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MORMON MOUNTAIN Coconino National Forest Mormon Mountain Having hiked up Mormon Mountain perhaps a dozen times, I�ve decided to give it a nickname: Upside Down Mountain. That�s because when compared to a typical mountain trek experience, this one plays outside the box. First, the most difficult climbing happens along its base rather than near the top and second, views normally gained on summits are seen near the bottom of this trail.   Although some online reports besmirch Mormon Mountain Trail #58 because of its failure to conform, I rank it high on my list of must-dos because of its renegade nature.   Dense coniferous forests cover much of the trail Shrouded in an old growth forest, the lumpy dome of Mormon Mountain is an impressive landmark on the western edge of Flagstaff�s plateau lakes region.   Despite its beguiling profile, the trail that ascends its southeast face is pleasantly devoid of crowds. Richardson's Geranium bloom April through October The route�s gradual but stea

FRUITS OF THE DESERT GUIDED HIKES Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek Saguaro fruits ripen in early July The Rim is on fire, Flagstaff is covered in smoke, there's a blaze on Mt.Graham and who knows what other wildfires will break out and cause closures to our high-country hiking trails over the next few weeks?   Of course, we must first be concerned with the safety of firefighters and the communities surrounding the blazes. No matter how badly we Valley dwellers want to escape the heat and hike in the cool pines, we should stay out of the way. So, what? Give up hiking until the monsoon comes? No way. Instead, stay in town and take part in a hike that celebrates the annual ripening of saguaro fruits.  Ranger Kevin Smith at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in Cave Creek has educational hikes planned for July 1, 7 and 8 that focus on the identification of wild foods hiding in plain sight along local trails. Harvesting saguaro fruits The treks start early and end before t

Sven Scheuermeier [Episode 110] Today's episode of the Social Work Podcast is the first of a three-part series on the arc of therapy � the beginning, middle and end.  In today�s episode I�m going to talk about the beginning phase of therapy. I'll talk about some conceptual issues like what do people want when they come to treatment, and how should you be with clients? I�m also going to review some of the more concrete aspects of the beginning of treatment like biopsychosocial and DSM assessment, talking about confidentiality and billing. I want this episode to be interesting whether you�re a first year social work student or a 35 year veteran of the field. I�d like to thank TheraNest for sponsoring this three episode series. TheraNest is simple and affordable practice management software. To start your free 21-day trial and save 20% on your first 3 months, sign up at  theranest.com/socialworkpodcast . Download MP3  [46:28] TheraNest.com is a practice management and therapy n

2017 SUMMER WILDFIRE INFO Boundary Fire north of Flagstaff 6-10-17 Here we go again---it's wildfire season in Arizona. Already, dozens of blazes are active around the state---many of them near popular hiking trails and campgrounds. Cars are being turned around on access roads by fire personnel and hikers are finding out too late that they can't get to their planned trails due to closures. Please, stay out of closure areas. This is not only for your safety, but to ensure the firefighters can do their jobs without interference. BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT, CHECK THE InciWeb SITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFO ON WILDFIRE STATUS AND CLOSURES: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/3/

WOODY MOUNTAIN Coconino National Forest View of Rogers Lake In the blockbuster theater of Flagstaff-area peaks, Woody Mountain plays more of a supporting role. Rising to just over 8,000 feet, the pine-covered cinder cone volcano stands above the wetlands of Rogers Lake not as soaring crests like nearby Bill Williams Mountain and the San Francisco Peaks, but as a low-profile mound.   In terms of mountain-conquering hiking experiences, this one makes for a satisfying starter trail that gets you to a beautiful high point without having to invest a lot of sweat or route-finding. Roadside stock tank just outside of the natural area boundary Located partially within the Rogers Lake County Natural Area south of Flagstaff, the service road that goes to the summit serves as the trail. The road can also be accessed by way of the Gold Digger Trail which you can pick up at a trailhead a half-mile beyond the start point. But, if your eyes are solely on the summit prize, beginning at the road gate i

THOMPSON TRAIL #629 Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Parts of Thompson Trail survived the Wallow Fire Trails with good bones have a way of reinventing themselves after a major wildfire. When the 2011 Wallow Fire---the largest in Arizona history-- roared through the woodlands around Mount Baldy and Big Lake, the nearby Thompson Trail #629 suffered heavy damage that will change is character as it recovers. Because of its good bones, the classic White Mountains route that follows the West Fork of the Black River still embodies everything great about high country trails�a creek with native fish, moss-laced trees, clump grass meadows and shadowy forests teeming with wildlife. West Fork of the Black River flows along the trail But the blaze altered its feel. The fire impacted the trail in patchwork style leaving some sections intact and others charred beyond recognition. The most noticeable change is the loss of shade-casting fir and spruce trees that had covered the canyon walls surroundin