




I was feeling better than yesterday, legs, hips all fluid and fine. I started out very early and headed for "Red Rocks Crossing." When I looked in the guide book and the information provided by the forestry department, this looked like a good place to go because so many trails meet up here. Also, there are views of the famous Cathedral Rock. Finally, it is one of the trails closest to where I live and the guidebook promised a short hike. I thought I would add time management to my practice today.
I walked along the banks of Oak Creek for many miles looking up at Cathedral Rock towering majestically ahead. There were so many paths, footprints and bicycle tracks that it was difficult to tell which was the true trail. Lots of little waterfalls and beautiful trees. It was a cool refreshing walk. Eventually I found a trail heading up. Somewhere along the way I had passed or missed any signs or cairns. I had no idea which trail I was getting on or where I was going. It was exciting. Each step I walked up the hill, pressing my yong chon to the red ground, brought a sense of adventure. The terrain and plants quickly changed. Soon I was back in the familiar open heat and scent of juniper and pinon. Large vistas opened up and I could see many rock formations. I saw cairns and people and I knew I was near Cathedral Rock. I saw signs that confirmed my suspicions. The signs also told me that I had been walking along Templeton Trail. Exactly where I wanted to be.
For safety's sake, I have pledged not to do any challenging hikes alone. So, I did not join the crowd of merry makers scaling Cathedral Rock. I was also really enjoying the quiet solitude of the red rocks below. Silence only broken by the scampering of lizards, or the occasional pant of Sedona hiking dogs. It also gave me space to enjoy the beauty of the Red Agave undisturbed. No bees this time, just a small group of birds feasting on the nectar which was visibly dripping from the flowers and glistening in the morning sunlight.I stood in front of it in Horse Rider Stance, doing Ji Gam and then Ki Gong. I felt powerful energy flowing from the Agave and sent it gratitude and love.
I returned to the trail energized and almost laughing. I saw the dogs again on the way back down. They also seemed to be laughing with their mistress. She told me be careful because they were wet. Very soon I reached the spot at the creek where they had been swimming. A little pool was created by big round stones and the roots of an upturned dead tree. Such a pleasant spot. I sat down on the roots of a living giant tree, resting under its shade, I began to meditate. The sound of rushing water filled my ears and relaxed my posture. I cleared my mind of all thoughts and images, focusing on the breath in my lower abdomen. When I opened my eyes sometime later, a world of amazing things I had overlooked came into view.
I saw tadpoles and little fish swimming in the creek. I saw Morning Glories and other flowers posing around the banks. I saw little trees pushing through the ground and beautiful stones polished by the rushing water. The oaks that seem like visitors from another world. I reflected on all of this and realized how much I had taken water for granted. I grew up in the Midwest where rivers and lakes seem too numerous to name. But here, one little creek is supporting a network of plants growing up into the sandy hills, thousands of people and animals. I have so much respect for all the work that little creek does. Here, not only is water precious, but so is this little body of water. I am also grateful that people have kept it clean and unfettered...
Just as I had intended, I returned by the Baldwin Trail. Great views of Cathedral Rock, interesting little forests and the sound of Oak Creek rushing by. It was a good hike!
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