#aravaipa

[bignaz8]

I witnessed this once in the Aravaipa Wilderness of Arizona. What a sight, especially being 10 miles deep in the wild 📷 Hilary Bralove

[stephenjams]

Aravaipa Canyon - az

[entheognosis]

The Apache are a group of culturally related Native American tribes in the Southwestern United States, which include the Chiricahua, Jicarilla, Lipan, Mescalero, Mimbreño, Ndendahe (Bedonkohe or Mogollon and Nednhi or Carrizaleño and Janero), Salinero, Plains (Kataka or Semat or "Kiowa-Apache") and Western Apache (Aravaipa, Pinaleño, Coyotero, Tonto). Distant cousins of the Apache are the Navajo, with whom they share the Southern Athabaskan languages. There are Apache communities in Oklahoma and Texas, and reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. Apache people have moved throughout the United States and elsewhere, including urban centers. The Apache Nations are politically autonomous, speak several different languages, and have distinct cultures. Historically, the Apache homelands have consisted of high mountains, sheltered and watered valleys, deep canyons, deserts, and the southern Great Plains, including areas in what is now Eastern Arizona, Northern Mexico (Sonora and Chihuahua) and New Mexico, West Texas, and Southern Colorado. These areas are collectively known as Apacheria. The Apache tribes fought the invading Spanish and Mexican peoples for centuries. The first Apache raids on Sonora appear to have taken place during the late 17th century. In 19th-century confrontations during the American-Indian wars, the U.S. Army found the Apache to be fierce warriors and skillful strategists.

[mutant-distraction]

Chris Chamberlain

Aravaipa Canyon

[mubal4]

Race Wrap Up – Copper Corridor 50k

This may be a short race report and will get into that in a minute. It was a really good day out @ the Copper Corridor 50k this past Saturday. As always, thanks to the folks at Aravaipa Running for hosting another great event. Much gratitude to the staff, volunteers, aid station crews, other participants and the spectators that cheered us on (especially that last half mile 😊). Had a great experience running the trails out in Superior, ones that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do so without this race being hosted there. Another big thank you to the town of Superior, AZ. The police force, sheriff’s, families, and the folks that came out to share in the festivities made for an even better experience.

This was a solo adventure but always appreciate the sacrifice Robin, Alaina & Isabella put in to help support me in chasing down these endeavors. They provided me with several words of encouragement leading up to the race and during the day so thank you family!! The pictures included were from my cell phone as things were getting ready to start and throughout the first third of the race. Aravaipa started this race back in 2020, with their inaugural one coming just before the world shut down. I had it on my radar to do at some point however life……. mainly Isabella’s gymnastics and Alaina’s soccer weekend’s typically took priority (wouldn’t change that either 😊). Plus, the Copper Corridor has been traditionally the weekend after Black Canyon 100k, which is one, if not the favorite race for me. Considering some events that unfolded with the soccer schedule and the 2024 race calendar, we were able to put our name in for this year’s edition and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Up until this past Saturday, I had only driven through Superior, and it doesn’t take long at tall to do so. It is about an hour from our house in NE Phoenix, east of the city as you begin heading into the mountain ranges of Pinal County. It is a small, former, mining town with some very interesting, and cool history you can read in the link above. These were all new trails to me, but I was excited to adventure into the canyons here and around Picketpost Mountain after doing some race research. My thoughts going into the race were to get a sense of my endurance and fitness after working on building my foundation for what we have outlined for the spring and summer. The course had a lot of single tracks, some technical terrain, and a few good climbs but after a hard training weekend just last week, and not having any taper, it was leading up to be an interesting event 😊. The days prior life really took over with a heavy dose of work commitments and responsibilities as well as some other personal and family obligations and obstacles we were navigating through. Needless to say my mind wasn’t on racing so I tried to take the mindset of having gratitude to be able to get away from everything and spend some hours in some new mountains and trails. Fortunately, the aftermath of the prior weekends runs left my quads and I was feeling very good leading up to the start line.

