9.20 Odds, ends and fun in Sedona; we reach two years on the trail

A sunset in Sedona


Ode to a Vortex

Sunset, oh sunsets so great are you shining on the rocks,
Give me a minute we shout, we need to sell some stocks.

Where are we heading dear editor, we pleaded with a thrill,
To an old favorite close by, you know, the great Cathedral.

But we prayed this morning, we mentioned with a smile,
Our little joke missed as usual, the editor by a mile.

We climbed and approached the peak a different way,
Like two children, we sauntered, skipped and did play.

Recapturing moments from childhood so long ago,
Especially distant for our lovely, Jenno.

It created elation and joy that reflected off our faces,
Not dissimilar from a setting sun on boulders and other places.

As we ascended, we slid a little but climbed even more,
Until we crested and were most surprised, at what we saw.

There he stood in all his glory, or so he probably thought,
Shirtless, tattooed and crooning towards the ball of fire, he sought.

While summoning with vigor, he twisted his body and beckoned with long arms,
Of course, it must be the waves of the vortex we guessed, not the psalms.

But what do we know, we just put on the Tallit and Tefillin instead,
As we appeal to the Master directly, not to his orbs or agents, we said.

However, we do not judge; after all, it's up to each person,
To approach their Maker just as a child, both daughter and son.

Man, can you feel that vortex (top of Cathedral Rock)

Woman, can you feel that vortex. After watching the fellow above, Jenni feels the waves. We're thankful that her tattoos are well hidden.

Why is he rushing his swing—the answer may be in the next picture

This golf course does not discriminate—snakes and Lazarow's, if not welcome, are allowed.

We love this house; we passed it on today's hike. We stopped in and made an offer to the owner which was accepted.................We will wash the windows every second Wednesday for an agreed amount.

In training for the London Olympics—haven't decided what activity this is...yet

or perhaps,

The tight rope...er...log. Is a tight log one that has been drinking?

How do you like that? One of us is training hard for the Olympics; the other sits on the mountain peak eating and drinking. Go figure!

The setting is the final hole of the Oak Creek Senior Women's Invitation. We now switch to the booth where Gary Player and Arnold Palmer are sitting. Gentlemen:

Arnold: Isn't the setting beautiful with Courthouse Butte as a backdrop, Gary?
Gary : Stunning, Arnie. I love it.
Arnold: What's Jenni's chances of sinking this putt?
Gary : It is a truly wonderful setting, Arnie.
Arnold: Seriously, Gary, what do you think she's going to do with that putt?
Gary : The way she has it lined, she'll either have to duck-hook it or it might strike the mountain. Of course, the latter depends on her strength.
Arnold: What do they say about this woman, Gary?
Gary : Gill Midgen, the well known scrabble player, says that she is half mountain goat and maybe, half insane.
Arnold: Very funny, Gary. Talking of scrabble, I love the game. Is Gill the champ?
Gary : Could be but rumor has it that Linda Bernstein is the one to beat.
Arnold: I'd like to play against this Linda. Can you arrange it?
Gary : Sorry, Arnie. You don't just organize a game against Linda, you have to be invited.
Arnold: Hang on, I see Jenni struck the ball! Wow! What do you think of that, Gary?
Gary : Yes, it is indeed a beautiful butt..., er...butte..., er...putt.

9.19 Wilson Mountain from the south (breathtaking)

We found this view a 'knockout', only partly up the steep Wilson Mountain trail (Click on a picture for larger size)

A most pleasant peak to relax and enjoy Sedona

Approaching the saddle before final push for the peak

Two weeks ago we climbed on Steamboat Rock, 'sailing' in background (top right corner)

Our son, Gavin, said that you now have sixty hikes in your top ten. There’s some truth in that although we would have not gone higher than forty-five. After all, we don’t wish to exaggerate. On Mother’s Day, we ascended this fabulous mountain from the north—we thought it was outstanding. Today (Friday), from the south, it was probably superior although one could make a good argument either way. Jenni voted the south access as her favorite; we couldn’t decide so we announced we ‘preferred’ both. For a day hike of less than ten miles, actually nine and elevation gain of 2,500 feet, it easily meets the top-ten criteria. Now that we have put that to rest, perhaps we should look at the photographs. Truth be told, it was a spectacular hike.

