Sedona hike and two national monuments

In the morning we went on a hike in Sedona that Abe picked out. It was gorgeous, although three quarters of the way in the girls and I thought Abe was lost. We were certain he was heading the wrong direction–and then he turned a corner and we were right back at the parking lot! We had completed the loop, just like Abe had been telling us we would. He mentioned he anticipated being doubted because the hike was slightly long and apparently we all break down an hour into a hike. I didn’t realize we were so predictable! Haha.

I think Mary took this photo and the one of above it.

Then we drove North to two National monuments. En route we stopped to see the view in Oak Canyon.

On the path back to our car.

Then we visited Wupatki National Monument. I had read a passage Willa Cather wrote about the monument and was so excited to see it. Now I want to read her book based here!

This is a blow hole that comes out of the earth. The native people who lived here anciently ascribed spiritual properties to it. The ranger told me before hand the kids love the playing in the blow hole, and I was really confused how this could be without periodically losing a child or two down the hole. All was made clear when we came to the actual blow hole–it was safely grated over but nevertheless a blast. Heehee.

Then we drove to our absolute favorite national monument of the day–possibly ever–Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Oh my goodness, the colors and textures on that hike were so bold, so dramatic, and so full of contrast. It was so beautiful.

On the way home we listened to Wicked and all the kids fell asleep before we got to the hotel. What a beautiful day.