Speaking of the start line, and seriously, the tininess of Superior, my parking spot, which was along Main Street where literally 100 yards from each other. That was a very nice perk 😊. The morning was very mild with a touch of a chill but perfect temps for running. As we all gathered in the coral, after listening to a few minutes of course instructions, we were off down the main drag heading towards Picketpost Mountain in the distance and a morning full of exploring. After the ½ mile on Main Street we dipped into a single-track trail that basically skirted a creek bed and were on this for a few miles until we crossed under Highway 60 and into more of a desert landscape. The first 1/3 of the race went by smoothly with a few short climbs and descents as we meandered through a riparian area, in and out of canyons. At this point, I was with about 7-8 other runners as we ran single file enjoying the scenery, some conversation, and the ideal AZ, February weather.

The second half of the race is positioned as the toughest with the most climbing, we get up to the highest part of the course, as well as the most descent. The majority of this middle 1/3 is also exposed but as you can see from some of the shots, it is very beautiful. Additionally, these 11 to 12 miles are the most remote on the course and there is no aid, so we had to stock up before heading out into this section. Considering these elements, my plan was to take it easy on the climbs and run the downhills and flats to be able to have something left in the tank for that final 10-11 miles back to the finish. Of course, my mind was also thinking about what type of problem solving would need to be done over the next couple of hours. This was my first race since September and though the training was going well, I didn’t know how my body was going to respond considering the prior weekend’s adventure and I showed up to the race with 30 miles on my legs from the week leading up.

Around mile 12, as we were descending into a canyon, I began feeling some hotspots on my feet, but thought I was too early to get blisters and my left knee started feeling a bit wonky as well. Neither of these were corrupting my pace, or my spirit so I made myself aware and moved on. About a mile after that I came upon my new friend Roy, from San Diego as we were working our way up a climb. He and I then proceeded to run the next 5 miles together, talking about running, racing, San Diego, his potential move to Arizona, family, and life all together. It made those five miles, and what were supposedly the most challenging miles of the course, click by seamlessly. As we crested the high point of the course, we were met with this long, steep, technical descent and for some reason I felt like bombing down. I was feeling really good, thanks to Roy’s company, I let the momentum carry me. For the next 3-4 miles I was moving well as the final big-ish, climb approached, leading up to the aid station before heading back into town. It was a bit weird since I was the only one at this aid station at this time but did have a great quick conversation with the volunteers, grabbed a quick snack, filled my bottles and dowsed myself with some ice water for the final third.

This last 11ish miles had some technical downhills, that were pretty steep, but followed by smooth single-track, pretty much until we got back into town. This was where I experienced something that was a first for me in these races. It was something I’ve always wanted to feel, but it had always escaped me to this point. As mentioned before, I had thought about that moment, that comes every race, when you pretty much get punched in the gut. Something, or possibly everything hurts; stomach goes south, blisters surface on your feet, your quads get trashed, and your knees feel like they are being smacked with a hammer. It happened in each race, and I’d be lying if I didn’t wonder when it would be coming during this one. Well, it never really came, other than maybe the last ½ mile before hitting Main Street again. This final third, running through these canyons, with some nice cloud cover in the sky, moving over water crossing, and clicking off the miles, I did feel like a little kid in a sense. It felt pretty fulfilling to be hitting the same mile pace at this point in the race as I was at the beginning. As a few of us moved from the trail to the suspension bridge and onto Main Street for the final half mile, we were moving at a great clip, with the view of the finish line ahead of us and the outside patio bars and restaurants lined with patrons cheering us along the way. We heard one guy hell, “it’s all uphill from here.” Well, he wasn’t kidding because that same section we started on, all downhill, led right back up that hill to the finish line. Fortunately, it was gradual and short, and it didn’t matter at all because we were crossing the finish line.

All my other races, typically the last third, if not more, is a grind. It consists of managing through pain, figuring out problems that you don’t think of happening, and just focusing on moving forward. Many times, it is piecing myself back together to take that next step. Those experiences are when 1. we find out about ourselves a lot; what we are made of when the proverbial shit hits the fan, and 2. we learn and grow in ways to help us better navigate the next adventure. I do believe we grow more through adversity and through suffering a bit in that pain cave. However, after last Saturday’s experience, I believe there are some things that I should be learning. At least, some other strategies to incorporate leading up to race day. That whole feeling of “not being punched in the face,” was very nice I must say 😊. However, I know it won’t be something that I likely replicate anytime soon!!

