Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann

In Episode 40 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich explores the variety of outdoor adventures he was able to participate in over the last week. Included in this episode is an observation of hiking along the Gila River, surprising growth after the rains at the White Tanks and a recap of the exceptional birding opportunities at the Thunderbird Conservation Park with the Sonoran Audubon Society. The tal...

In Episode 39 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses some of the challenges and strategies to make the most out of camping and outdoors activities with children. The podcast reviews considerations for young children, suggested activities for 5-15 year old and families, recommendations for some family campsites, and other variables to contemplate when bringing children into nature. The episode...

In episode 38 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich describes his experience with the Desert Defenders making seed pellets at Estrella Mountain Community Park. This follows up with a description of a beginners bird walk at Hassayampa River Preserve. The episode closes with a discussion of spooky creatures and the surprises found in a jar of spiders. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers. Than...

Episode 37 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich focuses on the recent storms and the damage caused by the flooding. This episode explores some of the dangers and warnings of flash floods and how to be better prepared in areas prone to these events. This episode also encourages listeners to not let fear of hazards keep you from enjoying the beautiful outdoors during autumn in Arizona. Theme song compos...

This episode celebrates what would have been mom's 77 birthday. I am sharing some of her joys, passions, and experiences in Arizona and what I'm sure she would have loved if she were able to visit again. Arizona Trails and Tales theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 35 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich follows up on volume 1 podcast from July 1. In this episode Rich features some key learning tools, ways to effectively use birding apps and discusses some key etiquette rules while on a bird walk. This week's tales portion features Florence M. Bailey Naturalist and ornithologist. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 34 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich discusses his attempt at reaching 9.11 miles in the White Tank Mountains today. This podcast recognizes the ultimate sacrifice of Pat Tillman and Pat's Run and Lori Piestewa and hiking Piestewa Peak. The tales portion shares the 9/11 memorial at Bolin Park in Phoenix. Arizona Trails and Tales theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 33 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich features Margie's Cove Trail head and explores our roles as desert stewards. The documentary The American Southwest is discussed including a look at the saguaro cactus and the desert tortoise. For a little deeper contemplation the words of Wendall Berry and Bruce Berger are examined. The Tales portion closes with a 1969 write up from Arizona Highways....

Episode 32 of Arizona Trails and Tales features the Tribly Wash and an interview with Vlad on Airsoft in the area and the dynamics of that play in the desert. This episode also features an interview with Vlad on his first experience on a bird walk led by Ranger Eric in the Hassayampa River Preserve. The Tales portion closes with a  tribute to a great friend, guide, and birder Larry Joe Ford. Arizo...

In episode 31 of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich discusses the great birding opportunities at the Glendale Recharge Ponds. As the weather is changing the remainder of the episode explores key features of the weather, staying safe and closes with the review of the Labor Day Storm of 1970. Theme song (not on this recording) composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 30 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich features the beauty of Prescott, Arizona. This episode explores the storied history of the area and features a trail, poem, dispersed camping lessons and the tale of Paulin Weaver "Prescott's First Citizen". Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers. Special thanks to Dave Collins for the stickers!

In episode 29, of Arizona Trails and Tales, host Rich Fuhrmann discusses the Greater Roadrunner and Sweat bees found while out in Arizona. Also featured are some wise words from Marshall Trimble and keys to staying alive and smart in the desert by Charles Lehman.

Episode 28 of my podcast Arizona Trails and Tales is a casual episode where Rich discusses making that authentic Arizona chili and enjoying late Arizona summer. Celebrating some current and former coworkers who can take the extreme edible heat! Song not played but: Arizona Trails and tales theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

Episode 27 of Arizona Trails and Tales features bugs found while out enjoying nature in Arizona and a comparative sting/pain index. This episode also features the Perseid Meteor shower and the Arizona tale of Pluto the "Dwarf" planet. The New River Trail in Peoria is also reviewed.

In this episode of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich explores the history of trails and how modern trail designs are decided on. This episode features a segment on how trails get their names and a brief write up about the Maricopa Trail. The podcast ends with a tribute to Dale Shewalter who envisioned the Arizona Trail (AZT).

In episode 25 recorded ( at Surprise Park on the phone) of Arizona Trails and Tales Rich discussed completing the Blazing Summer 65 mile adventure challenge. This episode also looks to the learning and practices of the past to help us stay cool while enjoying the outdoors in the Sonoran Desert.

In Episode 24 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses the must visit of Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona. Rich describes the 1.5 mile scenic hike and shares his experience camping, fishing and a bit about birding when down of the river. This episode concludes with a brief story about Lee's Ferry a historic crossing area. Arizona Trails and Tales theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers...

In episode 23 of my podcast Arizona Trails and Tales I use a different format to share what to consider when selecting the best trail for you right now. I also discuss some ways to stay motivated. In the Tales portion we review a figure from our history who was highly motivated and see how things turned out for them

In episode 22 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich describes his fun  historical experience at Montezuma's Castle and Montezuma's Well in Camp Verde and Rimrock Arizona. Celebrating the end of snake week, also learn a bit about scorpions in Arizona.

In episode 21 of Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann, Rich explains why we should get over our irrational fear of snakes an enjoy the trails and potential interactions with other creatures. This episode reviews the impact of the Monarch Fire on the Hassayampa River Preserve, Lyke's Lookout Trail and getting out on the trails despite the potential fear of snakes in Arizona. https://snakewee...

In episode 20, of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich explores navigating the Base and Meridian Wildlife Viewing Area. This episode explained traveling to the riparian corridor, fishing, wildlife viewing and the importance of leaving No Trace. Also included in this episode is the significance of handling a blister in the field and the legend of the Red Ghost. Theme song recorded and composed by Mike My...

In Episode 19 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich describes one of his favorite out and back hikes at the Cave Creek Regional Park named the Slate trail. Hear some of the interesting features and reviews of this trail. Rich has also compiled a top ten, in descending order, of Thou Shall policies for beginning hikers. Finally hear the tales of the feared Arizona Jackalope of Cave Creek... Arizona Tra...

In episode 18 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses the wonders of including birding as part of your overall outdoor experience. This podcast covers some essential gear, apps, readings and how to start becoming a better birder. The podcast ends with the tale of how the name Phoenix was selected. Theme song written and performed by Mike Myers.

In this 17th episode of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses the little gem of a town named Williams, Arizona. Located in the heart of the Kaibab forest and only about an hour from Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon this town offers so much for a large variety of interests. Rich shares one of his trips up there and the importance of being prepared and trying to make the best of a situation. Hear t...

In Episode 16 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich rates his top 10 community parks based on a new rubric. Is your community park listed? Do you agree with the ratings? Message Rich at Arizonatrailsandtales@gmail.com . Todays feature also includes a brief section on taking care of your feet... a must for trail goers. The theme is composed and performed by Mike Myers.