Breathtaking

Not too many other words to describe this morning’s sunrise view of the red rocks as the light slowly crept across them.  Knowing what we’d get to see, coupled with the fact our bodies were a couple of hours still off of the local sunrise, it was a perfect morning to be up with a wonderful cup of coffee (or three) and enjoy the cold and crisp morning air.

Sitting on the deck (Kathy was extra bundled up!), the light from the rising sun crept across the formation from the right to the left as it came over the eastern hills.  Like last night’s sunset, the lighting changed by the moment and provided some really fascinating views.

One of the eastern-most (from our perspective) formations was almost unremarkable until the light and shadows created what looked obviously like a large stone-carved throne jutting out from the rocks.  Several stone pillars to the left gave the appearance of challengers for the throne just waiting for their opportunity to arise with the sun.  Some more coffee with a welcomed breakfast and we’re ready to start our day.  Just north of Sedona, at the entrance to Oak Creek Canyon (tomorrow’s target) is the impressive Midgley Bridge.

Built in 1939, this arched bridge spans over the confluence of Oak Creek and Wilson Canyon on highway 89.  There’s a small parking lot with only a few cars of hikers who had started earlier in the day to head off into one of the two canyons here.  Making our way down the steep and unsteady stone steps, Kathy and I let Paul enjoy the views on a natural stone bench while we head down the trail for a short bit.

Crossing under the bridge itself, we get to a great vista overlook.  With an occasional car on the bridge behind us, the bubbling Oak Creek deep below us provides a great compliment to the breeze through the surrounding trees.  We haven’t been here 24 hours yet and have seen so very little, but we’re already hooked on Sedona and will return again.

As much as we wanted to continue up Oak Creek Canyon, that was going to be tomorrow’s morning venture as we’re heading back to the house and the arrival of Kathy’s cousin Joanie and her husband Steve.  They made the drive up to see us and have lunch while we were in their “neck of the woods”.

And what a lunch it was!  We had heard great things about Mariposa before, as its Latin-inspired food garnered raves from both random on-line reviews and recommendations from friends who had visited in the past.  What we were not prepared for, though, was the incredible view from the parking lot and the open dining room itself!

Settling into our table and taking in the views, the food was even better than we had been expecting.  The appetizers shared between us were fresh and unexpected takes on some old standards, and each of our lunch choices were met with “happy noises” as we ate and talked into the afternoon.   If you ever visit, the yuca fries and the handmade empanadas were outstanding and I highly recommend them!

As our bunch continued to chat, I excused myself to go out and take a few (dozen) photos of the begging-to-be-photographed vista.  Without realizing the exact location, I was wishing I could be here or see these rocks at sunset.  Well… keep reading.

After lunch, we head back to our (temporary) home and chat for a short while longer before Joanie and Steve have to leave for home.  They’re heading out first thing in the morning for what sounds like a fun “jazz cruise” down the Baja peninsula.  With hugs and farewells, they depart and leave us to a short rest before we head out again.

Our next destination is to the Sedona Airport mesa – great views, obviously… but we’re heading there for sunset!  Our timing could not have been better, as we arrived and were able to park in the convenient lot directly across from the viewing area with about 10 minutes to go before sunset itself.

Remember that “wish” I had earlier about wanting to see that Mariposa-view at sunset?  Well, it turns out that the airport mesa is almost up the hill from Mariposa, so I got my wish! 

Between the stunning views of the setting sun itself and the eclectic and electric violinist playing a background medley, the views of the Sedona valley was awash with red, orange, and gold.  It was exactly what we had hoped to see … albeit very cold and windy!  We stayed for as long as we could manage there and, as the crowd started to thin, we made our way back to the car as well.

At this point, we were a bit “peckish”, so a decision was made to head to an area Paul and Geri had visited on a previous visit.  The Tlaquepaque (“tah-lah-kuh-pah-kee”) market area has many shops and art stores during the day, but the charmingly lit area also has a number of cafes and restaurants.  Our meal was lovely – and the dessert was heavenly!

For today – that was definitely enough, so it was back home and a rest before our LONG day of exploration tomorrow!