[placeswordsdreams]

Aravaipa Canyon River Trail, Arizona

[catherine-bisset]

I'll be the calm, I will be quiet.

Stripped to the bone, I wait.

| Soundtrack | Living Space | Style

| Basic Info |

Age | 40

Bday | Aug 29

Originally from | Aravaipa Ranch, Arizona

Previous community | The Reavers

Previous job | Lived off book / appearance / movie money

Community job |  Raider / Rancher

Living Arrangements | Cat has relocated to The Ranch, where she stays in the main house. Yes, still booby-trapped.

Family | Nora (deceased mother), Brother Sparrow (deceased father), multiple siblings, (status unknown)

Identity & Orientations | Cis Woman, Aromantic Pansexual (Celibate presently)

| History |

TW: Mentions of cults, abuse, kidnapping, violence & murder.

~Before the Virus~

If you paid attention to the news 25 years ago, you may remember the story of brave little Harmony Sparrow. After going missing for 8 years, Harmony emerged, having escaped her abductor. Unfortunately, the reward for her escape was to be sent back to a family more in line with Koresh than Brady.

The press went absolutely mad for her second escape the following year.

She got her siblings out and ensured Brother Sparrow wouldn't hurt anyone ever again - the prison time supremely worth such results. Having been tried as an adult, her sentence spanned years, losing all siblings to the foster care system. But strangers often visited - for various reasons - from curiosity to adoration. Harmony was sent books to read, money for the inmate commissary, cards and gifts at the holidays. And letters - so many letters.

After several visits from her maternal grandparents, Catherine Bisset was born in some lingering hope for normalcy. Unfortunately, she brought all of Harmony's anger, brainwashing and trauma with her.

Many urged Catherine to turn her story into an empowering (and profitable) tale. The world was crazy for true crime stories, for "heroic survivor" tales. Catherine played along for a time; taking interviews, giving motivational speeches, and seeing more of the world than she ever thought possible. For better and worse.

The movie was barely based on a true story, but Jenny Ortega did an alright job.

People kept telling her the world was a good place, that she'd see that in time, but Catherine never did. She only saw the meat grinder named Capitalism. Even her horrors had been turned into profit. Humanity was a series of cruelties running down an inevitable clock.

Since the people in power were only looking out for themselves, Cat learned to do the same. All the while alienating the many people who'd expected her to be a sweet and repentant survivor who had killed out of desperation. A palatable broken girl seeking the light of redemption. Nobody liked the real Catherine. Which was fine; she didn't like them, either.

~After the Virus~

The clock ran down, the virus broke out. Zombies were an absolutely fantastic outlet for Catherine - who knew? It was therapy of the most physical variety. What combat skills she'd learned were suddenly very handy - so-called paranoia paying off.

The Reavers were stumbled on entirely by accident in those early days. They didn't play coy. They took people in unpredictable blitz attacks - to join or to serve - without pretense of some noble mission to rebuild society. They reinforced her feelings about humankind, sure, but it also helped to have someone watching Catherine's back when she was able to sleep.

By the time Isaac joined, Catherine had truly come to see the Reavers as representative of all society. The weak were used and discarded, the strong petty and scheming. Something seemed so familiar about Isaac's behavior, however - familiar enough to make Catherine nervous for the first time in years.

She kept an eye on him, circling like a skittish cat. He kept talking to her, trying to engage and not giving up in the wake of her silence. Her first attempts at conversing were closer to blurted interrogations, but it was a start.

By the time they decided to invade the farm, Catherine was unwilling to let him go without her. For the first time in her life, someone appeared to enjoy her macabre company; appreciating her without demands for conformity.

When he turned against the Reavers in 2040, Catherine had chosen her side. Isaac believed in Redwood, and she believed in Isaac. The Reavers, alas, didn't believe in either of them. The day of the invasion, Catherine was ambushed and taken deep into the mountains by a few particularly resentful Reavers.

It took a while to escape this time, but Catherine had survived worse.

| Headcanon |

She's never apologized for her so-called crimes - for doing what the adults in the Family were too weak to do. For being strong.

