Sedona, AZ
10:25 PM
We hit the links yesterday at a Jack Nicklaus wonder, Estrella Mountain Ranch. Playing with Anthony’s father’s clubs, I realized how nice technology can help the game. I’ve hit the same irons since I was in 8th grade, and hitting Callaway X-12’s were great. The rust and the northeast ice melted away as the day progressed. The course was in immaculate shape with a lot of bunkers, but I stayed beach free for most of the day and knocked it around to an 81 with two birdies.
That was yesterday. Today we made a trip out of the valley, north to Sedona. Anthony and Donna got engaged here. I neglected to mention I arrived in Phoenix on their 3rd anniversary. Sedona is the land of the red rocks. It had been years since I’d been and it did not disappoint. The drive in wets the appetite, with desert surrounding the highway and the rock formations in the distance. The area has gotten very commercialized and we didn’t stop at any of the art galleries or restaurants.
We proceeded down main street to an Indian ground on one side of the street and a small grocery store with a deli and a courtyard in back. I had eaten here before and so had they. It was perfect and allowed for a few pictures of what was to come. After eating a pastrami sandwich and chili, they sipped some hot apple cider, and we moved toward Slide Rock state park. In the summer, this is a place you can swim. The rocks have smoothed so you can use them as a slide. It may have been 80 in Phoenix, but it was only 65 in Sedona, so there was no swimming. Donna is also 7 months pregnant, so the hiking was not intense. We leisurely walked and soaked up the surroundings.
I imagined what it would’ve been like to be a frontier person, pulling your horse into the sights of Sedona for the first time. That may be the reason for so many Sedona churches, the peace you feel out there. The rock formations are amazing, with each one being crafted by rains and wind. I would not want to be stuck out here in a 115 degree summer day with the vultures buzzing overhead.
Our day was spent walking and riving and finally ending at The Chapel. There are magnificent views from Chapel Road as well as from the actual Chapel. We did not go into the Chapel, but we captured some of the scenery.
Heading back to Phoenix, the two hour and change drive gave me time to reflect on how awesome of a trip this is. The sun has been radiant the entire time and the 80 degree days are a welcome change from what we’ve been experiencing in NY. I can’t wait to show the pictures from today. If you get the chance, Sedona is a must see.
Time for bed. Big day tomorrow as we go to the Cowboy game.