After a break of five years, Terris Christian, John Bauer, Jim Stallings, and I once again spent a week together. Terris, John, and Jim are computer professionals I met decades ago at the start of the personal computer era, circa 1984, when I bought my first computer. We met monthly at someone’s house (there were other geek friends) and I was a computer nerd wannabe. I tried but never made the transition from family physician to computer professional and have remained a hobbyist.

Anyway, I digress. My travels with them include:

• 2006 Sedona
• 2007 Las Vegas — we actually did desert hikes there and a day trip to Bryce, honest!
• 2009 St. George, Utah — Zion NP, Arches NP, Bryce Canyon
• 2010 Sedona
• 2013 Sedona
• 2015 Yosemite (Jim was unable to go)
• 2017 Sedona (John was unable to go) helicopter ride, ATVs, Grand Canyon

I have been to Sedona, a world-class attraction, at least three additional times with family. So, not the least tired of the hikes and views, we went again this year!

On Saturday, May 8, 2022, we drove in the early morning to RIC and flew American to DFW and then to PHX before renting a Toyota Highlander for the two-hour drive to Sedona. Long day, but as usual, it was not bad flying west. Arizona does not recognize daylight savings time so it was a three-hour change from Richmond.

Monday, May 9th, Bell Rock

We climbed to my favorite vortex on Bell Rock. It was a difficult climb for me but I was grateful for my continued vitality, physical fitness, and agility to make the climb and once again spend time sitting at the vortex. Are vortexes just New Age nonsense? Maybe. But I enjoy the relaxing space and wonderful view.

What is a Vortex?

“Sedona vortexes (the proper grammatical form ‘vortices’ is rarely used) are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged or uplifted after visiting a vortex.

Although all of Sedona is considered to be a vortex, there are specific sites where the energy crackles most intensely. The four best known Sedona vortexes are found at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon—each radiating its own particular energy. Some are thought to produce energy flowing upward while at others the energy spirals downward, entering the earth.”

www.visitsedona.com

Tuesday, May 10th, ATV day

We rented a Polaris Turbo RZR for rough, bouncy trips to Schnebly Hill Road, Chicken Point, Devil’s Bridge, and Robbers Roost. I described our day on Facebook …

“Yesterday’s activity was a bone-shaking, butt-thumping, kidney stone-rattling, OMG we can’t go down/up that boulder field! Sedona adventure with John Bauer, Jim Stallings, and Terris Christian in a four-passenger Polaris Turbo RZR. Stopped for a few hikes including Devil’s Bridge. This was my first time, full-on, Gonzo, serious, off-road riding and I fully appreciated the four-point harness restraints preventing our untimely ejection. Jim did the driving.”

Facebook post by me

Wednesday, May 11th, Ant Hill

I left at 5:45 am by myself, stopped at Starbucks for a “dirty” chai latte (masala chai tea with steamed oat milk and a shot of espresso—a “filthy” chai latte has two shots of espresso!), solved the day’s Wordle, and then explored the trail system northwest of Uptown Sedona. By sheer luck, I discovered Ant Hill, a sizeable knoll in the valley’s center with a beautiful 360 view. I found this much more peaceful than the more popular tourist attractions and it quickly became my favorite place in Sedona. The weather was in the high 70s, sunny, with a nice breeze, and no other hikers. Perfect!

Thursday, May 12th, Snoopy Rock

All four of us drove toward Cathedral Rock, one of Sedona’s four main vortexes, for a day hike but were turned back for lack of parking. Apparently, post-pandemic Sedona is experiencing a 400% increase in tourism, and the trails are overwhelmed.

On the way back we made an impromptu stop at Son Silver West, a sprawling, eclectic art gallery. For years we had passed by this place and never stopped. If you are in the area, it is well worth the visit.

Following the art gallery, we went to Snoopy Rock, a popular landmark easily seen from Uptown Sedona, where Terris and I summited to sit on Snoopy’s legs and feet. Once again great views.

Friday, May 13th, Devil’s Kitchen

All four of us drove to the Jordan Road Trailhead where we parked the car. After a mile on the trail, Jim and John returned to the car to leave Terris and I hiking to Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and, once again, Ant Hill.

Saturday, May 14th, we flew from PHX to ORD and back to RIC.

A Few Notes

IMHO weight training is more valuable than cardiovascular training, particularly as we age. I worked hard to activate and strengthen my glutes prior to this trip and it paid off with less leg fatigue and soreness with big climbs. Everyone has weak glutes from sitting too much.

I brought a Canon 90D to replace my Canon 60D for this trip and used a Sigma 18-135 travel lens. I also shot video of our ATV day (film at eleven!) with a Sony RX100V6 and photos with my Google Pixel 3a. All the above photos were downsized (and thus a little grainy) to conserve server space. I combined many images into very detailed and beautiful panoramas but could not fully show them here. In the future, I will post the best to my Smugmug account and in a photo book.