Sedona (part 1)

We left Mesa during a hot spell and settled on National Forest land between Sedona and Cottonwood.  At 4000 feet, the temperature was pretty perfect - for awhile.  Luckily we got in a few hikes before the wind, cold, and rain hit during our second week here.  Actually, the weather is why we are still here.  We don't want to go farther north and uphill to even colder weather.

For the first week, we were awoken every morning by the whoosh of propane in the hot air balloons that use this area as their landing site.  Pretty great to be able to sit comfortably in my robe and watch them out the window.  We were expecting somebody to knock on the door and ask to use the bathroom.

Whoa, Nellie!

Our first hike was the one I always take when we visit Sedona.  It's a short 1.7 mile loop of the Teacup and Sugarloaf trails. 

At the junction of the two trails is a great view of the valley below.

Oh look, the coffeepot is steaming.  The coffee must be ready.

We drove to the overlook on Airport Road to admire the gorgeous rocks surrounding the city. 

And after all the times we've come to Sedona, we finally went to Tlaquepaque, an upscale shopping area with lots of interesting shops.  Since we're not upscale people we didn't buy anything, but it was fun to look. 

Our next hike consisted of a loop of the Cibola Pass and Jordan trails.  With the tiny Ant Hill loop thrown in, it was about 2.5 miles.  (We're working our way up.)  It had nice views in every direction.

Another day we took the scenic drive up Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff.  Along the way (highway 89a, milemarker 387) we stopped to fill our water jugs at this cool roadside spring.

Just a minute, after seeing the other person's bottle, I wonder if the spring is water or vodka?

Stopping at the viewpoint at the top of the canyon, you can see it's quite a climb.