You would be hard pressed to find somewhere that’s more beautiful than Sedona. It is a personal preference, of course, but I am certain that if you ever come to experience Sedona, you will be in awe.
Sedona is essentially a resort town with lots of high end everything, from shopping to restaurants to golf and tennis resorts. If you’re lucky (or not so lucky, depending who it is) you may see a celebrity or two. It’s where they go to feel “outdoorsey”.
When you find yourself in Red Rock country, no matter who you are, you are compelled to do one thing, hike a trail or two – or in my case, run.
There are trails all over this area which range from easy to strenuous, short to long. All of them have something in common – amazing views of a very unique place. Even the neighborhoods and homes are distinctly Sedona!
As I stated in my previous entry, Sedona has a big New Age following. The reason is mainly rooted towards the vortexes that are said to be in the area.
A vortex is an energy or a power spot generated from the earth. There are a small handful that are mapped out, and each can be reached with a short hike. MANY flock here on pilgrimages to seek out these healing/energizing/wisdom-giving sites and they DO take them VERY seriously. You will most likely see, at any time, someone meditating or chanting or playing a flute. Showing respect to these individuals and not interrupting their spiritual experience, is a must.
The map and info sheet that I received on vortexes was interesting when it discussed what is “reported” to occur from meditation. What I found to be truly interesting was the little disclaimer at the end that said not everyone feels the energy the same way. Some cannot detect an energy at all. You have to open up your mind and remember that not feeling anything doesn’t mean that there isn’t an energy present.
I have been here before and an easy as well as picturesque trail is the Courthouse Butte Loop that connects with the Bell Rock Pathway trail. The Bell Rock is to be a vortex hot spot. I found this fact out AFTER my run. I could not report feeling an energy. Therefore, the truth of the energy giving spot may be true or it may not. After all, if you do not feel anything, that doen’t mean it doesn’t exist!
Nonetheless, for those who do receive the benefits of these vortexes, more power to them (pun intended).
For my workout today, I chose a different trail, the Brins Mesa. It is described as being of moderate difficulty with a 600 foot change in altitude, and is about a 6.5 mile roundtrip.
I got started a little later than I had planned (10 AM) and it was starting to get rather hot – but it was a dry heat! I was prepared, though – I was packin’ a water bottle filled with Berry Gatorade. Side note – if you squirt a water bottle that’s filled with Gatorade and you miss your mouth, the result is a sticky face.
I would agree that the trail was moderate in difficulty. For the most part, it was manageable but there were moments when I had to clock in some “hiking” minutes during the run. There were a couple of spots that needed to be navigated carefully as to not fall on my face.
These trails are rugged, meaning with lots of rocks to step on, trip on, and/or fall on. Trail shoes are recommended, especially if it had rained a short time earlier – the red dirt here in Sedona is famous and can get really nasty/muddy like.
After about 2 miles, I got to the top of the hill and noticed a major change in vegetation from the usual Pinon Pine, Yucca, and Juniper. The trees were bare and charred, the cactus looked melted. Results from a fire that went through a year earlier.
Heading back down a trail like this, you need good concentration. The natural reaction is to run fast. Beware, this could lead to major bodily harm! If you do not concentrate on your foot placement and are not aware of what lays in front of you on the trail, you may easily come crashing down. I’ve seen it happen and it’s not a good thing!
Sedona has a number of different wildlife that inhabit the area. I didn’t see any but a couple of times while on my descent, I heard some light rattling. It may have been a snake, but I certainly wasn’t about to investigate.
Something else happened while coming back down. I paused to navigate some big, natural, rock steps and I swear I heard a flute. More specifically, a traditional Native American flute. I looked around but couldn’t see anyone in the direction that it came from. It was weird! It was really cool!
Final analysis of my run – relaxing, envigorating, harmoneous, sticky. A great time!
It was a great warm-up for my next stop. Just a few miles up the road is a big hole in the ground called The Grand Canyon. Should be an adventure.
Peace
Notes from the road:
1) Was happy to get out of New Mexico! Gas prices are OUTRAGEOUS!! Was forced to pay $3.49/gal. at a couple of small town stations, simply because the stations were few and far between.
2) Gotta give a big shout out to George at Red Rock Computers for diagnosing my laptop problem. But George, you really shouldn’t wear your nametag upside down. You don’t want people thinking that your name is EGROEG.
Road song of the day: “All I Want” by Toad the Wet Sprocket