some value from it but felt it could have been better. The examples he gave were relatable but repetitive (a lot about dating and talking to women). I felt there could be more examples besides dating. I gave it 3 stars. If you struggle with perfectionism it may be worth your time and it’s not a difficult read.
What did you read in January? Even though I have over 400 books I’m always looking for good ones to add to my Amazon wish lists.
You want to start hiking. You see all those photos on Instagram and want to go to those amazing places.
But to get there, you have to hike.
And sometimes you need to hike far. Or scramble over rocks. You aren’t feeling confident in your skills. You haven’t hiked in years, or maybe you’ve never hiked. How do you get out there and explore all these amazing places?
Thankfully, hiking is pretty easy to start. You can also begin pretty cheap. You don’t need a ton of expensive gear to get out and enjoy nature.
Before we start a little disclaimer: Always check with your doctor before beginning any physical activity. I am not a doctor. I don’t know your physical capabilities, so get checked out and cleared then start on this list.
Top 5 Tips to Start Hiking
Start getting the gear you will need. The bare minimum you will need is a good pair of boots, a hydration pack, and proper clothing. I really like Merrell for shoes, but you should go and try on a few different brands and find what works for you. As for clothing, moisture-wicking and layers are essential. Some people wear leggings while others prefer more traditional hiking pants or shorts. Shoes, packs, and clothing are all about personal preference.
Pick your trail. Start small. I would suggest finding a short, easy route for your first time out and then to slowly build up miles and difficulties. All Trails is a great website/app to start discovering places. Otherwise, city, county, state, or national parks have a wide variety of distances and challenges.
Take enough water and snacks with you. The time of year and distance will determine how much water you need. Start with about half a liter of water per hour you will be out and adjust as you figure out your needs. I like to sip water every 15-20 minutes (or around every mile). During hot summer months in Phoenix, I tend to sip every half mile. As for sacks, I usually only eat when I am out for four or more hours. I eat a filling breakfast (usually oatmeal) and will eat a big lunch after. If I’m out longer, I will take either pickybars or lunch (sandwich, fruit, and chips). Again, you will start to learn what you need.
Trail etiquette is imperative to learn before you head out. As a hiker, there are a few scenarios you need to keep in mind. Hikers headed up have the right of way. Sometimes uphill hikers will allow you to pass because they need a break. Mountain bikers are supposed to yield to hikers, but many times, it’s easier for a hiker to step aside. Everyone yields to horses. Always keep to the right and be aware of your surroundings. If you hear faster hikers coming up behind, you step aside and let them pass. If you are out with a group, please try to stay single file or move to a single file line if other’s are coming u behind you or approaching.
Leave no trace. Pack it in/pack it out. Leave only footsteps, take only photos. Seriously. This one is not optional. If you have snacks, take the wrappers with you. Don’t go off-trail. Leave rocks and other cool looking things on the trail. If it’s so cool that you want to remember it, take a photo. Then you can print the picture, hang it on your wall, and enjoy it forever!
Have a doggo you want to take hiking? Make sure to have the vet check them out and then build their mileage slowly like you did for yourself. Get your dog a little pack to carry a water bowl, food (if needed), and poop bags. Always pick up your dog’s poop and carry it out. Please don’t leave it behind to pick up on the way back. Our dog has to carry her own poop if she doesn’t go at the trailhead (with a garbage can nearby).
Do you hike? What is your favorite park or trail to head to?
Marble Canyon near Page, Arizona, is home to the Colorado River.
We walked to the Navajo Bridge from our hotel and took a few photos, including this one. I love how dark the water is and the reflection of the canyon walls. I think it contrasts nicely with the bright blue sky and orange-ish rocks.
I also like the layers. You have the sky, distant cliffs, then the canyon and river. I would love to go back and shoot this same spot during sunrise or sunset instead of mid-day. I think it would help with the shadows in the canyon and river. I still love this photo, but we can always find ways to improve.
Have you been to Page? If so, what was your favorite thing to see? I know Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are the big draws, but I urge you to look around and find the other gems, like Navajo Bridge. We were the only ones there, and it was quite beautiful and peaceful.
I’ve been trying to train for and run a marathon for the past five years — half a decade. And guess what? I’m throwing in the towel. At least for now. A few weeks back, I went out for my 16-mile run, and about 3 miles in, I realized I no longer wanted to do a marathon. You can read more about it here.
I’ve been relaxing and recovering for the past week or two. Not pushing myself or running a lot. I needed the break both mentally and physically. I’m slowly getting myself back into a routine. I often forget that taking a break from training is just as important as the training itself.
I took the time when I broke my leg, but it was forced, not my choice.