Brother Sparrow didn't believe in therapy, and was far more concerned about what the girl may have said to authorities after away from his indoctrination for so long. Catherine's brief return to her parents was near round-the-clock effort to reprogram her and arrange an appropriate marriage for the teen as quickly as possible.

Cat earned a GED and studied college level courses while imprisoned. Never chased a career with any of it, however.

The Bisset family desperately wanted Harmony in their lives as some last echo of Nora. They were miserably disappointed in the weird, angry young woman they found, instead.

@fleetsummers was in the movie based on her life.

Quiet by nature, Cat needs time to warm up to real conversation. Mostly she sticks to as few words as possible, and feels perfectly content coexisting near someone in silence.

Catherine didn't befriend any of the other Reavers, unimpressed by their political games when it was beyond pointless. Everyone was screwed, it was just a matter of degree.

From a practicality standpoint she understood why they wanted her gone the day the Farm was invaded.

Still doesn't quite understand all the letters she'd been sent over the years. Why people felt she should be the receptacle for their stories and traumas - let alone the marriage proposals.

Vacillates between feeling misanthropic about society and desperately, instinctively longing to be accepted by it.

Much of her misanthropy is informed by cult indoctrination, which inclined her to interpret things in an antisocial way. She's never put sincere effort into combating that thinking.

Since the Ranch opened up, Cat has spent almost all free time cleaning the place up to make it a working ranch. Very protective of the Crop Field.

Spars with Ares regularly, though neither have told Ike about it.

| Wanted Connections |

Siblings (0/2): Unlikely but not impossible, Cat had multiple siblings and half-siblings. They were put into the system years ago and could have ended up anywhere. It's be fascinating to see how they turned out.

Reaver (0/1): How did you feel about the one that didn't care about hierarchy or maneuvering within the group? How about her finally picking a side and it being Isaac? (Please consult with @isaacapatow for Reaver HC)

Silent Companions (1/?): Someone Catherine can just exist quietly around without feeling like conversation is needed. @orioncarnell

[losttrailrunner]

Liked on YouTube: Heather Jackson Is Chasing Gold at the 2023 Javelina Jundred

Heather Jackson Is Chasing Gold at the 2023 Javelina Jundred Aravaipa Running is committed to the development of a vibrant community centered around being active in the outdoors. We feel most alive on a trail, experiencing the solitude and restorative power of nature. From our course markings, pre-race email, chip timing, convenient packet pickups to unique awards we want to make your event…

[doodlebethel]

While I've been taking a break from personal art, I have been doing project art for my day job. It's nice to be able to combine the two sometimes

(All designs belong to Sky Island Alliance and for their sole use)

[bignaz8]

Aravaipa Canyon, Arizona 1982. A remote wilderness with a perennial running stream through a rare riparian habitat.

[barbaryalan]

More Beaver

Extend beaver habitat all the way to the Gila, downstream from the current conservation area.

Save not only the San Pedros downstream communities, San Manuel, Mammoth, Aravaipa, Dudleyville, ….

But start the recharging of aquifers and revitalizing of the entire Gila River…. ya know, that river that feeds the Valley of the Sun?

Are ya listening Phoenix Metro? This actually IS about you, pay…

[entheognosis]

The Apache are a group of culturally related Native American tribes in the Southwestern United States, which include the Chiricahua, Jicarilla, Lipan, Mescalero, Mimbreño, Ndendahe (Bedonkohe or Mogollon and Nednhi or Carrizaleño and Janero), Salinero, Plains (Kataka or Semat or "Kiowa-Apache") and Western Apache (Aravaipa, Pinaleño, Coyotero, Tonto). Distant cousins of the Apache are the Navajo, with whom they share the Southern Athabaskan languages. There are Apache communities in Oklahoma and Texas, and reservations in Arizona and New Mexico.