A 'body coming though the rye'. Why is she brave? Take a look at the picture that follows

Long and thin with a rodent in its mouth as we crossed paths. Fortunately, for the snake, we held the editor back. Who knows what she would have done to the 'poor thing'?

Appears to be lush meadows and valleys

It seems at each place we visit, upon entering the town, we notice a particular mountain that appeals to us. It’s almost as if it beckons, “C’mon up and see us sometime,” to quote a madam of the past. When we looked at the saddle and peak of Wilson some three weeks ago, if not a mutual attraction, we certainly knew that we had to find our way up there. Of course, the visuals are a major attraction. However, as our editor put it so succinctly, the challenge to get to the top overrides all considerations, from our perspective.

On return along the edge, providing wonderful exposure

Sedona perspective—Cathedral Rock at left rear, airport runway on right as viewed from Mt. Wilson—The airport is positioned at quite an altitude itself.

We left early in order to avoid the heat as well as for another reason. It turned out to be the coolest day since arriving in Sedona—warmer clothes would have be more suitable. The gusting winds detracted from the experience but only slightly. The beauty from the summit is stunning. In addition, the trail has an open ledge for most of the way, allowing for magnificent views and a little exhilaration, at all times. There is no doubt, N’H, we will repeat this hike in the future. Our memories are not what they used to be. Did we mention that Sedona has a special place in our souls? Thought not.

The editor stops for a breather early on the trail, in the shadows

Jenni calls them walls (on canyon floor), taken in by this sight

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

That is not the way down, Jeffrey, you're losing it. Besides, it's rude to point

Picturesque

Hm!

9.18 Sunset at the Cathedral—our route was murder, TS Eliot

From a tower in the cathedral.

Sunset at Cathedral peak, with shadows, too

This trip, we have managed to find new opportunities for hiking and exploration. However, we also found that approaching a previous hike in a novel way is extremely satisfying. The mountains and rock formations are so distinctive and vast that one could, for example, spend months around Cathedral Rock and still not see it all. Such is Sedona.

An assault from the side—guess who gets assaulted

Jenni ascending with Court House Butte 'smiling'

Jenni descending down a new route

Today, we decided to approach the hike from the side rather than the usual frontal attack—let’s surprise the old cathedral, we thought, instead of following the climbing trail. (We are also preserving energy for a tough pre-Shabbos hike.) We scrambled up the rocks, on loose stones and sand, around cactus plants, mostly, and through some very tricky places. We had no intention of making it a tough climb but one thing led to another and before we knew it, it turned out to be one of our best scrambles to a peak we never knew existed.

In the beginning—a vast area typical of Sedona (click to get perspective)

Some nice moves on a new scramble——perhaps his better side

Approaching base of the interesting part of climb/scramble

It was exhilarating, liberating and provided some surprises at the top, which we shall mention another time—in fact, it was a real eye opener. Nevertheless, we arrived in a new chamber at the cathedral, which was staggering but shielded from the sun. In order not to miss the sunset, we scrambled back down, a quarter-way around and up across some really rough ‘turf’. Our editor never ceases to amaze as she ‘handles’ obstacles with aplomb.

Some dicey moments, she worries me

Wallflower catches late afternoon sunrays, while waiting for sunset

We felt like two children as we scrambled on and over the rocks. We are not bashful to admit that it was exhilarating. It reminded us of the days when, as kids, we would play in the neighborhood until Katy called. In those days, as an eight or nine year old, we had to be ready for supper and Dad's arrival from the office. That was fine. However, when Katy would announce to the whole neighborhood "Bath time, Butch"--one could imagine the embarrassment. Fortunately, our therapy sessions are finally complete and we feel we are ready to face our old neighbors...almost.