I started planning 2020 trail races, and I’m excited at the idea of smaller runs, closer to home, and shorter distances. I was going to drop to the half or 10k at Rock n Roll AZ, but the thought of getting up, driving across the valley, and waiting in corrals with thousands of people makes me cringe. I’ll probably pick up my packet and run a trail that morning.
I want to hit 1000 miles in 2020. I was doing pretty well in 2019 until I broke my leg. I missed about 3 months of running. Then one to two months were spent doing a couch to 5k type program. I ended up with about 610 miles. I plan to hit 85 miles each month. I’ve found my sweet spot to be about 80-90 monthly miles. I’ve hit 100 a few times, but it’s hard for me.
I also want to refocus on losing weight and reducing body fat.
I’ve started tracking my food again. I reset all my calorie and macros goals and hope to track daily. I haven’t started weighing food yet. I figure baby steps, and once I get into the habit of tracking, I can add in weighing. I truly believe in taking it one small change at a time.
I decided, on a whim, to do Dry January as well. I sometimes have a drink after work a couple of days a week. I figure I can cut 70ish calories easy by cutting out cocktails. And maybe cutting it out will improve my sleep a tiny bit? So far, I haven’t noticed a difference there.
I plan like I do every year to update this blog more. I made calendar entries, so hopefully, it will keep me on track. My goal is to post 3 of 4 weeks in a month (the fourth post will be on my true crime blog, Only Joggers Find Bodies). I hope to write one fitness blog and one general life blog each month. The last blog of the month will be my “book club” post, where I share what I read that month, rate, and give my thoughts.
National Parks are an excellent destination for everyone. They offer a wide variety of fun for all ages and skill levels. But how did they come about?
Yellowstone was the very first National Park in the world, created in 1872. But before that, President Lincoln created the Yosemite Grant Act to protect the land. This act set a precedent for the future National Park system.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
The most recent National Park?
White Sands in New Mexico was just changed from National Monument to Park. It’s not uncommon for land to change from Park to Monument or even form National Park to state-owned land! Papago Park in Phoenix was once a National Monument!
Through the 1900s National Parks were independently managed. The first superintendent of Yellowstone was given no pay and no staff. Eventually, park management was given to the Army. President Woodrow Wilson later established the much needed National Park Service for the management of the public lands. The NPS falls under the Department of Interior and was required to preserve the parks for future generations.
President Theodore Roosevelt is often thought of as the leader of National Parks. And for a good reason! He created five new parks, 18 National Monuments, and much more.
National Parks and Monuments vary based on the reason why the land is set aside. Parks are preserved for their scenic and recreational value.
A separate act was signed in 1906 to establish National Monuments. National Monuments are areas of cultural or historical significance. Monuments can include buildings like Ford Theater.
The USA isn’t the only country to create a national park system. There are around 1200 national parks in over 100 countries!
What has been your favorite park visit so far?
Did you like this brief history? I am thinking about writing up histories and facts about the parks that I have visited. I think it could be fun to reminisce and share photos!
Sometimes your dreams and goals change. There can be many reasons for it, and it can take time to see and accept it.
I’ve been chasing a marathon for several years and was pushing to get to the line in January. This weekend I realized the marathon is no longer my dream. I went to start my 16 miles, and my right ankle was aching from the start. I realized since I broke my leg, I wasn’t enjoying marathon training.
I haven’t been able to get much speed back or distance. My 13-mile long run took me around 3 hours. 20+ minutes longer than any other 13-mile training run I’ve ever done. I was miserable for the last four miles.
It’s hard to accept that dreams change.
I cried, denied it, and finally accepted it. I no longer get joy from road races and long runs. I don’t know what changed from early June when I loved my 16 and 18-mile runs. I know it wasn’t just I broke my leg and now everything is different. Or maybe that was the catalyst.
I haven’t been sleeping or working out. Or much of anything. I was stressed and overwhelmed. I feel much lighter now that I’ve let go of the marathon.
Now I plan to focus on shorter trail races. I hate the idea of running in my neighborhood, of hitting the streets. All I want to do is head out to the trails. There’s peace, calm, and openess there. My stress melts away when I hit the trails.
I want to continue doing the Cactus Flower Run Series and work on my strength training. But I’m not sure what else 2020 will hold for me. I started a list of trail races in my area and need to start plotting them out. I live pretty close to two county parks and want to do all the races at those two.
Trying to pick a favorite image from a place is hard. If it’s made it to my website it means I love it. The process to narrow down images is hard, especially when I can see all the little differences in each photo. Others may think they are very similar but after staring at them and going back ad forth for hours I’m like nope, they are so different!
I know. It’s an issue and something I need to work on!
