This was our last Sedona hike and one of us said to the other, "Jen, this is the finale and after the tough Wilson hike yesterday, we should not take any chances. Let's keep it safe and simple."
"No argument from me," Jen replied.
"Then that's settled...let's go out and have a bit of adrenaline-free fun."
"Works for me but can I trust you?"
"Me? Of course."
After 30 or so minutes, we arrive at the site we sought. The boss takes a look and plots the route. 'We have to go around and then down to the right (our initial approach from left) and by the way: You're on your own.'
To go up, a person has to go down. Okay... The most difficult and dangerous part of the challenge is commencing just there around the narrow edge with a slippery underfoot and a deep drop-off.
At that stage, the earlier words of the boss are resonating in the mind. "How will I know you are safe or when will I know to call for help?"
'I'll keep shouting back to you.'
"What happens if you go over the edge?"
'I'll scream.'
Probably should not have done it.
Success. Really feeling good, no, great; but still a long way to return home safely and for a dressing down from the boss.
'Okay, I'm coming.' She could see and hear me only when I was at the top. Unfortunately, there was a communication gap until then, although I kept giving updates, but to no avail.
Having passed the tougher section, full concentration was necessary before preparing mentally, for the boss.
I know, I know. Sometimes it appears that we do things we should not but can't explain it. It's the human condition. It applies to all of us. Perhaps the difference is where we place our thresholds. For instance, the other day we were climbing up-and-down some steep boulders. A little later we met a young man who was celebrating his 33rd birthday riding his mountain bike on the same boulders. We all have our own thresholds.
Ahead of us, we have fewer years than behind us. Fact. There are not many occasions when one can predict the future more accurately. Knowing this, surely one should compensate for this fact by compacting the future with quality. It makes sense to us and of course becomes more apparent the closer the closing years approach.
Unfortunately, what's obvious to those in the autumn years is not quite so prominent to those in spring. We adapted to these circumstances and adopted the idea of Hike-About which has provided experiences, adventures may be more precise, beyond anything we imagined.
Within many of the bounds of the human condition, there are still amazing opportunities to live relatively free and absorb and experience the magnificence of the natural world, including living species, while also relating to complex, fellow humans. By attaining a good mix and seeing the best of nature and interacting with fine people, the quality of the remaining years more than compensates for the lesser quantity anticipated.
There is a certain tragedy to life, and of course, there are many tragedies within it. Regarding the former, perhaps the point is that when we don't immerse ourselves in living life to its fullest, we are wasting our most precious right, our gift, our potential. We think some years ago, we decided to cease dying and seek to live (seize life).
While it may not look imposing, as they say, 'you had to be there'.
'I am not amused', as we return to the trail. Phew! We do have some banter along the trails, particularly on the edges. Quote from earlier: "I don't know whether to slap or hug you?" 'Okay: How about a tiny slap and a great, big hug?'
It seems apt to introduce Alexandra and John Woodford of Massachusetts, at this juncture. We hiked to the 'Merry-go-Round' rock in Sedona. We sat above it, ate breakfast and looked high to the mountain summit reached by joining the Schnebly trail. Should we pursue it although we had reached our destination.
Had we not gone further, we would not have met this fascinating couple. We spent nearly an hour conversing about our approaches to life. To summarize our meeting, Jen and I left them, reluctantly, after having had a superb exchange of ideas, concepts and a few giggles. We felt so uplifted from, and bonded to, a couple we had met in the wilderness. We and they having taken very different paths in life and in a sense, had arrived at the same place.
Two days before, we noticed this butte but after breakfasting below it, forgot about finding an access to the top. Talking about memory issues. We had returned from free-climbing about a mile or so away when we decided to investigate further. The pictures above reflect a return of memories.
Jen shows her mettle and rubber traction on a much steeper than it looks decline.
Another fantastic breakfast location provided you don't forget your position.
Wilson Mountain from another angle. Sedona always fascinates and invigorates us. The following day, we had breakfast on that peak. From Wilson summit, we believe one gains the best viewpoint of the city. (See below)
From Wilson summit the day before, a view of the winding road (as seen in above picture) gives perspective of our respective positions. Cathedral Rock in the distance and to its side, the airport.
A shelf below the peak. The ever present view of Capital Butte aka Thunder Mountain, always prominent.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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