End of the Trip

On Thursday Dad, Jesse, and I went on a second hike in a different part of Sedona. A park ranger directed us towards a 'moderate' trail with great views. Seeing as I live pretty much at sea level in Houston, the elevation plus more rigorous hiking was a fun duo during this hike. Needless to say, I was happy to take water breaks and catch my breath. The views were pretty amazing though and we saw lots of interesting flora and fauna on this hike. I wasn't able to capture any of the critters we saw (jack rabbit, lizards, chipmunks, etc) but I did get some pictures of the more interesting plants:
View from a water break stop

Fields of cacti

Possibly a yucca plant bloom

Purple cactus


During our shopping escapades we came across a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and I got myself a caramel apple covered in white, milk, and dark chocolate as well as walnuts and pecans. Pretty freakin amazing! Here it is after my first taste:


All in all I had a great, restful vacation in Sedona and I was happy to be able to see my family for a whole week. Thanks again for the trip, fam!

Hiking Bell Rock

On Sunday we decided to hike up and around one of the big mountains, Bell Rock. Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Jesse, and I set out to conquer the hike on Sunday (the 4th, Happy Birthday America!) morning. Here are some pics of us hiking and the views from the climb (only Jesse and I went all the way up):
Jesse leading the way to bell Rock

Me in front of Bell Rock

Grandpa and I about 1/4 of the way up

The view down, there are little red white and blue specs at the bottom that are my parents and Grandpa

Looking out from the top

View along the hike around


Jesse and I hiked to the rock, climbed up it, and then followed another trail around the rock for a solid 2 hour hike. It's sad how enthralled I am by elevation haha.