So, here we are in the famed Sedona. Fascinating. My Dad and Stepmom have been gracious enough to invite us to come up here and see the famed Red Rocks, take in the various sites and trapezo-de-touristas and hang out in general. So far, the weather is very nice and even gets cool at night, which I have enjoyed very much. Had to put on my fleece and a hat (!) this evening to avoid a chill. Lovely food, great views nearly all around. But, I find that the resorts, despite pleasant grounds and ammenities are sort of like a blight on the stunning landscape. Like someone plopped a giant CGI composite in 360 around the man-made stuff. It is weird to behold at times.
Fortunately, even a hike on what was sort of the equivalent of the I-5 freeway (so many people on the trail--nice to see everyone out, but not all at once!) was a simple pleasure that felt restorative, even as we raced back for our ill-advised meet back time, after which the National Guard would be called to scape up our bodies. Always add an hour to what seems like more than enough time. I kick myself for not sticking to my schedule guns, despite knowing better. I am so used to going solo, I guess, and being the sole judge of timing, I wimped out. I hate to rush on the trail, though I seem to do it more than I like, mostly racing the sun, being a late riser. The interesting thing about all the people on the trail was, everyone who stopped along the way to talk about where the trail ended, etc., was super nice. Or at least it struck me as more unusual than...usual. Even had word trickle back from another hiker as to the outcome of the "end of the trail", an actual sign saying just that. Amusing in every way. I don't remember ever seeing such a thing before. We didn't see it ourselves, being about a quarter mile short, we guessed, because we ran out of time. That and a few snaps later with my handy dandy little Gorillapod on SD500 camera, we were off on our race back to the trailhead. Though we "sacrificed" B's ankle a couple times (ow!) and his fussy foot in general, we were rewarded for our efforts by a end-of-the hike mule deer siting along the road. And a picture. It turns out I really needed that hike. A real plus to the day. Not long, the Boynton Trail, but worth it.
Overall, I can see why the place is absolutely chock-a-block with New Agers of every stripe. Crystal this, Aura that. It is not enough for many to see the tremendous Red Rock formations and strangely lush surrounds as an astounding natural wonder, part of the earth's timeless geologic beauty. It must be something more. Something mystical. So, in celebration, they plop businesses made of ticky tacky down in the midst, to tempt needy souls to spend $$ and thereby achieve spiritual awakenings, cleansings, centerings, enlightenings, meanings, all complete with sacred, man-made crystals. I mean, I like Enya music as much as anyone, but really. Is all that necessary? Of course it is. It turns a buck. I suppose the citizens of Sedona enjoy the taxes well enough. Keep that traffic moving, boys!
Did I say that there seemed to be churches in every other corner as well? See above for same.
Oh, and Pink Jeep tours EVERYWHERE. Gotta wonder. Yet another buck.
By the time you get to wilderness or a National Park or Forest or Monument, you really appreciate them. They seem so quaint and simple by comparison, despite the inevitable goo-gaws to be bought there as well. I still love them and need to give more of my money to them. A small drop against the rampant tide of unfettered commercialism. Phew!
Tomorrow we are heading to a place called Jerome, which sounds very promising in its funkiness and retro-hippiness. As far as Sedona, if you hoof it into "the woods", I think you get a far better appreciation for the thing's majesty. Even a little way, I think. But, I can see that in no time at all, the place is becoming a grade A trapezo-de-tourista, as the Furry Freak Brothers would say. If it isn't already there. Too bad. It seems that the well-to-do, when they decend in numbers, they also tend to "ruin the neighborhood", cluttering it up with spas and resorts that no regular person can afford, or appreciate. Artifice.
Perhaps it is just the nature of our "tour", but why not more camping areas? Are there any in numbers? I will have to research this. I will ask about it. Perhaps there are some here that are just not part of the "tour."
The "upscale" art is fun to cruise (is there any such thing as "downscale" art--besides grafitti?). I always appreciate that. I find it strangely meditative and hypnotic. One of my vices, when my feet will hold up long enough to stand, stroll and ogle what others have created. It is always vaguely inspiring looking at it all. I wish I could patronize more of it (any?) On the other hand, where would I put it? I suppose we have enough bare walls that could use something, but I always feel as if there should be more of a plan instead of a random collection of stuff. My random selections would be truly horrible to behold, I'm afraid. And, I always fear that I will tire too quickly of looking at them. One of the many reasons I have never been able to decide on a tatoo, of all things. So permanent. It would have to be something I would not have to look at every day. I cannot abide a single color favorite for more than a couple years, much less a design or picture or creation. Ah well. It's still fun to think about though.
I have to admit, I do find myself drawn to the red clay-color (more of a golden brown) dye that a local company uses on their t-shirts. If only they had sweat shirts. I need another t-shirt like I need another hole in my head (well, perhaps another ear might be nice sometimes, but really...it's hard enough to find sunglasses and hats that fit...)
