181. Sedona (8): Mystical Shaman’s Cave

Shaman’s Cave is located west of Sedona off some dirt road. It is not one of those “touristy” spots. Actually, without joined the local hikers, I wouldn’t find it on my own. It is in a relative desolate area, without any sign leading to the Cave.

Legend has it–the early explorers described this area as “a perfect hideout in no-man’s-land” which has earned this cave the nickname Robbers’ Roost. Of course, no one knows for sure whether any bad guy actually hid here. But someone lived up there before, as evidenced by the impressive ruin.

The cave is wonderful, but the “window” on one side of the cave is even more impressive. It is a near-perfect 6 feet circular window. I heard different stories—some said it is all natural, but others doubted it. No matter whether it is natural or not, it is amazing. From the cave you can catch a glimpse of Sedona in the not-so-far distance.

PS. my photo website: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/qing-yang.html

180. Sedona (7): Lost, Almost!

Like I said, the good thing about Sedona is there are so many trails; the bad part is there are too many trails! 🙂 By that, I meant, since there are so many trails, sometimes it is confusing. Especially, when it comes to “social trails” which are unofficial trails—they are probably made by people started go off trail to explore and after awhile, a non-so-clear path formed. Those trails are tricky; they are not marked and can disappear in anywhere.

The first time I went on social trail, I got lost!

I didn’t intent to take this off the beaten path by myself. Normally, I would prefer to stay on trail so that if I run into trouble, I might be able to get help. Even those less popular trails, there will be someone using it, once in a while. However, if I am completely off trail, and run into trouble there, I might get stuck there, forever!

This is another reason I like about local hiking groups. We do go off trail sometimes. It is fun, and safe, to do it with a group of people. There are so many places to explore in Sedona!

When I first hiked the Munds Wagon trail, I went to one of those social trails, unintentionally. It winds through dense forest up to a ridge.

The view was great. However, after I explore the ridge area, I had trouble finding the original path. Pretty soon, I was completely off any trail! Although I knew the general direction, getting there was a different question. Passing dense, prickly forest down a mountain side wasn’t easy! Especially when it was in the late afternoon. I could hear my heavy breathing; I could feel my heart pounding. Adrenaline pumped through me! After a few scratches and an hour bushwhacking, I finally found the social trail I was on before! It was such a relief!

Hiking is fun. But being able to do it safely is foremost important. I kept on learning my lessons. 🙂

 

Can you see a “face” here?

PS. my photo website: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/qing-yang.html

179. Sedona (6): Secluded Long Canyon

Sedona is really a hiker’s heaven—there are more than 300 miles of trails! Or so as I was told. The trails arrange from a couple of miles, to many, many miles. And if you like, you can also link different trails to make them as long as you want!

So far, all the trails I hiked are good, only some are better than others. However, one thing I found interesting is certain trails seem a lot more popular than others; those well-liked ones are not necessarily more scenic than the unpopular trails. To this date, I still don’t understand the reason behind it.

For example, Long Canyon is one of those less popular trails. I have hiked there twice, once on my own and the second time with a small group of people. It was in the afternoon when I hiked alone. During the 7.5 miles round trip, the only hikers I met were a couple! It was morning when I hiked with the group. We only met two runners! And I, the girl from North Carolina, was the “guide” of our group. 🙂 It seems strange that such a wonderful place only has very few to visit.

Well, I am such curious. It doesn’t affect me in anyway. In fact, I actually like the quietness. Solitude and seclusion is one of the things I love about and look for in the wilderness.

PS. my photo website: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/qing-yang.html

178. Sedona (5): Pictographs and Petroglyphs

One of the gems I found out from the local hiking group is “Pictographs and Petroglyphs”. I knew this area is rich in ancient rock arts, yet, I didn’t see any while I hiked on my own. It turns out, those treasures, at least some of them, are hidden in areas accessible by high clearance vehicles or by bushwhacking. I would never be able to see them, if I didn’t join the local hikers!

Here are several different areas I went to with the Meetup hiking group:

The Honanki Heritage Site is an area with cliff dwelling and rock art. The Sinagua, ancestors of the Hopi, lived here from about AD1100 to 1300.

Snake Cave, not far from Honanki, contains one of the largest snake petroglyphs in the area, which is only accessible by bushwhacking.

Woo Ranch contains some of the most spectacular pictographs in the area.

I am very fortunate to be able to find out those hidden gems!

Honanki Heritage Site:

Snake Cave:

Pictographs near Woo Ranch:

PS. my photo website: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/qing-yang.html

177. Sedona (4): Full Moon Drum Circle

After being in Sedona and hiking on my own for more than two months, I decided to check out hiking groups around the area. I am, after all, a very sociable person. 🙂 Besides, you learn hidden gems from locals.

One of such treasures I found out is the Full Moon Drum Circle. Once a month, at the night of full Moon, people gather at Cathedral Rock playing drums. I have heard about the drum circle before, but never got detailed information until I asked the right person. Lark, an organizer of a Meetup hiking group, happened to know the info I wanted. And she actually set up an event after I asked her! The minute after I received the email, I signed up. 🙂

It turned out to be as magic as I imagined!

