Mescal Trail Take II & Airport Vortex, Sedona, AZ
Told by Kuma & Written by Lorraine Bossé-Smith
Happy New Year! I hope Santa Paws brought you plenty of bones and biscuits. I had a grand Christmas that included special treats and snow shoeing in real snow! Oh how I have missed the snow! I will share about that another day, but my family and I went back out to the Mescal Trail in Sedona as promised. Last time, we got rained out but good. An Arizona Monsoon came in fast and furious. We had to turn around and got drenched. What a different blue sky and sunshine can make!
The forecast was clear, and we used our National Parks Pass at the Red Rock Visitor Center in Sedona to get in. If you don’t have one, you will have to pay a daily rate. If you are like my family, the parks pass is well worth the investment. You’ll be in the clear before you know it.
Back up to the north side of town onto Long’s Canyon Road we went and parked in our same spot along the road where the Mescal Trail begins. The trail has such incredible views of Sedona right off the bat. The weather allowed us to do the entire five-mile loop that comes around into Boynton Canyon. My humans have done that trail and say it was before my time. I won’t be too upset because I am sure I will get to hike that one in the future. Anyway, the Enchanted Resort resides back there, so we ran into several guests on the trail.
One of my favorite things about hiking adventures is having many people adore me! What can I say? I am a very handsome Shiba Inu. Woof! Seriously, though, we meet some very nice humans and canines, often striking up friendly conversations…all in the great outdoors. On the trail, we will run into people from different cities, states, and even countries. If you don’t have a New Year’s Resolution how about getting out more? You never know what you will see or who you will meet.
Hiking the steep cliff section was a breeze this time without the rain. We made excellent time as we went through Boynton Canyon and connected back to Long’s Canyon. The red rock was brilliant against the bright, blue sky. Sedona truly is a magical place. And speaking of magical, Sedona is known for its vortex’s, place of positive and healing energy. We enjoyed our five-mile hike so much that we thought we would bag a vortex while in the area. The Airport Vortex is the easiest to hike and is right in town off of, you guessed it, Airport Road. We about ran up the thing since it had steps carved out of the rock. At the top, we were greeted with 360 degree views of Sedona. You really need to make this a must, even if you aren’t a hiker. It’s a short climb up the set of stairs to the top.
My mom and I sat on the vortex for a while. I can’t say I felt any special energy force, but it was truly tranquil and calming. I’m always happy to just be with my family, and this was yet another great adventure. We soaked in the views and took some pictures before heading back down. I had a most wonderful nap on the drive home. Besides having lots of adventures, good naps should be on our resolution list. That way, we live it and then get to relive it. See you in my dreams!
Kumaito (Kuma for short) is a multi-tan Shiba Inu, an ancient breed from Japan, who moved from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to Friendswood, Texas. He enjoys running almost every day with his mom, chasing squirrels out of his yard, playing with toys, pestering his brother Edmond, eating, napping … well, Kuma loves about everything and everyone! His mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help him tell his story. She is a certified professional behavior analyst (CPBA) who has appeared on numerous radio and TV programs across the country. She is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, business consultant, executive coach, behavioral-wellness expert, and author of eight published books who helps companies rewire their business for success and inspires people toward a healthier, more balanced life. You can reach Kuma through Lorraine’s website: www.lorrainebosse-smith.com. Be sure to visit Kuma Dog’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog?ref=hl
You never know what he’ll be up to next!
