After my son’s graduation in St Louis, I returned to my home town of Flagstaff, AZ. Weather here is cooler than on the AT – seems like early spring.

I’ve had discussions with friends and family and decided to return to the trail around June 10. I’m considering some alternate options to the traditional northbound route that would allow me to complete the northernmost section before it gets too late in the year – hope to have those details worked out this week.

Here’s the family at Peter’s graduation:

And a little Flagstaff beauty on some recent local hikes:

Bitter cherry:

Indian paintbrush:

Here’s a view from a local peak.The white dome is the Sky Dome athletic facility at Northern Arizona University. Behind that is a fire a forest fire that was burning south of Flagstaff.

The Southwest is known for its Penstemons. Here’s a local variety:

Happy Memorial Day!!