Res Ipsa: Hiking in Sedona, etc.

So today was my first full day in Sedona. I got up and had the coffee and scones they have in the lobby every day. They were yummy! I read the paper (with the funniest article by far reporting on how 25% of American Muslims are pretty much A-Okay with homicide bombings, and was inexplicably titled "Muslims reject extremism." (???)) and of course, spent some time watching Fox News and playing on the net.

I wanted to get started hiking, so after driving around for awhile, I purchased my Red Rocks Pass (without which you literally cannot park anywhere in Sedona, especially anywhere scenic), and off I went. The New-Agers from last night had told me about Schnelby Road (where you can drive up on a 5-mile dirt/rock road if you have an SUV) which has a great view from the top. For about a mile, my car was probably so happy that for once it was being used for the purpose for which it was designed. However, it was really bumpy and had some sharp rocks, and after about a mile I decided a good view of (what else?) the red rocks was not worth 4 new tires, new alignment, new suspension, and new shocks. So I turned around and went back to a turnout and parked where some trails started. I took one that ended up following next to the road for 4 miles, and then split into two others, with no indication of their lengths/destinations. I was bored by then anyway, so I turned around and followed the road back. I was the only person on the trail almost the whole way, and aside from the numerous Pink Jeep tours that kept driving by, it was really quiet and peaceful. Here are some views of the red rocks from the trail and road. They all have different names like "Snoopy Rock," "The Nuns," and "Cathedral Rock," but as far as I can tell, none of them resemble those things anyway, and I have no idea which is which.

So now I'm back at the hotel, and having scrubbed off my red rock-dust "tan" from my legs, I'm back to my Sherlock Holmes book and eagerly awaiting the New-Age enthusiasts I'm sure to be inundated with at the wine and cheese reception tonight.

Here are a few pictures from yesterday and today:

This is my patio that I really haven't spent much time in yet but it's beautiful.

I have to say - this hotel is the best. I am having so much fun with all the random little things they do. As if the nightly wine & cheese reception and the daily coffee and scones weren't enough! So each night when they do the turn-down, they even lay out the bath mat in the bathroom for you, and they leave these really neat chocolates on the table - tonight it was orange and crispy chocolate, and last night it was cinnamon chocolate. I'm not a chocolate person but I felt like I had to try them and they were actually really good! Then they turn the clock towards the bed so you can see what time it is when you wake up. And I'm not sure what happened to the dirty clothes I left on the floor this morning, but I am really hoping they are at the complimentary laundry service....I don't remember reading anything about that, but I am hoping they are not going to charge me to clean every clothing item I leave on the floor....because if so, I'm going to have to find somewhere to hide my laundry. :-)

This is the area with a bunch of chairs and fireplace that's right outside my room.

Here's the other side of the same room. 4 steps to the right is my room.

This is this really neat jasmine-covered arch between the hotel and the cottages by the river - it's smells so much even I can smell it, and it's soooo good!