October 7, 2015
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The Road to 65, Mile 313: Of Horses, Llamas and Bells
October 6, 2015, Sedona- After dealing with more computer work, regarding a legal matter, I headed out for a day’s respite, stopping first at Mortimer Family Farm, in Dewey. The Fall is in full swing at this exhilarating place. As you can see, the pumpkins,alone, will delight dozens of school children this season.
My other purpose was to pick up one of their delectable sandwiches, along with a piece of Pumpkin Pie Fudge and a mocha espresso, for a roadside picnic. This ended up taking place at Crucifixion Point, a Forest Service Day-Use area, which was closed and locked. Nothing prevented me from parking outside the gate and enjoying a pleasant meal, though.
Then, it was off to Sedona. I stopped at the community college branch and inquired as to the road to Honanki, a Pueblo ruin on the West Side of town. I was told that I was not to go in there unless riding in a commercial jeep. I know this is a bunch of hooey, and figure the staff member must have some interest in the jeep outfit. Rather than waste time, I headed to a tried and true hiking path: Little Horse Trail and Llama Trail. Little Horse, which I last hiked three years ago, heads to Chicken Point (seen below) and Submarine Rock.
It also connects with a trail to the Chapel in the Red Rocks.
About 2/3 of the way to Chicken Point, I veered off Little Horse, and took Llama Trail. This brings the hiker back around to the south, towards Courthhouse Butte and Bell Rock. At one point, Llama Trail has one in a place that is equidistant from Cathedral Rock (west), Madonna and the Nuns (north), Courthouse Butte (east) and Bell Rock (south). I chose that area to pray, take a drink from my water bottle and write reminiscences of my July trip to California. Sedona has several vortices, and this felt like one of them.
While I was praying, I was greeted by some local residents.
Here are two shots of Madonna and The Nuns.
Courthouse Butte is not to be outdone.
Nor are Bell Rock,
or Cathedral Rock.
Llama Trail ends at Courthouse Vista, about 1 1/2 miles south of where my car was. So, in the interests of not being caught up in an approaching thunderstorm or out after dark, I took Bail Trail, a 1/4 mile connector, to Bell Rock Path, then back to Little Horse and my way home.
As it happened, I drove through the rain easily, and got home in time for another fine Arizona scene.
Comments (3)
I am no longer a school girl, but I too much enjoy pumpkin patches. There's just something about seeing so many in different sizes and colors that makes me smile. There is a church not far from here that has a big pumpkin patch each year, and hosts hay rides, another autumn bit of fun that brings out the little girl in me.
I am glad you got to enjoy a picnic and day of hiking. Thank you for sharing your photos. How pleasant indeed to see the wild deer come by.
If I were ever there, I think I might want to figure out how to get over to that chuch in the mountain side. That is rather unique and interesting, and something to experience.
You had a nice sunset, a perfect ending to a lovely day.
I've been to Sedona - and we went to the Chapel in the red rocks!! We also visited some of the vortices. I was able to stand at one vortex for a few minutes just to say I'd been there. I love the photos of the areas formations! Nice shots!!
@Crystalinne: @murisopsis: It was a refreshing jaunt, and reminded me of the importance of being in nature. I was starting to get too caught up again, in house-bound activities.
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