As of Monday, we are in the Age of Aquarius, thanks to the convergence of Jupiter and Saturn. What a time to be in Sedona, Arizona. You probably know Sedona is a community about half way between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, famous for its dramatic geology. I am staying with friends, Belle and Bill, on a piece of land adjacent to thousands of acres of national forest and a few miles from the Red Rocks.
Tractors with Santa hats on the highway near Cornville.
Most of my time here so far has been hiking, cooking and writing, like my days in Berkeley, but different. Dry air instead of sea air. Vast open spaces instead of urban busy. The lawn signs are more Stop the Steal than Black Lives Matter.
Cornville post office, a short walk from Belle and Bill’s.
Sedona’s history museum says Dorsey Ellsworth Schnebley “discovered” Red Rock country, a perspective that is, er, a little outdated. Native Americans lived here for thousands of years, including the Anasazi, the Hohokum and the Sinaqua. Today, their descendants — like Hopis and Navahos — live on reservations to the east. The Red Rocks now belong to affluence and tourism.
Cairns on the hiking trail to Devil’s Bridge.
With or without the humans, the region is loaded with magic. The rocks have been sculpted over 350 million years by seas and sands. Iron oxide gives the rocks their distinct color. Photographs don’t capture the magnificence of these geological giants, set against the clear skies and desert expanse. Hiking through them is inspiring. Many believe there are cosmic forces here, called “vortexes,” that promote healing and self-discovery.
Having lived here for many years, Belle has a special perspective on the spirits of the Red Rocks. When i suggested we hike to a vortex, she replied, “You are the vortex. We are the vortex. It’s all a vortex”
However and whatever you celebrate, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. In spite of the insanity of 2020, my annual list of the past year’s Ten Best will be easy to create. I hope yours will be too.
Camino Milagro 
Cheers to the Vortex! Happy holidays.
Thanks Henry. Same to you!
Thanks for this post. I enjoyed the vortex with Kilauea erupting in Volcano National Park. Hope you’ll visit someday!
I would love to visit. Maybe when I have worn out my welcome here! xoxox
“We are the vortex.”
Belle is very wise.
Indeed!
Happy Holiday!
Same to you Toni!
So happy to hear that you are in Sedona! Blessings on your writing, the season,New Year and our journey forward as the vortex. Are you planning to return to Mexico?
Hi David, oh yes I do hope to return to Mexico….but not before the pandemic is behind us. Big hugs.
Merry Christmas! Maggie and Richard
Thanks so much!
The season’s greetings to you, too, Kim! Enjoy your stay in Sedona 🙂
Thank you Rosaliene!
I’m crazy for Sedona. Attended the film festival there several years running, probably more than a decade ago. It certainly is a very special place in many ways. Glad you’re enjoying it. Stay well and happy holidays and a bright new year for us all.
Good to hear from you Cynthia. Feliz navidad
Incredible pictures! The magic and beauty of the red rocks against that otherworldly blue sky! Utah holds a similar mystical magic with that wide open sky with red cliffs and spires. Thanks!
Ok, next stop, Utah! Missing you…
Beautiful post and lovely captures Kim❣️
Thanks so much!