Day 30 - A Hiking Day in Sedona!

Ken and I were up by 6:30, packed lunches, made breakfast and Chuck and Melissa picked us up at 9 to go towards Sedona to do some hiking!  Did I tell you how much I love this area????

The drive into Sedona was beautiful again!  We stopped to get a picture of the "golden arches", but this is the only McDonalds that has green arches.  Really fits in with the area!  

What's not to like???? 

It seems odd to see "Green Arches"

Our 1st stop was at Dry Creek Canyon Trail where we hiked about 1 1/2 miles of the trail.  It was nice and we enjoyed, but our 2nd hike was our favorite.  We did the 4 mile Mescal Trail and what a beautiful and scenic trail it was.  Not as treacherous as yesterday's hike, but still challenging.  Mountain bikers are on this trail too and I don't understand that.  It is way to scary to imagine riding bike on the narrow trails with huge drops and it is so rocky at places.  Hats off to those folks who are comfortable and strong enough to do that sport!  Spring is a wonderful time to be here to enjoy all the blooming cacti and all the greenery.  Love seeing the brightly colored lizards!  Here the agave cacti are in full bloom and just gorgeous!  Their stems are so dark and the flowers a very dark burgundy - tall and striking!!!  We stopped 2 times along the trail for some "nourishment" and just take in all the beauty.  

Love the flowering cacti here!

This was part of our hike on the 1st trail!

The blooming Yucca Cacti!

Still on the 1st trail!

The blooming ocotillo cacti

Okay, the 1st hike did have some beautiful views!

The happy hikers!

The agave cacti are tall!!!

More of the pretty flowering cacti.  Can't help it, we just
enjoy them!

The weather today was perfect for hiking!

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil!!!

Just about back to the car after a 4 mile hike!  Everyone's feet
were tired, my back was tired, Ken's heel was tired, and Chuck's
knees were tired.  Time to be done for today!

From there we drove about 6 miles on a dirt road to the Palatki Ruins.  There we had 3 different gentlemen, who were extremely knowledgeable, explain the cave drawings, the people who lived in this area, and  the cliff dwellings.  It was very interesting.

Everywhere you look there are just more beautiful red
rock formations.  

We drove about 7 more miles on the dirt road before getting to the main road to go back to the CG, arriving there around 4:30.  We decided to get together for a Happy Hour and a time of chatting and sharing.  It was great!  No card playing tonight, we were tired, it was 7 PM, and we hadn't eaten dinner.  

Melissa and I got phone calls from our girls today to wish us a Happy Mother's Day.  We surely miss our families but Ken and I are so glad they support us on our "bucket list western trip"!  It is proving to be a trip of a lifetime and sharing it with Chuck and Melissa has made it even more special and memorable!