After 6-days of illness, one of us decided to set the alarm for an early commencement in order to explore some of the beauty of Sedona, at higher elevations. An hour before the annoying bell was due to ring, I switched it off as I still felt ‘rotten’. By 11:15am, we crawled out of bed and sat on the couch, barely making the thirty feet journey. Nevertheless, our sterling efforts paid off as we rested there, after a long sleep and short crawl. Jen seemed to be going ‘downhill’, not toward the sofa but rather, health-wise, while I was stabilizing—whatever that means.
At 2pm, I was at the trailhead of Wilson Mountain, the highest in Sedona, a challenging but not too difficult hike, some 10-11 miles with an elevation gain of 2,650 feet. We had agreed I’d go as far as what’s termed ‘First Bench’ at over 1,900 feet because of health and time issues—late start in winter.
Late afternoon, on descent from Wilson Mountain summit.
In the early going, keeping an eye on the summit, just in case we miss it. (Altitude of 7,122 feet, Sedona's highest.)
A view one waits for over the years. Probably 500 feet from the surface in late afternoon. (Light management is proving difficult in Sedona but our son, Gavin, who has recently become an avid photographer, helped eliminate some shadows. Thanks, Gav.)
One of the highlights, the San Francisco Mountains. The text deals with some thoughts of the highest mountain in Arizona (12,633), the scene of two previous climbs/hikes. Remarkable place, some 40 miles north, in Flagstaff. (see picture below). We can understand this appearing to be another mountain scene to some, but it stirs the bones, energizes the muscles and lifts the spirits.
Mount Humphreys peak (see above).
We came across a number of mule-deer, three different herds, which added greatly to the hike. Nice pair at 1900 feet altitude gain.
In a harsh place, the sun softens outskirts of a remarkable town. The bridge below is the commencement point.
In glorious winter weather at ground-level, it's hard to envision the snow near the summit.
Sedona.
Gives perspective of the animals high up on the mountain when returning 'home' as the sun sets.
In the beginning, a typical Sedona setting.
The 'wrong side' of dusk from the trailhead; I anticipated a similar comment from Jenni.
Some of the sights and aspects of the hike included wonderful perspectives of Sedona which improved greatly on the way down as the sun began to set. Near the summit, the trail was covered in mud because of melting snow. There was quite a bit of snow around which would have fooled anyone at ground-level. In such gorgeous winter weather of the low 60’s, how could there be snow? Cactus plants were in abundance which provided something different to observe but keep one’s distance. One of the highlights, on the way down, was coming across at least three separate herds of mule-deer. I'm always fascinated in observing animals in their natural habitat, particularly when we are both in the open and on equal ground terms. Unfortunately, the light was poor as they tended to remain in the shade while the sun was behind them making photographs difficult—but we nevertheless try.
When I reached the discussed/'agreed' endpoint, time looked favorable and stopping before the end was not on the cards. I proceeded toward one of the summits and enjoyed spectacular sights. The low, soft sun enhanced most things it lovingly stroked. Sedona reds looked particularly invigorated. I ended up returning to the trailhead at dusk, always a gorgeous time for views in the wilds. Jen, I thought, would say it was the 'wrong side' of dusk.
Perhaps the highlight was seeing Mount Humphreys and the San Francisco Mountain range in the distance. The snow-capped range is about 40 miles distant. What made it so special is that Jen and I have hiked to the peak twice before, once on black-ice——memorable occasions. Seeing it in the distance, distinguished and daunting, left a wonderful feeling enhanced by the majestic sight and previous accomplishments.
Following the animals, added time to the return journey; so did the magnificence of the soft, setting sun as it brought out the best of the iron-oxide in the boulders. Have camera, must use it.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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