August 12, 2022

August 12, 2022

Our last trip is now a distant memory so Aimee acquiesced to a short getaway. We quickly packed our bags and left town mid-morning heading north. Aimee timed our departure so we would arrive at a Phoenix fabric wholesaler. I read a magazine while Aimee shopped for her next several projects.

We continued north on I-17 until we reached the Sedona exit. Sedona, with its red rock cliffs, is hands down the most scenic spot in the state. Hungry, our first stop was a burger joint in Oak Creek Canyon. We split a massive burger festooned with sauteed onions, peppers, jalapenos, guacamole, and bacon. Aimee thought it the best she ever had.

After lunch we didn't make it far. Just north of the restaurant, we parked at the Courthouse Butte Trailhead and hiked up the distinctive butte of Bell Rock. It is mostly scrambling up red slick rock which Aimee is not fond of. The views of the surrounding red rocks and ominous storm clouds are outstanding.

Back in the car, the rain finally begins but doesn't last long. We continue north making our way through Sedona to the Mescal Trailhead. We hike east for a couple miles till we reach a cliff face. We climb a series of stone steps to the rim where we discover Devil's Bridge. This is a very cool place to take a photograph. I have to coax Aimee really hard to open her eyes so she can take the picture. She can't wait to get back down the cliff.

Back at the car we follow Oak Creek upstream before climbing the Colorado Plateau and reaching Flagstaff. It is rainy and overcast and almost chilly. We check into our hotel and eat at the neighboring Outback Restaurant.