We decided to hit the Broken Arrow trail and head to Chicken Point. It was going to be a bit hot, so we got started around 9:30. (Yes, we were hoping Sedona would be cooler, but it was in the 90’s…oye!)
Tot had the BEST attitude yesterday. Would it be the same? As we began, she found many reasons to notsee the beauty. A bug bugging on her here; a twitch there; a scratch up on her here, a flying something on her there, etc etc etc. I told her to focus on the majesty of our environment gosh doodle! Sheesh! Good lesson in life. If you focus on the obstacles along the path, you’ll never see the destination and you won’t embrace the journey. You’ll see the problems. Ok, I’ll stop waxing eloquent. Let’s get on with this view!
I gave her a job: Look for the rock monuments which are along the path. It means we are going the right way.
Pressing on, we kept hearing, are we there yet??The consistent answer: ALMOST!!!
Almost is such a great term. It can mean almost in an hour or almost in a second. Covers our bases.
We see the sign for heading to Chicken Point, and we hear the 4-Wheel Jeeps trudging on the rocks. They better know what they are doing!
As we were walking past the jeep, a few passerbys mentioned that we were very close to that panoramic view. Oh, Glory be!
Now as we approach, I’m awestruck with the thought of who could possibly not believe in a Creator? I mean, you see this amazing beautiful red terrain and the glorious mountains surrounding you. What draws people here? Why go through this arduous climb to just go back down? It’s HIM inside of us which we FEEL when we are in the presence of these mountains. Can you explain this to a 6-year old? NOPE. Not until you reach the top.
Very similar to us trusting HIM and our kids trusting us. IT’S ALL WORTH THE HARD WORK of PRESSING ON THROUGH THE PAIN AND SWEAT.
We arrive and I lose my breath. I gain goosebumps all over my tired and hot body. Well, Tot? What do you think?
We get the full panorama and then decide we better head back. Tatum is in awe.
We definitely were ready to get back to the car when we see a little lizard sunning himself. He sure was doing some major pushups; I’m sure he was paralyzed with the beauty of the view.
Upon arriving to our car for a long water break, we decided to head to the Chapel of the Holy Cross which is such a treat to see. It was built into the rocks about 75 years ago.
We got some great pics along with the rest of the tourists. I love this one because we are all together; a rarity with us since my love is always snapping away.
We got pics from all the views. This one was from the front of the Chapel, and here is Tot and me behind it.
Inside, we lit a candle and prayed. Tatum wanted to know why Jesus was hanging there and I mentioned that as believers we don’t focus on his death, but we focus on his resurrection (the cross that is bare) and the empty tomb. I know Catholics like to have the image of Christ on the cross. It is a good reminder of his sacrifice however.
Ok, now we are hungry, but we figured we’d walk around the downtown area and search out free samples. Haha. Buffalo jerky was first.
For $17, we figured we’d eat a whole buffalo. We tried fudge, olive oils, vinegars, and more chocolates. We also happened upon some musical interludes by Tot.
Time to eat our arms we are so hungry. So we finally hit Chipotle for a nice change, and then we’d head back to our hotel for a round of golf. Did I mention we’d hit McDonald’s AGAIN for some ice cream? Yes, it was a must. Delicioso and not too huge. I think Doug probably could have opted for a larger one. Anyway…back to the hotel!
So, the clouds did look ominous, but we powered through. Yesterday, the few sprinkles didn’t phase us much, so today wouldn’t be so bad.
And then…… Holy cow, it started to not just rain but HAIL! Yes, this is not our golf ball, but a piece of the stuff coming down on our heads.
We started to move a bit faster, and then we booked it back to our room to get under cover. Honey had to carry the clubs. Tot got %$#%& because she fell in the mud. We took a moment outside our room and just watched in awe the beauty of the storm!
We never did make it to the pool because it didn’t ease up, so we had Plan B of game and Shark Tank. It was an amazing day. Absolutely breathtakingly amazingly wonderful.
We found more and more critters to appreciate in the day.
At one point, I squirreled, and it was for not. My randomness was for real.
This little guy welcomed us outside our room.
Another wonderful dinner outside. I love this part! Why? Because we get to evaluate the day, talk about nothing in particular, and be ourselves. T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R.
Amen.