A Sedona Special Celebration
For our 20th anniversary, my wife and I decided to return to Sedona, Arizona to celebrate. It had been years since our last visit so returning was an easy decision to make. For this special trip, we stayed at the Enchantment Resort and Spa, a place we have frequented over the years so it was also another easy decision to make!
Our days were spent hiking, playing tennis, and lounging around the many pools at the resort. We also spent time at the Mii amo spa enjoying the peaceful “grotto” as well as the sauna, steam room, and pool. Breakfast on the patio near the spa pool was a daily ritual.
There are so many hiking trails in and around Sedona that it can be hard to choose which ones to enjoy. Being that we had been here many times we picked several of our favorites including the Bell Rock loop, the Courthouse Butte loop, and the Devil’s Bridge Trail along with a few others with trailheads close to the resort.
Our days were spent hiking, playing tennis and lounging around the many pools at the resort.
During the evenings we enjoyed relaxing and dining under the stars while watching the lightning from distant monsoons moving up from the south. On one particular evening the rain, and the lightning, came through the area lighting up the red rock walls while the thunder roared through the canyon.
We have always wanted to take a hot air balloon ride so this was the trip that we decided to finally do it. The outfitter picked us up early (very early!) on the morning of our ride and after a short drive we parked in a large open meadow filled with deflated balloons. A brief safety primer from the pilot and the gas was turned on. In no time the balloon was full and we were ready for take-off. The feeling of releasing the tether lines and leaving the ground is simply magical. Soon you are riding high above the red rock that is Sedona’s claim to fame. It’s quiet and very peaceful as you watch the sun turn the rocks every shade of yellow, orange & red. Upon landing we were treated to a continental breakfast and driven back to the resort. And it was barely 10 o’clock!
During the evenings we enjoyed relaxing and dining under the stars while watching the lightning from distant monsoons moving up from the south.
The highlight among many highlights of our trip was the renewal of our marriage vows. Being somewhat unconventional we never had formal marriage vows so this was a great opportunity, and a great setting, to do so. Early one morning we left the resort to go on a nearby hike. Perched on a rock outcropping high above the valley we exchanged our vows as the sun rose. It was a magical, emotional and intensely gratifying experience for both of us.
Truly a fitting end to a great trip!
