What They Don't Tell You About Hiking In Arizona

What They Don't Tell You About Hiking In Arizona

Be prepared to see a lot of dogs and old people. Oh, and dirt.

Kaitlyn McDonald
Kaitlyn McDonald Feb 11, 2019
3296
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My alarm went off at 7:30 am, if you know me then you know that for me that's basically like 5:00 am. I seriously contemplated falling off my bed just to injure myself so I wouldn't have to go on this hike.

After I read the customary "Good morning beautiful" text from my loving boyfriend, I knew I had to put my big girl pants on and suck it up. This hike was going to happen and I had an hour and thirty minutes to mentally prepare myself for whatever the day had planned. I stopped and got a bagel from the student union and we were on the road headed to Sedona.

The drive was faster than I expected and before I knew it we were driving past windows the read, "Psychic" and "Find your inner peace here." Sedona is known for being in an energy vortex where visitors can come to recharge and meditate in order to find healing and relaxation. A little strange, but to each their own. I was here to prove a point and I wasn't going to let anything (even a vortex) come between me and that mountain.

I somehow convinced my boyfriend to let me look in all the souvenir shops (my favorite part of any trip) first before the hike. I was on the hunt for the perfect hydro sticker and I was convinced that sicker would make it all worth it. Downtown Sedona has a small-town feel with a gorgeous view of the iconic red rocks. There are a plethora of Indian jewelry shops and probably my favorite, the Cowboy Club restaurant.

Downtown Sedona Pinterest

After I got my sticker we headed to the trails. After a 15 minute drive, we arrived and thank God we got a parking spot close to the trail because it was packed. Who knew so many people were willing and even skipping to get to these long stretches of dirt road.

Immediately I realized that I should've dished out the extra cash to take the Pink Jeep Tour that I laughed at when we were downtown.

"Why pay money to ride in a jeep if you can just walk for free?" I thought to myself and boy, was I humbled. It wasn't more than five minutes before I said:

"So where exactly are we going..."


Views of Sedona Red Rocks

We were on the hunt for Devil's Bridge, a natural sandstone arch located in Sedona. The hike features breathtaking views of the Red Rock Country that surrounds the trail. One thing I wasn't quite prepared for was the chill in the air that day.

I learned that leggings aren't the best hiking attire. So make sure you plan ahead and dress warmly, especially if you're hiking when the sun isn't out.


Sedona, AZ


I did not expect to see so many old couples hand in hand walking the trails. I was convinced that if these 70 to 80-year old sweethearts could successfully make it up and down this mountain, then you better bet that my 21-year-old butt could too.

However, let me tell you about the absolute best part of this hike and I'm sure many others. Dogs. So many dogs. This trail does allow dogs as long as they remain on a leash. With every turn or hill, there was a different dog and I couldn't help but think God was motivating me to keep on going.

Also, be prepared to get a little dirty. *wink* There was no lack of mud puddles and dust storms on the trail. That being said, don't wear your brand new pair of Nikes unless you're ready for them to be unrecognizable.


Devil's Bridge, Sedona AZ

After taking a few (okay maybe a little bit more than a few) rest breaks, we made it to our destination. Let me say, every second of this four-mile hike was SO worth it. There is something about standing on top of a mountain and looking out that is truly spectacular. You feel accomplished and ever so grateful for the nature that encompasses your surroundings.

Going on this hike not only tested my physical strength and endurance, but it gave me a moment to be truly stunned by our Creator and His amazing creation. Words can not even begin to describe the talent and creativity that God possesses.

With that being said, do yourself a favor and go take a hike.

Kaitlyn McDonald
Kaitlyn McDonald Feb 11, 2019
At Grand Canyon University

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I'm A Woman And You Can't Convince Me Breastfeeding In Public Is OK In 2019

Sorry, not sorry.

Megan Crabb
Megan Crabb Oct 27, 2018
19414
views

Lately, I have seen so many people going off on social media about how people shouldn't be upset with mothers breastfeeding in public. You know what? I disagree.

There's a huge difference between being modest while breastfeeding and just being straight up careless, trashy and disrespectful to those around you. Why don't you try popping out a boob without a baby attached to it and see how long it takes for you to get arrested for public indecency? Strange how that works, right?

So many people talking about it bring up the point of how we shouldn't "sexualize" breastfeeding and seeing a woman's breasts while doing so. Actually, all of these people are missing the point. It's not sexual, it's just purely immodest and disrespectful.

If you see a girl in a shirt cut too low, you call her a slut. If you see a celebrity post a nude photo, you call them immodest and a terrible role model. What makes you think that pulling out a breast in the middle of public is different, regardless of what you're doing with it?

If I'm eating in a restaurant, I would be disgusted if the person at the table next to me had their bare feet out while they were eating. It's just not appropriate. Neither is pulling out your breast for the entire general public to see.

Nobody asked you to put a blanket over your kid's head to feed them. Nobody asked you to go feed them in a dirty bathroom. But you don't need to basically be topless to feed your kid. Growing up, I watched my mom feed my younger siblings in public. She never shied away from it, but the way she did it was always tasteful and never drew attention. She would cover herself up while doing it. She would make sure that nothing inappropriate could be seen. She was lowkey about it.

Mindblowing, right? Wait, you can actually breastfeed in public and not have to show everyone what you're doing? What a revolutionary idea!

There is nothing wrong with feeding your baby. It's something you need to do, it's a part of life. But there is definitely something wrong with thinking it's fine to expose yourself to the entire world while doing it. Nobody wants to see it. Nobody cares if you're feeding your kid. Nobody cares if you're trying to make some sort of weird "feminist" statement by showing them your boobs.

Cover up. Be modest. Be mindful. Be respectful. Don't want to see my boobs? Good, I don't want to see yours either. Hard to believe, I know.

Megan Crabb
Megan Crabb Oct 27, 2018
At University of Missouri

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5 Things You Need To Do To Get In Shape For Spring Break

Florida, here we come.

katherineangelina
katherineangelina Feb 12, 2019
432
views

Spring break preparation has begun. Here are all the tips you need to get there.

1. Water, Water, Water, Water, and... Water

Water is the key to shading that extra weight in time for spring break. It helps keep you full longer and enhance your metabolism. Get in a routine and drink a certain amount of water bottles per day.

2. Add Fiber To Your Diet

Fiber has been proven to have an incredible effect on weight loss. Per Healthine, a fiber intake gain of 14 grams showed an average calorie cut of 10% each day.

3. Have a High Protein First Meal 

Your first meal of the day should be high in protein which reduces your appetite throughout the day and reduces hormones that trigger hunger. Not to mention, protein is essential to your muscles you should be working in the gym!

4. Try HIIT Cardio and Weightlifting

High Intensive Interval Training is the new craze in the health and fitness world. HIIT serves as a fat-blasting cardio training. Lifting weights not only helps gain muscle but is proven to have more "afterburner" calories than cardio. The combination will help you get gain physical health and strength that you should be practicing all year round (not just February and March!)

5. Get Enough Sleep 

Your body needs time to rest and gain those muscles you have just worked out in the gym. Healthy night sleep is considered to be anywhere from 6-8 hours. Sleep deprivation increases hunger throughout the following day and can deprive yourself of energy you need to get through any workouts.

katherineangelina
katherineangelina Feb 12, 2019
At Syracuse University

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