Friendship

After staying in Phoenix, we traveled up north heading towards the Grand Canyon. I was not in top shape. Several days before the arrival of my friends, I had an outbreak of shingles and had to take strong medicine. The loving care of my friends helped me not to be bothered by it too much.

Every morning, we formed a talking circle and voiced what was in our minds. We did Silat exercises together. Sigrid, as a Silat martial arts trainer, showed us how to do it. We also meditated and read poetry. At the end of the day, Silvia massaged my feet. Her hands did miracles. The intimate relationship between us and the beauty of the landscape also helped me to heal very fast.

On the way to Sedona, we stopped at Arcosanti. It is a desert town envisioned by the Italian architect Paolo Soleri. He started the project in the year 1970. His goal was to combine architecture and ecology and create a sustainable urban environment. He envisioned a town without cars and wanted to create the best conditions for social interactions. It is still a school for architecture and influenced many architects and designers who studied and worked with him. Unfortunately, visitors were not allowed the day we came. Without getting a tour, we admired the bells and wind chimes in the shop.

The main funding for this project comes from handcrafted bells and wind chimes made out of bronze or clay. Over the years, I have bought several. I love the organic textures and the design motifs. Each bell is “original”.

Not far from Arcosanti, in the Verde Valley, is the natural limestone sinkhole Montezuma Well. A huge amount of water emerges each day from this spring, even during droughts. No fish can live in this water. It is highly carbonated and contains a high level of arsenic. The water was even used in prehistoric times. Ditches of the ancient irrigation systems can still be seen today.

Montezuma Well

The walkway down is a true oases of green, light and shade. it is a favorite place for birds.

Our first overnight stay was in the Red Agave Resort in Oak Creek. I come to this place every year. It is located outside of Sedona and faces the nature and Bell Rock. It is a magical place.

Chalets at the Red Agave Resort

Breakfast in front of the Chalet with the view to Bell Rock and Courthouse Rock

Sedona is very special. The bizarre formations of the red rocks are remarkable. I was so happy that I was able to show my friends my favorite hikes.

The first hike was beside Oak Creek behind Cathedral Rock.

Embraced by the powerful roots of the tree, we enjoyed the peace of this place.

Every time when I am in Sedona, I climb up Cathedral Rock.

Cathedral Rock faces the Chapel of the Holy Cross. For years, Silvia wanted to see it. She was so happy that she finally was able to visit it.

Chapel of the Holy Cross, a building in total harmony with the surroundings.

There seemed to be no inside or outside in the Chapel anymore, just space. For a long time, we were sitting in silence. After a while, we started to sing one of our favorite songs from the 8th century:

Ubi caritas et amor

Ubi caritas, deus ibi est

(Where charity and love are, where charity is, there is God). We often were singing songs on our journey – a very bonding activity. We sang the melody very quietly. Nevertheless, after we had finished, a lady behind us thanked us.

We also hiked on the Oak Creek Canyon Trail. I loved to hike this trail with my kids when they were small. The path starts at a former apple orchard and follows the creek.

High pine trees grow in the valley between steep rocks

Several times we had to take off ours shoes and cross to the other side of the creek

It is always good to take a rest. It is especially nice on a warm, smooth rock beside rushing water in the warm sun.

We also hiked the Boynton Canyon trail, a hike of about 7 miles in and out of the canyon. The trail winds by gorgeous red rocks, passes an ancient Indian rock dwelling and leads through an old, established forest. I also wanted to show my friends a cave off the trail. A secret cave. It is off the well marked path and hard to find.

Hiking to the cave

It is tricky to climb up the steep slope. But one is rewarded with this spectacular view.

Another cave like structure…..

Before leaving Sedona, we also visited the Peace Park.

Amitabha Stupa with Tibetan prayer flags and a big statue of a meditating Buddha in the background. It matches the vertical, red rock on the top of the mountain. The rock points like a finger up to the sky.