We were lucky enough to have some cloud cover that day, but it was hot. Upper 80's. I was already out of breath with a steady trickle of sweat rolling down my back just 20 minutes in. I was enjoying the challenge and then we saw this deep crevice with a pretty steep incline. That's when I got a little bit nervous. I let MJ go first, and then started up carefully placing my feet and hands in whatever rock divots that felt sturdy enough to bear my weight. I didn't even want to think about how we would get down. There really wasn't a lot of margin for error. If I lost my balance or grip I wouldn't die, but it would definitely be a nasty fall that I didn't want to take and that was the case at several points along the way. Cathedral Rock is short, but it is steep. It only took us about 50 minutes to get to the top with several stops along the way to check out the view. It is only 1.5 miles round trip, but there is a 600 foot elevation change along the way.
We stopped for ice cream in town after that, all sweaty and gross, and since we obviously didn't get enough exercise on the first hike we did a second one.
Thunder Mountain |
Needless to say, we were beat after that. We picked up Filet Mignon the day before, so MJ threw those on the grill and we had us a nice meal of steak and 'taters on our patio.
Our only appointment on our last day was the Spa and dinner reservations. We spent the morning at our favorite 21+ pool, where I had a serious break through. I always talk about how I can't swim, so it was a really big deal that for the first time ever in my life I jumped into the deep end. I've always been terrified of not being able to touch the bottom, but after much coaxing and practicing I finally did it. I think it really helped that we had the entire pool to ourselves so I didn't have to worry about anyone staring at the grown ass woman who is afraid to jump into the pool. I did not sink to the bottom like a stone. I came to the top, swam towards the shallow end and then flipped over on my back and floated--which is also a newish move that I am mastering. I may not ever be able to save my life in an ocean, but it is a big accomplishment for me to be able to get around in a pool without fear of the water so I was super excited. I did it twice and I have both jumps on video for posterity. This pic is a screen cap of it.
Later on, we stopped at the Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery and did one tasting flight each. MJ was not impressed, but I do not discriminate against wine in any way and it was all good to me. I almost booked a winery tour, but I didn't want to commit and I'm so glad I didn't. I did not want to over schedule our trip and it turns out we needed a nap after just the one. Since Sedona is all about relaxing and rejuvenation we could not leave without going to a spa. We got amazing massages for our tired muscles at New Day Spa and then went to dinner at El Rincon in the Tlaquepaque Shopping center.
We have had a lot of really great vacations, but I have to say Sedona was one of my favorites. I fell in love with the town and it felt so good being there together. I liked that we didn't have too much to do. I loved our little condo and the relaxing and casual vibe of the whole place. Sedona is my kind of town. Half the people run around in Uptown Sedona wearing gym clothes and I shouldn't have even bothered to bring make-up because I didn't use any of it. I loved the warm nights and that we didn't have to get on a long flight to get there.
Simply put, I loved Sedona. It's a really special place and I definitely want to go back.
Sedona: Rough Rider
Simply put, I loved Sedona. It's a really special place and I definitely want to go back.
Sedona: Rough Rider