Native Culture

[nomoexcuses]

And that's a wrap for today. Now to get some sleep, go to work and then back at it for another in the morning. #PoorPlanning #1DayAtATime #CantStopWontStop #NoExcuses #WeightLoss #WeightLossJourney #Motivation #Inspiration #KetoLife #Keto #Ketogenic #MealPlans #Workout #AfterShokz #RagnarRelay #RagnarAmbassador #Trail #TrailRunning #Aravaipa #20k #Hydrate #2022IronmanJourney (at Estrella Mountain Regional Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYwngHyJtU-/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mubal4]

Race Wrap Up - Blackout Night Runs 27k: Aravaipa Running Live & Flagstaff Big Pine 53k: Aravaipa Running Live

Just another weekend in the mountain……sort of 😊. This was a first and a way to do something new and challenging. I’ve heard it said before and not sure who gets the original credit but, “if you want to do something you’ve never done before, you have to do things you’ve never done before.”

Before we get to it, as always, want to thank the team, staff, volunteers and the entire Aravaipa Running community. Very fortunate to have these folks in our backyard to host and put on these amazing events. Much gratitude to all the other runners throughout the weekend. I was fortunate to spend some miles with a handful of some great folks and we had some laughs, suffered a bit together, and at the end, crossed that finish line – thanks for keeping me going. Thanks to Robin, Isabella and Alaina, although I did this solo – the calls and text messages before, during, and after the races meant the world to me. Love you so much.

The quote above about doing things we’ve never done - So true right? Four years ago, the entire family went up to Flagstaff to do the Big Pine 54k (it’s changed a bit over the years 😊) and we had a blast. This year, considering what we have on the calendar coming up in September, we felt that going back up to Flagstaff for the race this year, in altitude, in the pines, would be a good training exercise for the Mogollon Monster. When we made the commitment to the Monster we new we were going to have to do some things different, considering…….it is a whole different type of adventure. So, in addition to the Big Pine 53k on Saturday morning, we decided to do the Blackout Night Runs 27k Friday night. Keeping with that spirit of “different” we kept the weeks training agenda the same, with some slight tweaks, after a big weekend leading up to the races. Adding to the “differences” I was heading up to do this solo, Robin and the girls had other things going on, so it was shaping up to be a glorified training weekend, up in the mountains, with aid stations throughout – good stuff!!

Flagstaff is about a two-hour drive from our home in Phoenix and with a 7pm start on Friday, I headed up I-17 around 12pm and hit some traffic. However, got up there in plenty of time to get settled at the hotel, get some food in me, and relaxed a bit before the 27k started. This course is the same looped course I had run 4 years ago so there was some familiarity with it and most of the first loop, even with the later start, was done without needing the headlamp until the last couple of miles. The 2nd loop, however, was all nightfall and the glow of the headlamps led the way. I was fortunate to catch up with a new buddy Eric (thanks for the picture 😊) and we shared some good miles and company. I was feeling very good throughout the race. There isn’t much climbing, and the trails are very runnable. There are some technical portions with being at night, makes it a little challenging. I had been moving faster than I thought I would and should have been going…….and with about 4 miles left I caught a toe and went down pretty hard, bagging up both hands and my right arm. Fortunately, it wasn’t too bad and there wasn’t anyone around to witness my lack of grace!!! There was a climb right after that so I was able to get my wits about me and finish the 27k in good form and feeling pretty good.

When I got back to the hotel, I was able to clean up and strangely enough, what bothered me the most was my right hand. I must have extended that out of instinct when I fell, and it took the brunt. I guess that took the attention away from my legs, which were already tired from a good week of training, and the fact that I had another 32+ miles to run in a few short hours. The quick turnaround was something we’ve never done before. Yes, we’ve run further distances in one push but not these two distances with a break/rest in between. I was very interested to see how my body would respond in the morning and throughout the 53k race. Like most nights before a race, I didn’t sleep well. However I did get up feeling good and there wasn’t any soreness from the night before……other than my left hand 😊.

