I can't believe it's already the last day!!
This day saw the biggest crowds as weekenders flooded Sedona. We ended up abandoning some hiking plans since there was no parking at some trail heads. Instead we hiked where there was parking.
I don't really get the Chapel. But it was nice. I guess I'm not sure of the attraction for something man-made in the middle of the natural beauty, but it was PACKED. They had parking attendants and everything: nice imported cacti, nice rock formations all around, and mansions.
After the chapel we headed on down the road and stopped at Bell Rock. We set out to hike around it...and we followed the fork in the trail and also hiked around Courthouse Butte. Then we headed into town for some lunch, and got stuck in lunch traffic....Wow! 6 rotaries never took so long! We ended up stopping at the first eatery we saw, which was Senior Bob's Hotdogs.
And we wanted to squeeze in one more hike on this our LAST day :(
We chose the Little Horse Trail which was part of the Bell Rock Pathway Loop but started in a different parking lot. The canyon and dessert floor hikes have a lot less elevation than any of the rim hikes we did in the Grand Canyon. This is awesome since you can use your energy for distance instead of having to save it for the inevitable uphill climb! This was also around the time we realized that we had just spent almost 8 or 9 complete days in the outdoors and together. About 20 hours combined driving time...good time spent together.
Little Horse was an awesome last hike before heading home. It went over rock, through forest, along wash outs, and at the far end we took a little tangent trail, scrambled up the rocks that were the little horse ears at Chicken Point and rested there. Quite often my beloved walks ahead and waits for me when I have trailed behind to take photos. He at his pace exploring, and I at mine, capturing moments along the way. I love that he is so patient. He doesn't hurry me knowing how much I am loving this element of the trip. And while we rested.... I switched out my lenses and got some closeups of the flora in this very dry climate. Mmmmmm...texture.
And the way out of the canyon we spotted the chapel....
And then we left....
Leaving is always bittersweet. I like beginnings much more than endings.
But it was time to go home again.
And we saw tons of saguaro cacti on the way to Phoenix.....and I wish I had photographed the Joshua Trees on the way to Niland, CA. Only one little regret on an amazing trip!
Next stop: HOME!!
