It is no secret that I love Sedona. I mean it is much more then infatuation, it is love. So one of the many things I love about Sedona is the abundance of hiking options. Of course I like to take the hikes that are not the main tourist ones but those that are quite secluded and may be a bit difficult. In other words, people call these hikes hard. So off Carolyn and I went on Wednesday September 26, 2012

Well, the elevation gain was some 1800 feet and it is only 2.5 miles but it is very steep and at times difficult to find. Carolyn had asked me what I wanted to hike so I chose this one that we had hiked before. Why? We had taken a camera only to find that the batteries were dead and I was crushed because I want to document the hike. You get lulled it to thinking that you are almost there and of course you aren’t. There are several plateaus along the way but then it is on to another steep climb. I am thinking that in some ways this is a good way to prepare for hiking the Grand Canyon. Been there done that but this is very rocky and the trail is not wide nor well marked. The Canyon is exhausting due to the extreme distance and depth, but this one might be a good preparatory hike for the grandest of the hikes.

It was beautiful, and I mean beautiful. After an exhausting climb with views of all things red rock, I was just once again in awe. The whole Verde Valley opens up with sights all the way to Jerome, Cottonwood, Sedona, and all the fantastic red rocks in every area. I was feeling a bit of the vortex or maybe that was just shortness of breath. Anyhow I was somewhat euphoric.

So what am I thinking when I get to the top? The outdoors brings a real sense to me on spirituality. I get goose bumps and I am ready to break into song with “How Great Thou Art”. My mind wonders and I look out upon amazing scenery and the joy of being in such an isolated, beautiful setting makes me think of spiritual things and I just get blown away. So here is what I am talking about with Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood. I know, I get blessed in the outdoors and love it.  

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
 When I look down,  from lofty mountain grandeur
 And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.


 Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
 How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
 Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, 
How great Thou art, How great Thou art! 

We did come across several hikers along the way and I even convinced one to take a picture of Carolyn and I together. Ain’t I just sweet?

Four hours later, we were back at the car and on to a nice post hike lunch at Picazzo’s since their green iced tea is nothing short of phenomenal. I had about six glasses before they cut me off. I should say Carolyn cut me off since I was sort of glutenous with the tea.

So you can see what I am referring to, I have posted some photos from our cheap camera. Here’s hoping you can find a Bear Mountain in your life.