Sedona……


We spent a day at our cousins’ home relaxing and getting our aching muscles back to normal. The kids enjoyed playing outdoors again after a long time. Our cousins have a beautiful yard and play set and those kept the kids busy. Oh! and the air was filled with the sweet smell of so many flowers. Living through the winter in Illinois, I’d forgotten there were so many sweet smelling flowers on the planet. And the colors were awesome too, from the vibrant bougainvillea to the fragrant white jasmine, it was paradise.


Well, we decided to do a little sightseeing the next day. We had heard a lot about Sedona and so decided to go out there. Sedona is about 106 miles from Glendale, AZ.
Although I had heard a lot about Sedona, I was not prepared for its unparalleled splendor. It took my breath away.
At an elevation of about 4500 ft, it nestles, at the base of the dominating Mogollon Rim and the mouth of the majestic Oak Creek Canyon, among beautiful red sandstone rocks. The huge sandstone monoliths have names like Coffee pot, Bell and Snoopy because of their resemblance to these objects or in one case a lovable cartoon character. Sedona is also home to the vast Coconino National Forest. It goes unsaid that with so much natural splendor, there are many outdoor activities that one can indulge in here.


There are jeep rides, helicopter tours, hot air balloon rides, to name just a few. The more adventurous can go hiking or for ATV rides. Whatever mode of transportation one chooses, there is plenty to see in Sedona. The rocks are home to authentic old Indian cave dwellings. Downtown Sedona has an old worldly charm of its own. There are several specialty stores where one can spend hours just window-shopping. There are also several friendly cafes where one can get a cup of coffee.
We decided to take a helicopter tour of the place; although the kids were more interested in doing a jeep ride or ATV ride, (I’m not that adventurous!) We drove down from the city’s tourist information center to the small airport. We were asked to wait a short while. In a few minutes, we were accompanied to the helicopter and introduced to the pilot, a friendly smiling chap, who made us feel at ease. Being a family of four, we got a chopper all to ourselves, and yours’ truly had the opportunity to sit in front, next to the pilot. My family was jealous that I got the best seat and I couldn’t help gloating. To say that the view was spectacular from above would be an understatement. Words cannot describe Rich, Beautiful Sedona!
It’s a small world indeed, because after our helicopter tour on the way back to downtown Sedona, we stopped to take some pictures at a scenic point, when we ran into one of my son’s teachers from school. We were pleasantly surprised and took the opportunity to take some pictures with her too.


Apart from its natural grandeur, Sedona is also considered a spiritual retreat by many. It is believed that Sedona is home to several vortexes or focal points of the earth’s energy and many come here to renew their own energy.
After shopping for souvenirs and getting some yummy ice cream, we decided to head back home. How I wish we could have stayed another day and explored more of Sedona.

I’m sure, if I have the opportunity I will certainly go there again!