[Part Two] The rest of my journey to Sedona was one filled with beautiful scenery, long empty roads and lots of time to listen and absorb the CD's I had brought along. It was truly amazing to me that there is still so much empty space left out in the wilderness. It re-energized me to see not one Target, McDonald’s or strip mall for miles and miles. In fact, I didn’t see one Target all the way from Provo, UT to Sedona. I can’t tell you what a great feeling this was.
Even though there was nothing for miles and miles, I didn’t once feel “alone” if that makes sense. I carried such a peaceful feeling with me throughout the drive. I trusted that someone or something was out there keeping an eye on me. If I had broken down out there, not only was there no cell service but it could be a really long time until someone came along. Was I scared? No, because I just totally trusted that I was okay. It has taken me a long time to be in this peaceful place. It felt great and I was ready for a fun weekend in a beautiful place.
When you first drive into Sedona, you are met with the most amazing scenery right from the get-go. Case in point, please reference picture below.
The red rock formations are like nothing I have ever seen before. Such beautiful hues of color. During my weekend there, I got plenty of eye candy in the form of these rocks. I also had the most delicious meals at several restaurants. The first one that comes to mind is the Heartline Café (www.heartlinecafe.com). Definitely check out this restaurant. They have the most amazing French Toast stuffed with a delightfully light lemon crème. It was so good that I went back there twice. The second time I got talking to the owner of the restaurant. Phyllis and her husband have run the restaurant for 20 plus years. She is such a great person and to make things even more special, we both realized that we had grown up in New Jersey. Her husband was from the very small community that I come from in the town of Wayne. What a small world. Phyllis gave me the official cookbook from their restaurant. Again, what a great place to eat. Not to be missed.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1rjZLZyyos#t=28[/embed]
The next day I had the pleasure of hiking for six miles round trip. Some would say too much, but it was so breathtakingly beautiful that I was blessed to be able to do this hike. Along on the ride was my cousin who resides in Arizona. She was a rockstar on this journey deep into the woods. We saw beautiful red rocks, trees, amazing vistas. It was called Boynton Canyon. The trail ran along side the property for the Enchantment Resort. What a special place tucked back into the wilds of Sedona, away from the touristic main strip. It was nice to get away from it all.
After this great hike, we treated ourselves to a lunch like no other at an organic restaurant called the Chocola Tree Restaurant (www.chocolatree.com). Their menu was a very eclectic mix of organic fare. I ended up ordering about four things just because they all sounded so good. The meal was finished off with a Pachimama latte. Such a delicious mix of ginger, cinnamon and love.
My time in Sedona came to an end very quickly. Before I knew it, I had to put myself back into the driver’s seat. I chose to push through and drive ten hours back to Park City. This time I went a different way and went through the Vermillion Cliffs area which is at the top of Arizona. Amazing scenery (again reference pictures). Unless you actually experience this part of the world, it is very hard to put into words.
The last hour of my trip was spent struggling up the canyon in a snowstorm. Snow, I just left 75 degree weather and sun. I was tempted to turn right around and go back to Sedona but figured I had a few folks back at home that might not be happy with that decision.
Until my next adventure,
P.A. Walker
