Saturday’s downpours were amazing. Beyond amazing to be honest!
And no, it wasn’t a bad day. Staying in the Airstream, cooking some old favorites (no potatoes au gratin though), and having a “Heroes” day was really nice. Like a fall day in New England, stuck in the house. That doesn’t happen here often. Sure, July you have the extreme heat, and then Monsoons. But once that all passes it seems to me that all you have are super blue days, and wonderful weather all around. This place is amazing.
Yesterday I woke up early, poked my head out of the Airstream, and found a chilly day waiting for me. 50 degrees in the trailer. Yes, my heater works, but no need to turn it on yet. See, I own blankets, so no big deal! 
With such a nice day before me I decided to take another ride to Sedona. It’s becoming a weekly ritual. It’s also worthwhile, as Dreamstime likes my Sedona photos. Hey, I’ll take it!
As I approached Sedona I noticed the Bell Rock parking area. I always miss the turn, as the road is under heavy construction. It’s a nightmare, and the traffic reminds me of North Conway New Hampshire on any given weekend. Ugh!
This time I saw the turn ahead of time, hit the brakes, dodged construction cones, and got into the parking lot. I’d been wanting to hike the Bell Rock and Courthouse Loop for a while. And my timing was perfect. The lot was almost empty (I was up early).
Popping out of the Titan I visited with several tourists who had just pulled in as well. They asked about the hike, I told them I’d never done it, but they were welcome to read my book. They had the cutest dog, and no, I didn’t get a photo. After a quick read I was given my book back, and I set off on the trail to Bell Rock. What an amazing site!
The hike in is extremely easy. That’s probably why it’s one of the most popular hikes in the Sedona area. If you’re ever out here, I’d suggest the hike as a must do. And doing it during the Spring or Fall is a wonderful idea (it was so cool and breezy in Sedona as well…..I wanted a jacket).
After reaching Bell Rock I doubled back and did the Big Park Loop (I think I got that right). A longer hike taking me near Courthouse. Another amazing rock formation. Needless to say, I stopped often! Picture, another picture, another picture. 203 in total by the time I’d finished. Ah, a few more uploads to Dreamstime is coming……
Finally after a few hours out I made my way back to the truck. Next stop, downtown Sedona to look around Rollies Camera Shop. I like the place, and the guys who work there are really nice. Nothing caught my attention (fortunately, can’t afford a new lens this week), and I got away without spending. Ah, nice!
I spent a little time over at Boynton Canyon again, but didn’t do the full hike in. After 40 minutes there I packed up and headed home for the day. Tired, good hikes, and some amazing photos!
Oh, and by the way, it was a perfect day. Temperatures in the 70’s, light breezes, vivid sky, the works! You couldn’t ask for a better day after a full day of downpours!
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wow!!!!!
Rich, I am loving these! This is exactly how Sedona really looks…I mean, the usually photos look almost dull comparative to what is actually happening there…you’ve done a great job capturing the true beauty of the place…I am excited to go down when the leaves start changing in Oak Creek…it’s beautiful as well! I think your pictures are getting even better and better each time you go out…AND, I think any of these would look great blown really large up and printed up on canvas
The sky looks…just…wow!
Sedona is one big “Wow!” Actually, most of Northern Arizona is a WOW! Between the red rocks, the Granite Dells, Granite Basin, and all the other wonderful things here I can’t begin to describe the scenery.
Even the photos fall short. Honestly, you’ve got to see these places yourself! My friend Tom will be out soon, then he can second that thought!
I think that first picture just made a blood vessel in my brain burst.
Dang, those photos are just fabulous! Love the play of the blue sky set against the desert terracotta.
Good study in complementary colors!
:-D)
I meant the second picture. Sorry. The first one is good too. But I think that because the blood vessel burst, I couldn’t get it straight. The second one made my vessel burst.