Arizona Adventures
Adventure! People define that word in different ways. I see an Adventure anytime I’m doing something new to me. Jeff and I took off last week and explored Sedona, AZ.
One year ago our adventurous spirits had us hiking in Yellowstone and The Tetons. We were happily keeping track of our bear sightings (over 20!) and enjoying the fact that we could travel again! Here’s a link to that blog post if you’d like https://shellyfryphotography.com/my-everyday/yellowstone-was-amazing-home-read-all-about-it-shelly-fry-photography
So this year we decided on an entirely different type of vacation. While there was still hiking the terrain was very different. Honestly, this PNW girl doesn’t have a lot of desert experience. As a result, everything I saw was new to me.
Day 1 – Monday Phoenix – Sedona
We were up before the sun to catch our 7am flight to Phoenix. With a direct flight from PDX to Phoenix we were eating at a restaurant (Flower Girl – yummy!) before noon. Jeff and I knew we had a two hour drive north to Sedona but we weren’t in any real hurry. With the flight behind us our vacation had officially begun!
As we headed north we planned to stop and see Montezuma’s Castle. Built into the side of a hill in the 1100s. I had never seen anything that old in the United States. There really isn’t much to this National Monument except the entrance fee, the “castle” and porta potties in the parking lot. If you’d like to read up here is a link to the website https://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm
It was HOT! (warning I may mention the heat a few more times) We enjoyed walking the short trail out to the “castle”. I immediately noticed the tall beautiful shady trees and appreciated them very much.
As we approached Sedona we could see what all the fuss is about. The buttes and red rock are stunning! We stopped at view points, took pictures and began soaking it all in.
Day 2 – Tuesday – The Adventure really begins!
Part of the adventure we had planned for ourselves was to mountain bike. We had wisely picked up our bikes on our way into town. It gets too hot for me mid day. Having our bikes we were ready to go first thing. We were on the trail by 7am. When we were at the bike shop we had a long conversation with them about our abilities (or lack of) and which trails we should attempt. I’m gonna make this quick. Some locals on the trail told us to go another way and we foolishly listened to them. I’m convinced they were on a mission to get rid of the middle aged tourist on their trails. We ended up on stuff we had no business trying. I may have cried a tear or two and I definitely got ticked. I would have quit if I could have but I had to rescue myself. It was the only way out! These trails were steep, narrow, windy and rocky. No rocky isn’t the word it was bouldery! Huge boulder obstacles on steep terrain going up and down. If you missed a turn a cactus was waiting to greet you.
My 30+ years of road biking wasn’t helping me at all!
3 hours later we were dehydrated, scrapped up and exhausted. We hit the shower and took a nap!
Because of the heat mid day our routine the first few days was ride first thing and then just chill mid day with some shopping and eating out. Followed by an evening hike.
That evening we hiked out to Devil’s bridge.
Day 3 – Wednesday
Yes, we did it again! After returning to the bike shop and confirming that we had been on one of the toughest trails in Sedona….. We were guided to what we were assured was a much gentler trail. This time we listened. Because of the heat and the bright sunshine once again we were out on the trail by 7am. While the trail still challenged me I was able to relax and learn how to trust the bike. It was still hard but I saw myself improve and that was exciting.
Wednesday afternoon we headed out to explore Jerome, a ghost town about an hour away from Sedona. We also explored Cottonwood. It was really fun to wander around and see some of the “Wild West”.
That evening we found another trail to hike. The cacti were blooming and that was really fascinating for me. The variety of shapes, colors and textures in the desert is gorgeous!!
Day 4 – Thursday
We laid low on Thursday. We went out to eat in the morning, did some shopping and then headed out on a Pink Jeep tour. This would be our final day in Sedona. That evening we did the airport loop hike and timed it perfectly (accidentally)! Our hike ended at a look out which offered stunning views of the sunset over Sedona.
We really enjoyed our time in Sedona. It’s good to explore and see what’s out there in this beautiful world we live in. I do know that I am someone who could never live in the desert but it was fun to see what it’s like. We flew home on Friday leaving the desert behind. That evening we were walking through all the lush green that is a result of all the rain we have had this Spring.
Back to Work!
I have immediately picked up where I left off prevacation. Sunday I had a wedding consult with a couple getting married this Sept. Followed by Aleah’s Senior Session. I also had the opportunity to photograph the most adorable T-ball team up in Yacolt! Tonight I will be shooting what I believe will be my final Class of 2022 Senior (I’ve been wrong before)! Then we move straight into a Gorge engagement session, graduations, cap and gown sessions and a wedding! June is gonna fly by!
Aleah – Class of 2022
Graduation is just days away and I am thrilled to still be squeezing in a few more seniors!
This soon to be college bound graduate is a cross country runner and has an interest in Environmental Studies. We had beautiful hazy light, tall grasses and blooming wildflowers for her session.
Location: WSU – Aleah loves the countryside. She runs the trails on this campus so it seemed a perfect location for her.
Cap and Gown Sessions
Oh the countdown is on! Next week is June which means Pomp and Circumstance is about to be played in gymnasiums and auditoriums all over the NW!
If you have a Graduate this year and are interested in a Cap and Gown session, here are the details.
- If you have had a Senior Session with me this year (Class of 2022) and would like a cap and gown session those are available this Spring! You can do an outdoor location or a studio session with your cap and gown for $150. These are 15-20 min sessions and include 3 images, with the option to purchase more if you’d like. You can include a pet, a bestie or just the grad all by themselves.
- If you just haven’t had the chance to have a Senior Session and would still like one, Spring is a great time to do that! I am currently booking April – May. Reach out ASAP and let’s get you booked! If you’d like some Spring inspiration click here for last years post where I suggest some awesome locations! https://shellyfryphotography.com/my-everyday/best-spring-locations-shelly-fry-photography
- If you haven’t had a Senior Session with SFP and would like a cap and gown session that is also an option! The regular price is $250 which also includes 3 images. These sessions are closer to 30 min.
PSST CLASS OF 2023 -IT”S YOUR TURN! BOOK NOW!
Thanks for popping by!
Shelly