It was a chilly morning, just around 40 degrees at the start, which felt amazing compared to the desert heat. The 53k, as mentioned, was different than what I had done four years prior. Part of the course was the same loop from then, and from the night before, but there were two new stretches put in so I was excited to see what these new trails were like. These new sections didn’t disappoint. They stretched through many tall pines and up in the higher elevations, mostly single-track with some forest roads. There were some shady areas and there were some sections that were completely exposed and when we hit the late morning, early afternoon, even though the temps were in the mid 70’s, it heated up quickly. The early miles, most of them up to mile 10 roughly, I was working out the kinks from the week, and night before. My legs felt a bit heavy but overall, I was feeling good. About mile 15 I came upon two other runners, a man and woman, maybe a couple – not too sure but they were running together. As I approached them, about 200 yards back, I saw them make a turn to the left and immediately saw the woman take a pretty hard fall and let out a big scream. Having experienced something similar the night before, I was able to relate but it seemed like she it much harder than me from where I was. About a half mile later, I had passed the dude and was about 50 yards behind the woman and saw her clip a toe and again let out a blood curdling scream, like one where birds starting scattering from trees……it was loud. I felt bad for her because we can relate to that feeling. As I approached her to pass, I wanted to say something to try to encourage her and said she was doing great, keep it up, and we all know how shitty it feels to catch a toe and take a spill. Not sure if she liked it so much at the moment but we did see each other at the upcoming aid station, and she was in real good spirits and seemed to have put the experience behind her. I hope 😊.

We had a short 3 miles or so to the next aid station, getting back on the familiar looped section of the course that would take us back to the start/finish area before heading back out for one least loop. Those 4 or so miles were not ideal for me. My body felt good, but my stomach seemed to start going south and it may have been a lack of hydration. I was moving well and was drinking but wasn’t taking in any calories. I came into that main aid station and doused myself with ice cold water and downed likely as much as I doused myself with. The cool water felt great, and my spirits began to improve. I decided it was likely a good idea to throw some food in my head but that didn’t work very well. I tried a little burrito and some watermelon but neither hit well and I had to spit them into the trash. Again, not ideal so I drank some ginger ale and housed a couple of pickles. At this point we had just under 9 miles to go and my legs, although tired, felt good. I left the aid station and pressed on. The next several miles went by very smoothly and was able to catch a few folks and had some great conversations. About a mile from the last aid station, I came upon a husband and wife, a different couple, that were just a treat to share some miles with. Great people!! We where having a good conversation and I was about to run ahead to the aid, as soon as I said goodbye, bam – another rock jumped out of the ground and tripped me 😊. Actually, I toed another rock and went down. Not as hard as the night before but definitely with much less grace…..! The dude was so great, telling me, “I got ya bud, you alright, I got ya.” I just laid there in the trail, on my back, in the dirt, laughing. We all had a good chuckle and then got on our way. The last aid station was great, the volunteers there doused me with more water, filled up my bottle and I actually got some calories in me for the last 4+ miles to the finish. It was a good little climb out and then a nice long flat stretch. The final two miles, I came across a few more runners and we exchanged a few congratulatory words and gratitude for the day.

Crossing the finish line was quite satisfying. It was the first time that I had gone out and tried a back-to-back race like that and was very surprised at how good I felt. Yes, I did feel that I had run 50 miles and there was tightness, and I was a bit sore. Overall, it was a great “training” day with a group of exceptional human beings. It has me excited for the next few months leading up to our big day in September. Although the family wasn’t with me I did stop in Sedona on the way home & enjoyed a burger and a beer at the Sedona Beer Co.!!

Apologies for so few photos but didn’t have much of a chance to take any shots. Big thanks to those that took some of these for me 😊.

[mywalkabout40]

Aravaipa Farms Orchard & Inn

Aravaipa Farms Orchard & Inn

Up and over the rockslide I go, tumbling slowly down the dirt road towards my resting place for a couple of days, the Aravaipa Farms Orchard & Inn. The adrenaline coursing through my veins is masking the pain, yet I fear what may lie in wait once the adrenaline wears off. The rains have abated as I pull up to the gate.

I chose to stay heredue to it only being a couple of miles down the canyon…

[canyonhead]

Starting to get that dirtbag trail runner feeling back again! 🏔🏃🏻 • • • #igsouthwest #Arizona #Chandler #run #Local #running #sky #trail #trailrunning #socialdistancing #Fun #happy #exercise #Sunshine #trailrunner #Aravaipa #AravaipaRunning #Instagramaz #instamood #fitness https://www.instagram.com/p/B-0Y__qHY6p/?igshid=1m61e6b7pqa85