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