Douglas Makaroff
@douglasmakaroff.bsky.social
Canadian urban planner, and now much more importantly “Grampsie”, father and husband. Traveling, supporting and learning.
A bit of a kayaking trip through desolation sound with brother Leland and sister in law Kara, and of course Cathie. Oysters, reading, swimming, eating well, and having a great time.
August 3, 2025 at 8:44 PM
A bit of a kayaking trip through desolation sound with brother Leland and sister in law Kara, and of course Cathie. Oysters, reading, swimming, eating well, and having a great time.
Okay some gratuitous pics of the grand daughters. Whom I love like crazy. They have super human character and humour!
June 16, 2025 at 4:42 AM
Okay some gratuitous pics of the grand daughters. Whom I love like crazy. They have super human character and humour!
It’s a busy night in Victoria; a 3 cruise ship night - plus lots of planes and ferries and tug boats.
May 18, 2025 at 2:52 AM
It’s a busy night in Victoria; a 3 cruise ship night - plus lots of planes and ferries and tug boats.
We are back home now and loving the deep greens and the variety of pale greens as new shoots emerge.
As well as other delicious colours.
As well as other delicious colours.
May 17, 2025 at 3:34 PM
We are back home now and loving the deep greens and the variety of pale greens as new shoots emerge.
As well as other delicious colours.
As well as other delicious colours.
A few more assorted photos. Cathie did some of the driving, but this is mostly for the record.
We met interesting characters - Disaster was his trail name, but such a happy guy.
And cool looking agave plants.
We met interesting characters - Disaster was his trail name, but such a happy guy.
And cool looking agave plants.
May 9, 2025 at 4:31 PM
A few more assorted photos. Cathie did some of the driving, but this is mostly for the record.
We met interesting characters - Disaster was his trail name, but such a happy guy.
And cool looking agave plants.
We met interesting characters - Disaster was his trail name, but such a happy guy.
And cool looking agave plants.
Guess what these three photos have in common.
Yes, 700 miles finished in about 7.5 weeks, and with the weather predicting three days of snow and/or rain, Cathie decided to return home and save the Grand Canyon, that last bit for later.
So we are driving back to B.C, and should be there May 6.
Yes, 700 miles finished in about 7.5 weeks, and with the weather predicting three days of snow and/or rain, Cathie decided to return home and save the Grand Canyon, that last bit for later.
So we are driving back to B.C, and should be there May 6.
May 5, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Guess what these three photos have in common.
Yes, 700 miles finished in about 7.5 weeks, and with the weather predicting three days of snow and/or rain, Cathie decided to return home and save the Grand Canyon, that last bit for later.
So we are driving back to B.C, and should be there May 6.
Yes, 700 miles finished in about 7.5 weeks, and with the weather predicting three days of snow and/or rain, Cathie decided to return home and save the Grand Canyon, that last bit for later.
So we are driving back to B.C, and should be there May 6.
Here is a video at the wildlife tank, which was the best water source for a period of about 6 days hiking. The flock of birds seemed to like it. For the hikers, there is a large enclosed underground tank with cold clean water available, and which is the source to keep the open tank full of water.
May 3, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Here is a video at the wildlife tank, which was the best water source for a period of about 6 days hiking. The flock of birds seemed to like it. For the hikers, there is a large enclosed underground tank with cold clean water available, and which is the source to keep the open tank full of water.
More shots from the “time between”. Two ways to go around a couple of beautiful trees. Two ruts that go on forever (choose widely).
And a first glimpse of the Grand Canyon!
And a first glimpse of the Grand Canyon!
May 2, 2025 at 9:58 PM
More shots from the “time between”. Two ways to go around a couple of beautiful trees. Two ruts that go on forever (choose widely).
And a first glimpse of the Grand Canyon!
And a first glimpse of the Grand Canyon!
We re-connected with Sockey Monkey Girl and Guillermo (previously known as Bill) for a drink/appy. Fun folks!!
As well a short day of slack packing north of Flagstaff, near to where they were doing a prescribed burn. The hikers seemed to be mostly okay with the level of smoke.
As well a short day of slack packing north of Flagstaff, near to where they were doing a prescribed burn. The hikers seemed to be mostly okay with the level of smoke.
April 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM
We re-connected with Sockey Monkey Girl and Guillermo (previously known as Bill) for a drink/appy. Fun folks!!
As well a short day of slack packing north of Flagstaff, near to where they were doing a prescribed burn. The hikers seemed to be mostly okay with the level of smoke.
As well a short day of slack packing north of Flagstaff, near to where they were doing a prescribed burn. The hikers seemed to be mostly okay with the level of smoke.
It was sad to say goodbye to the fifth of the hiking “victims” - Lara Kremler, as her sister Erin came from Boulder to spend an extended weekend with her in Sedona. Looks like they had fun there.
April 28, 2025 at 6:08 PM
It was sad to say goodbye to the fifth of the hiking “victims” - Lara Kremler, as her sister Erin came from Boulder to spend an extended weekend with her in Sedona. Looks like they had fun there.
Here are some happier photos. Cathie excited to be making miles, a ritual coffee in bed in the tent that might be windy and great scenery!
April 26, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Here are some happier photos. Cathie excited to be making miles, a ritual coffee in bed in the tent that might be windy and great scenery!
The four adventurers passed from the top of Mogollon Rim to Flagstaff over 4 days. Cold nights, little water, and then happy faces as they emerge Victorious!
April 26, 2025 at 2:52 AM
The four adventurers passed from the top of Mogollon Rim to Flagstaff over 4 days. Cold nights, little water, and then happy faces as they emerge Victorious!
