Desert Rats

First workout in the desert, 100F! Brown's Ranch.

It couldn't have been a more painful time to leave Seattle, not just because of my dad's passing, but the weather in the Northwest is beyond ideal. All the snow has melted above 6000ft in the mountains so new trails have opened up. The lake is the perfect temperature for swimming, and it usually peaks at 90F mid day. Everyone in Scottsdale gawks at us when we tell them we moved here from Seattle in July.

Most of the greater Phoenix area hates the summers here because the temperatures can be unbearable, especially when it climbs to 120F. It has taken some adjustment, but would you believe me if I told you I actually love it? Phoenix is not what I was expecting, but I discovered that back during my interviews when I explored the area. There is substantial green space in the city which caters to Justin and my trail running obsession. Every day of the week we could run a new trail if we wanted. It also seems like every main road has a green belt for biking (or running) which is an additional plus for getting around. Phoenix is dead center in the state which makes it a gateway to all the amazing places scattered through Arizona, like Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, and Payson to name a few.

The intake of liquids is at an all time high - higher than my days working on the equator as a wildlife biologist because the dry heat sucks every ounce of moisture from my body. We have been drinking heaps of Cactus Blossom Tea which soothes the soul on a 100+ day. Upon move-in to our new apartment we were given a generous Visa gift card from the leasing company (because no one moves to Phoenix in July!!) and we immediately bought a Vitamix and a popsicle mold. Both have enhanced our lives in the desert beyond words.

The two photos above were taken a few blocks from our apartment. I'm not lying when I say Phoenix is green! Our little studio is nestled between Papago Nature Park and Tempe Town Lake. We clearly were catering to our running needs when choosing where to live, but we are also directly on the light rail line which takes me straight to school.

Arizona is treating us well and we are soaking up all the desert has to offer before my program gets full swing in the fall. I'll be writing more about the surrounding areas we've been exploring so I can share all the treasures of this beautiful place with you.