Horseshoe Bend is located in Page, AZ and is considered part of the Glen Canyon recreational area. It’s pretty famous on Instagram now and gets quite busy. It’s also a dangerous spot and several people have fallen to their death there. It’s definitely an area you need to watch your step and stay away from the edge.
Black & White is always my favorite.But here is the color version too.
Since our visit, Horseshoe bend has changed. There is now a better path to the viewing area and fencing. The new path allows for easier access under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is great! I believe everyone should be able to see this amazing place. I haven’t been but I’ve read about the changes. They also charge for parking now and if busy, you may be required to use the shuttle system.
Want a piece of Arizona on your wall? Check out my shop!
We love to get in our truck and head out to the open road. Whether it’s a day trip or a week-long, road trips can be tons of fun but also are ripe for arguments and disaster. How can you best prepare for a road trip?
Make a list. Or two. -Depending on your kind of road trip you may want a few different lists. Are you camping or hitting the resort? I always start with my clothes, toiletries, and electronics/camera equipment. I also make a food list and if camping a gear list.
Start setting aside items you will want for your trip but don’t need in your everyday life. -We use our guest bed for these items. We will stack camping/hiking gear, water, and non-perishable food items in there.
Double-check your lists. -The day or night before go over your list. Is there anything you need to add? Did you forget to write down toothpaste? Then as you assemble everything into bags or suitcase, cross it off the list. Double-check before you close the bag too! Anything I need to use once before I pack it like toiletries in the morning I set on the bathroom counter as I use them instead of back into the cabinet. It makes for easy use and pack!
Check out your vehicle. -Is everything working correctly? Are any lights on? Do fluids need to be filled? How is the spare? Do you have jumper cables and an emergency kit in there?
Clean out your car. -Toss all the garbage and take out all the stuff you’ve accumulated in the back seat. If you have time, vacuum and clean the windows. You’ll be more comfortable and have more room once all the unneeded stuff and garbage are gone.
Make a car kit (or two). -Make sure you have easy access to things you may need often. You may want easy access to your toothbrush and toothpaste after meals. Or a quick snack while on the road. It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit at the ready.
Make a loose plan. -Where are you going? How will you get there? Roadtrippers is a great website for planning routes. Make any reservations you will need. Look up must-see spots on the way and/or at your destination. Don’t under or over plan. It’s best to have an idea and roll with the day.
Stopping at multiple National Parks? -Grab an annual pass and don’t worry about entrance fees when you get there!
Prep your phone. -You may have spots without service. Fill your phone with maps, music, and podcasts before you leave. You don’t want to find yourself in the middle of nowhere with no music and only the sound of your angry spouse saying “I told you you should have downloaded some music”. 😉
Get gas before you need it! -You don’t want to find yourself out of gas and nowhere to get it. You also probably don’t want to walk 5-10 miles carrying a gas can either. Once you get to about half to a quarter of a tank left it’s always a good idea to start looking for a gas station. Plus you can take bathroom breaks or grab some must needed snacks! (And caffeine).
Everyone loves to travel, but what do you take with you?
I swear the hardest thing about traveling is the packing. My biggest fear is forgetting something. I know it’s not rational because most items can easily be replaced while traveling. I’ve forgotten nail clippers in the past and had to spend $5 at the hotel store so I could fix a broken nail. Now I always keep extra clippers in my travel bag.
Top Five Packing Tips
Make a List – About a week or so before any trip, I start writing out a list of everything I’ll need. I do mine in a specific order to make sure I do not forget anything. I begin with clothing. How many pairs of underwear and socks do I need? After I’ve written out how many pairs of pants and shirts, I move to toiletries. Finally, all electronics and if I’m flying carry on items.
Pick pieces that work with everything you bring. I usually bring a pair of sneakers and wear a pair for travel day. I sometimes will take sandals or specialty shoes (hiking, running) if needed. But I am all about packing as little as possible. I pack jeans or shorts and neutral tops. All items I can mix and match depending on what I feel like that day. I don’t want to end up with a pair of purple pants and an orange shirt on my last day.
Before you put anything in a suitcase or bag, lay everything out. I start gathering items the week before and putting them on the guest room bed. This ties into step two because I can survey and make sure everything goes together.
Start with shoes. I stuff smaller items into whatever shoes are going in the suitcase. Shoes always go on the bottom. I do bottoms next, then pajamas and shirts. Lastly, I put in toiletries the day we leave. The day before a trip, every toiletry is placed on the countertop instead of back in the medicine cabinet. This way, it’s all out and just needs to be tossed in the bag! I keep a toiletry bag with my doubles of contact solution, nail clippers, and other small travel only items.
Cross off items on your list as you go! This way, you know you didn’t forget anything. Unless you didn’t write it down, of course (yup, done that too). And always double-check the list before you pack the suitcase.