After dropping off the hikers, I tend to go visit places of interest in the area. In this case it was some pictographs very near to where we stayed at “Mary Poppins” place. And I also found many good places to sit and read some Khalil Gibran poetry.
April 23, 2025 at 10:54 PM
After dropping off the hikers, I tend to go visit places of interest in the area. In this case it was some pictographs very near to where we stayed at “Mary Poppins” place. And I also found many good places to sit and read some Khalil Gibran poetry.
I made two trips to mile 503 today; one for Duckie, Lara, Jets and Karen, and a second trip to Drop off Sock Monkey and Bill. Bill had been quite sick and had to recuperate several days off the trail, but was happily returning to the trail!
All the best to all of the brave souls!
All the best to all of the brave souls!
April 22, 2025 at 9:16 PM
I made two trips to mile 503 today; one for Duckie, Lara, Jets and Karen, and a second trip to Drop off Sock Monkey and Bill. Bill had been quite sick and had to recuperate several days off the trail, but was happily returning to the trail!
All the best to all of the brave souls!
All the best to all of the brave souls!
More pics of the hiking close to The wonderful town of Flagstaff. (Happy faces before all the mud).
April 22, 2025 at 3:51 AM
More pics of the hiking close to The wonderful town of Flagstaff. (Happy faces before all the mud).
Okay, so after the snow melts the trail gets really muddy. At first all four hikers seem happy, but look at how the mud cakes on (it slows down the pace considerably). And then the numerous forms of dead wildlife. Good times had by all.
April 22, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Okay, so after the snow melts the trail gets really muddy. At first all four hikers seem happy, but look at how the mud cakes on (it slows down the pace considerably). And then the numerous forms of dead wildlife. Good times had by all.
Okay, so Everyone is fine with the snow but Cathie and Lara are adjusting their schedules to let the snow melt.
And we decided to take the opportunity to visit an amazing tourist attraction. The Tonto Natural Bridge is wild, so visited that before pulling off 10 miles near Flagstaff.
And we decided to take the opportunity to visit an amazing tourist attraction. The Tonto Natural Bridge is wild, so visited that before pulling off 10 miles near Flagstaff.
April 20, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Okay, so Everyone is fine with the snow but Cathie and Lara are adjusting their schedules to let the snow melt.
And we decided to take the opportunity to visit an amazing tourist attraction. The Tonto Natural Bridge is wild, so visited that before pulling off 10 miles near Flagstaff.
And we decided to take the opportunity to visit an amazing tourist attraction. The Tonto Natural Bridge is wild, so visited that before pulling off 10 miles near Flagstaff.
Sebastian ended up heading into the forest towards Bergman Tank, and ran into snow 8 inches deep. It is beautiful, but cold and he had no sleep.
April 19, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Sebastian ended up heading into the forest towards Bergman Tank, and ran into snow 8 inches deep. It is beautiful, but cold and he had no sleep.
At Blue Ridge campground, we reconnected with Sebastian- the Little Mermaid- and we all did a morning shake it out dance party before we started. But Mermaid had apparently forgot his tootooo
April 19, 2025 at 1:52 PM
At Blue Ridge campground, we reconnected with Sebastian- the Little Mermaid- and we all did a morning shake it out dance party before we started. But Mermaid had apparently forgot his tootooo
After a short stop in Pine, a great meal at “That Brewery” where they have crafted a delicious Arizona Trail Ale, it was time for a hot tub. The next morning a slow start to the top of the Mogillon Rim, and they are off again.
April 17, 2025 at 12:45 AM
After a short stop in Pine, a great meal at “That Brewery” where they have crafted a delicious Arizona Trail Ale, it was time for a hot tub. The next morning a slow start to the top of the Mogillon Rim, and they are off again.
Cathie and Cayla hit the 393 mile mark, which is the point where Cathie began the Mazatzals in 2023. So now she jumps to the top of Mogollon Rim and carries on.
As well, this is where in the RAV4 - I crash when I am moving from one location to another. What more could a guy want?
As well, this is where in the RAV4 - I crash when I am moving from one location to another. What more could a guy want?
April 16, 2025 at 3:45 AM
Cathie and Cayla hit the 393 mile mark, which is the point where Cathie began the Mazatzals in 2023. So now she jumps to the top of Mogollon Rim and carries on.
As well, this is where in the RAV4 - I crash when I am moving from one location to another. What more could a guy want?
As well, this is where in the RAV4 - I crash when I am moving from one location to another. What more could a guy want?
So now we have Cayla, hiking with Cathie from Roosevelt Lake to Sunflower. Complete with tootoos and red clown noses. But what a super location to start out at.
April 14, 2025 at 8:42 PM
So now we have Cayla, hiking with Cathie from Roosevelt Lake to Sunflower. Complete with tootoos and red clown noses. But what a super location to start out at.
More sights from the trail.
April 12, 2025 at 12:33 AM
More sights from the trail.
But the day at Roosevelt Lake was lovely, a place to recharge
April 12, 2025 at 12:28 AM
But the day at Roosevelt Lake was lovely, a place to recharge
We end another week of the AZT, and by “we” I mean Cathie and Helen - who rocked the 52 miles of the superstition mountains ( from Superior to Roosevelt Lake ). The temps this week broke 100 F, so it was tough.
April 12, 2025 at 12:24 AM
We end another week of the AZT, and by “we” I mean Cathie and Helen - who rocked the 52 miles of the superstition mountains ( from Superior to Roosevelt Lake ). The temps this week broke 100 F, so it was tough.