Sedona

Working on a juicy post about our visit to MN last week, but after a wonderful hiking experience in Sedona today, I couldn't wait to get the photos up on the blog.

Carol is the children's ministry director at Desert Springs Bible (our church) who is so kind.  Prior to today, I had only chatted with her a couple of times, but last Thursday while I was still in MN, I received a very unexpected email from her inviting me to join some other ladies on a day trip.  I was so amazed that she thought of me and of course said Nolan and I would be there.  So glad I did.

Sedona is just under 2 hours north of Phoenix.  We hiked a trail called West Fork, which is actually beyond Sedona, but the extra driving time was offset by the beautiful scenery along the way.  I can say: having areas like this so accessible helps my outlook on living in Arizona!

This hike was significant, too, in that it was my way of commemorating the recent first anniversary of the passing of a dear, special, and supremely classy lady who I knew only briefly but who I will most certainly never forget.  Her "homework" for anyone listening was usually two fold: "Get your rear in gear"(i.e., get outdoors with friends and family!) -- and "Get your tailpipe checked" (a reference I'll let you shake out on your own).  :) She was a pillar of strength, poise and beauty that persevered even in the midst of a very real hell.  Meek as a lamb but strong as steel; a champion in her own right.

You changed my life, Kati and Wade.  It's a few days late, but this hike was largely for you.  You have a permanent home in my heart.

Heather, Ronda, Carol, Tracy, Lindsay, Nolan & me

Why hello, Arizona.

We had to pick our way across many a frigid stream on these rocks.  With Nolan (ever the water lover) wriggling on my back trying desperately to get out of the Ergo and into the water, it was a little trepidatious at points, but we managed and avoided an icy baptism along the way!

Love all of the red rocks formations.

-- as well as the fall colors!  Who knew?!

No filter on this shot.  

Amazing to me how the colors morph in the sun vs shade as you twist through the canyon.

Everyone was out for a hike on this beautiful day.

Carol is an Eagle Eye and spotted this teensy field mouse friend poking his head in and out and in and out of his burrow as we walked by.  Khaki would have freaked.

We ventured off the beaten path (literally) to get down closer to the main river.  

I couldn't believe how lush it was!

Getting warm and drowsy. My little super trooper.

 What a generous God to create such beauty and allow us to enjoy it.

Carol

Lindsay - my car buddy who was really my chauffeur, as she kindly drove my Jeep so that I could mess with Nolan in the back seat.

Before making the trek back to Phoenix, we paused at Starbucks in Sedona to visit and get a treat.

Nolan pretended to have a PSL like the rest of us.

It was from the vantage point of Starbucks' patio that I was introduced to the infamous "Snoopy Rock" -- the smaller cluster of rocks just in the center of this photo, which bears a striking resemblance to Snoopy reclining on the dog house!

Can't wait to come back to Sedona with Mikel when we can experience what the town has to offer - and of course, more beautiful hiking!

With views such as these, I can't help thinking what beauty Kati must be appreciating from the heavens.  I'm lucky to have known her and her family, and I was blessed to spend my day thinking fondly of such lovely people while enjoying this beautiful creation.