Sedona is at a higher elevation than Phoenix but when we were there, highs were supposed to be around 99 or even 100. You can stay in AC or a pool all day, but what fun is that when you are surrounded by beautiful scenery?
Our choice - hike the West Fork of Oak Creek. The stream flows through a deep canyon so it has shade from the canyon walls plus the trees that grow in this riparian area. I had last hiked it in January with snow on the ground with a lot more water in it. Hopping rock to rock as the trail crossed the stream was a lot easier than it had been then- especially with a hiking stick as a "third leg." George was planning to sketch and paint. He ended up hiking about a mile. Since we planned to meet at lunch, I had time to hike almost three miles. By then it was warming up - the canyon also traps the warm air - and lots of people were on the trail. Time to get off and do something else.
I blogged a few days ago about all the butterflies that flitted from flower to flower in the canyon. Here's a downed log and columbines growing up the side of the canyon wall. In this cool moist place of the canyon, there were dozens clinging to the side.
The canyon walls are steep in most places. With fires raging in Colorado Springs, I did give some thought to how quickly fire would sweep down this canyon if one started. Put that out of my mind and enjoy the beauty! After all, how fast could I climb - or run?
One more plus enjoying a place with small falls. Good place for water and a snack.
Speaking of staying cool, in Tom and Nancy Vineski's last two columns in RV Lifestyle Ezine, they have written about keeping your RV cool. They have excellent tips. (See park 3). See their May column and June column. There are a number of things you can do even if you don't want to or can't run your AC.One hint has to do with how you park your RV.
It can be a challenge to stay cool - but then, isn't cool relative? When you think of desert temps, the 90s seems more bearable. Time of day is a factor too. We hiked early and were finished by noon. And, it is always nice if you have the option to get in a pool at the RV park or in AC in a building or your RV after you've been out exploring or hiking. When we live the RV lifestyle, rather than just go out for the weekend, we have more options for choosing our time and don't have to cram everything into a day or two.
This area is managed by a concessionaire even though it is in the Coconino Forest. Your passes are not good here. You can purchase an annual pass or a day pass. The day pass costs $9 and includes up to five people. There is a restroom (pit toilets), trash receptacles and picnic tables at the trailhead. The entire canyon is 14 miles in length, with the first three miles marked. The trail may be closed when there is high fire danger. Hiking early in the morning and during the week is when you'll find fewer people on this popular trail. Only small RVs will fit on the parking lot. See the Coconino Forest page for more information. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
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