Cathedral Rock is an amazing place. The hike up the saddle requires a bit scrambling. But the view is breathtaking. I have hiked up on my own before; it was equally fun with a group of like-minded people.

After the hike, we sat around, had our picnic dinner, waiting for the Moon to rise. Boy, the full Moon was bright, and huge! I was fascinated! With the music from the drum circle and the Cathedral Rock towering behind us, I certainly felt the spirit, and the magic of the special land and the night of a full Moon!

I didn’t have a drum, but believe me, I had as much fun as anyone there. With the soothing and soulful music, I danced, and danced the night away.

So this was Drum Circle at Cathedral Rock: breathtaking scenery; mesmerizing full Moon and enchanting music from the drums! Life is good! So good!

PS. my photo website: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/qing-yang.html

176. Sedona (3): Storm over Thunder Mountain

Besides the spectacular scenery, Sedona also has perfect weather for outdoor lovers, or at least in this winter. I have been here for three months now, except one downpour and a couple of showers, it was mostly sunny! Day time temperature was around 50-70 for the whole winter! I have been able to hike almost every day.

One day when I hiked Thunder Mountain trail, it started raining. I didn’t turn back since I could see the Sun was trying to peek out from behind the clouds. It would be pretty, if the Sun shone on the red against the dark blue sky. I kept on hiking, and “prayed” for sunshine, at least for a moment. Well, my wish was granted – the Sun did break out, just for several minutes, enough for me to snap a few good pictures! I was really happy, even though I was pretty wet when I reached my car in the end. 🙂 Although everyday in Sedona was a good day, this was an excellent stormy day.

PS. my photo website: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/qing-yang.html

175. Sedona (2): Meeting a Man with a Heart!

Boynton Canyon trail has been named as Sedona’s top 10 hikes. The trail is about 6.5 miles round trip. From open canyon to towering red cliff walls, Boynton Canyon is stunningly beautiful. Moreover, it is one of the four “vortexes” in the area. A “vortex” is an area supposed to have special spiritual power. The particular energy of Boynton Canyon is “balanced” – for there is a rock spire representing a Kachina Woman and another symbolizing a man.

When I hiked the canyon for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised to hear soothing music coming from the top of the rock. A man was sitting on the rock, playing with an Indian Flute. The soulful music lilted in the air. It was so beautiful. For a moment, I felt I was so “lost” in the tranquility of the amazing sight and sound.

Then, on my way back, I happened to meet the man playing the soothing music. We had a chance to talk while we walked back together. It turned out that Robert loves to come to this sacred spot to play music. A few minutes into our conversation, to my surprise and delight, he pulled a heart shaped rock from his pocket and gave it to me! I was stunned, not only by his kind gesture, but also by the shape of the rock. I am a rock lover – I like to pick different rocks, just for their beauty. However, I have never found a heart shaped rock in the wilderness before.

Upon seeing my astonishment, Robert smiled and spilled out his secret – he made the rock. He has been making heart shaped rocks for many years and he has given away to thousands of people! I was very touched by his way to spread happiness and kindness! I thought I have been doing pretty well by smiling and saying hello to people along the way, or offering to take their pictures when I sensed the need. But he is way above me in spreading kindness. I wonder what the world would be like, if there are more “men with a heart”!

The Kachina Woman

PS. my photo website: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/qing-yang.html

174. Sedona (1): In the Arms of Sedona!

Red rocks here,

Crimson rocks there,

Colorful rocks everywhere,

Standing tall, with pride, and proud,

Is this Mars?

Or am I on another planet similar?

I kept my eyes closed,

Trying to savior the unearthly splendor,

Wishing the dream will last longer,

Then, I heard the soothing sound of running water,

Where did I stumble on a creek so clear, I wonder?

Now I remember,

It is right outside, where air is fresher,

I open my eyes right away, in a hurry

Taking in the sight of Cathedral Rock, with hunger,

He is right there,

Just outside of the window,

Standing by my side,

That is why I slept so soundly –

I am in the arms of Sedona,

A magic land filled with colorful rocks, my love!

If you can call this is a poem, this is my second one. The very first one “came” to me when I was in Girdwood, Alaska (post #69). At the time I posted it, I asked whether you thought it was a poem. Thank God you guys were so kind and encouraging!

Here I am, in Sedona, Arizona.

I have been here before, twice, but each only stayed a couple of days. The red rocks left such a strong impression that on my way back home to North Carolina I decided to stay in Sedona for a while – a few months! In this way, I could see red rocks, my favorite everyday!

Indeed I can see red rocks, everyday, without even leaving my room! From Craigslist, I rent a room in a house. The first time I saw the place, even though it is tiny, I fell in love! The view is spectacular – Cathedral Rock, one of the most photographed land marks of Sedona, is standing right outside of the glass-sliding door! The title picture was taken right from my back yard.

So, the following posts will be, mostly, about Sedona. You can be certain that I will hike every trail I can manage here – there are more than 300 miles of trails, I was told. 🙂

PS. my photo website: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/qing-yang.html