Another beautiful sunset from the spires

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

9.17. We passed water for the first time in 3 weeks—Casner Mountain from the Canyon floor

Looking down to canyon floor from peak

When we look at the title, we wonder if we might have chosen better. It’s the truth and so it remains. The area is very dry, being a semi-desert without rainfall since we arrived. However, there is a nice flow of water in Oak Creek, the stream we crossed to commence a hike to Casner Mountain peak. This is one of the toughest in Sedona, in our opinion. We set out well before the trailhead, crossed the stream, and climbed 2100 feet over about two miles although the hike was seven miles. The views all the way up were spectacular, the peak wasn’t.

Jenni passes water (at last), a rather strong flow for this time of the year, before walking the plank...er...the log

Editor struggles through rain, snow and sun...maybe just sun

Sedona seems very busy, the town, but the trails except for a few, are quiet. In fact, today, we had it to ourselves. As we climbed, surrounded by mountains and red rocks close by with blue hazy ranges in the distance, we felt joy rather than strain. At one time, we could see Thunder Mountain, Tom Thumb, Chimney Rock aligned with us while Camel Rock, Snoopy and others sat on our flank. We are constantly amazed at the variation of the landscapes, the visuals from every part of the town and in particular, beauty from height. It is a most wonderful town, self-contained, neat yet not artificial. It will be tough to leave. By the way, the population is about 11,000 whereas the visitors number 4 million per annum.

Approaching the peak

About to roll boulder down to canyon floor to halt marauding band of...(fill in your own favorite)

We were at a trailhead last week, when a woman approached us. “You look like you know what you are doing,” she flattered us. “Do you think I’ll feel anything if I follow you?” She asked. Now how does a person answer that kind of question? We had a few ready answers but perhaps not appropriate for a stranger. Had it been a male, the atmosphere might have turned sour.

Final push to reach peak

Surrounded by mountains

It is clear to us that people are always searching; searching for answers, the magic pill, an elixir, Godot, a quick-rich scheme or the next diet fad. Here in Sedona, folks look for the vortex. One of the problems is that the vortices are usually high up—the pink jeeps that transport and entertain tourists are not able to drive up rocks—in places they do try, though. For those that climb, one usually feels more sweat than vortex and by then would prefer a Coke or whiskey to a ‘feeling’. Who knows what it’s all about besides the tour operators and guides?

A different view of red rocks

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

The Toll Collector—still wondering who the gate keeps in or out

9.16. Coffee at the rock with a loaf of sugar—Coffee Pot and Sugar Loaf Rocks

Chimney Rock as sunset approaches

A little tight, a little narrow (not the waistline)

Tom Thumb and friends absorb the last sunrays

The idea was to climb these two rocks—we did just that—and remain perched on the latter rock for sunset. What a great plan. Once the sun set though, it would mean making our way down Sugarloaf and then along a trail or path towards our car in the dark. That is when the good plan started to unravel. “Aha!” We exclaimed, to our slightly concerned editor, “and that, my dear, is why we have a moon.” Feeling rather smug at this infallible bit of logic, we remained seated on a rock as we watched the sun dip below Thunder Mountain while Chimney Rock vied for attention. In the last three or four hikes, we have viewed this mountain from many vantage points.

“I’d like to make a point if I may,” our editor said. “Go ahead,” we answered, “if nothing else we like to keep the mind open.”
“If you remember, today is Rosh Chodesh (new moon). I don’t think we’ll get much light from a tiny sliver.” Oops, don’t we feel silly. Reminds us of the quote by Bloom, in a different context of course: ‘If your mind is too open, the brain tends to fall out.’

Sun taking its time to set—standing on Sugarloaf

Apparently, not an official bus stop under Coffee Pot Rock

Down Coffee Pot Rock, heading for Sugarloaf

The other day on one of the trailheads, we met two cowboys. A mountain lion was seen in the vicinity earlier in the day, they mentioned. We don’t normally take our poles or sticks with us but this time we did. We grabbed ‘Sidestick’(our walking stick) and carried it as a weapon, something we find a burden. Of course, if we were to meet up with something wild, then we would feel grateful in having a weapon. On parting, the one fellow shouted, “Remember they like to attack from the rear.” Good point, we thought. “Okay Jen, we’ll go first, you follow behind.”

Anyone seen the Coffee Pot?

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Couthouse Butte takes some sun; airport runway in foreground

Goodnight, Y'all