When David's seminar in Sedona was postponed, "WisdomLass", having already bought the plane tickets, decided to go anyway. I asked her how it went. Her reply was fun and enlightening about Sedona so it is printed below...

VACATION 2000!!

Hello my friends,

Well yes I have returned from my trip to Sedona, AZ, Grand Canyon, and Painted Desert! Hey and my plane didn't go down, when it wasn't supposed to...lol!! THAT is a good thing!!

Sedona is Red Rock Country and a extremely beautiful and energetic place!! Sedona is 15 miles off I-17 North out of Phoenix about 100 miles. From I-17 one would never know what beauty lies just 15 miles to the West!! Walt Disney lived there 40 years of his life, and it is said the Flintstones was inspired by the Sedona area.

The second day there, I drove up through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff, and over to Williams, AZ. Williams is called the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, and is a 100 yr old town with alot of OLD history. This little town is comfortably placed on the famous old Route 66, where James Dean, Marilyn (you know who) and many other people frequented back in the 40's and 50's!!

I stayed in a quaint little Bed and Bakery called "The Red Garter", and when I drove up in front of the place, I wasnt sure WHAT I had gotten myself into!! I was quickly assured it was a safe spot. Yes, it is exactly what you think!! John, the owner restored it from the framework, into as much its original state as possible, an old brothel!! That evening 4 old timers came in and played music---3 guitars and a violin/fiddle.

Next morning over fresh, plump cinnamon rolls (I didn't have one) and bowls of fruit, John shared the history, with old pictures of the madam. This gal looked rough, carried a six-gun pistol, no question by looking at her, would she hesitate to use that thing.

After sharing history with John, I left to drive North 54 miles to the Grand Canyon. My first stop among many thereafter was Mather's Point. I pulled up into the parking lot, grabbed my camera and walked about from here to across the street, and there she was.

The Seventh Wonder of the World!! Tears spilled from my eyes as I gasped in awe of the vast beauty before me. The rest is history. I hiked toward the West Rom and the East, and while exploring around, burned 4 rolls of film!! Next stop was Navajo Point, where a huge black raven whisked overhead. I only knew he was there because I could hear the swift, wafting sound of his wings in motion over the still and silent air that covered the panorama. A hauntingly beautiful sensation.

As I headed back toward Flagstaff, the road took me through the Painted Desert, roadsides dotted with Navajo stands and indians selling their wares, and the Little Colorado River Gorge, and Monument Valley. I was cruising the highway at about 80 mph, and on the left there were signs like the old Burma Shave signs (for those of you old enough to remember), and I found myself laughing out loud as I read the following series of signs on the left which stretched over at least 3 miles.

"Chief Yellowhorse" "Would like to show you" "Jewelry, Beads and Handmade Blankets" "This indian friendly" "Dont forget"

Then there was the little stand. I continued on and so did the signs

--------> "Woops" "You missed us" "You went too far" "TURN NOW BACK!!" "Last Chance to TURN NOW BACK!!"

By Sunday afternoon I had already put 450 miles on the little white Toyota Corolla rental. I was glad to return to Sedona. When there, I feel right at home.

The next three days I spent hiking in the desert in and around Sedona, meeting with some wonderful people, and burning more film. I arose some mornings at 5 AM to catch the early morning outdoor lighting.

Sedona is the most scenic site a person may ever see. the Red Rock formations, monolith in nature, change continuously with sunrise and sunset light phasing, not to mention the magnificent energy they radiate. I am serious, you can feel the hair on your arms stand up. As you walk or drive through and around them, you feel warmly, like your being hugged!!

Monday, I visited a favorite and beautiful place just out of the main town area, called, Rachel's Knoll. It is a piece of land, way high on the summit of a large mesa, overlooking Boynton Canyon's desert floor, and jutting rock face cliffs that stare at you from the North.

The story says a woman named Rachel donated this land for anyone to visit, who may be having relationship difficulties or misunderstandings, to go up there and talk and to resolve problems. The sacred holy ground, is covered with prayerwheels made from rocks. There is also a steady stream of rocks placed on rocks all over the place, as people mark their visit.

On the knoll there are many little spots where the red rock personality forms natural seats where one can choose to sit and breath in the beauty, meditate, have lunch, or just plain stare in wonderment.

The affect is like you are sitting on top of the world, and as you first enter the area, there is a sign that says....."Honor the Silence".

Most of my trip was spent photographing everything my eyes could see, and hopefully, if I ever figure out my scanner (need lessons :) I will share some pics with you later.

The only sudden thing I did while in Sedona, was to have 15 inches of my hair, cut off!! It is now about 4 1/2" in length all over.

I am usually not fixed for words, but this is one trip that pictures will need to tell the story!! I realize this synopsis is brief, but hope it tells you a little.

For days now since I have returned, all those beautiful butte images are imbedded in my mind, just as clear as if I were still there. It felt strange getting back to Portland, and my mind no longer wanted to accept the familiar topography here, that I have seemed so comfortable with over the years.

Who knows, maybe I will move down there one day!!

Much love to all of you,

Gloria