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Cathedral Rock Ahead
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| The Path Behind |
In Sedona, two paths diverged in the woods and we chose the
Baldwin Trail. It is rated moderate -- perfect for two
middle-aged women (the Nancy’s squared) on the loose in the wilderness. Armed with our trekking poles and cameras
(and water!), we set off into the wilderness for the loop around Cathedral
Rock. A rise of about 200 feet seemed
more achievable than the 600-foot scramble up the Cathedral Rock Trail and so it
was. It’s exhilarating to hike on a
sunny, cool day through a landscape that offers both magnificent vistas and
cool forest paths.
They say that Sedona is a mystical place with vortexes of
spiritual energy dotting the landscape.
I can’t say that I channeled a vortex but for sure the magic got under my skin and into my soul.
It is hard to put into words.
Perhaps it is the red rocks rising majestically up into the sky – all
rounded corners and fantastical spires. Or, perhaps
it is the scrub pines bound to the earth by a shallow root system and seemingly
always in danger of toppling over as they line the side of the path.
Maybe, just maybe, it is that rare opportunity to be alone
with nature as my hiking companion (the intrepid Nancy B aka the B) turns the
corner ahead leaving me with no one ahead and no one behind. Just me, the golden grasses, Cathedral Rock
ahead, the warmth of the sun on my face, the clean scent of evergreens, the
sound of Oak Creek burbling in the distance, and the gentle wind rustling the bare branches of the sycamores. A veritable feast for the
senses.
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