October 26th, 2020

414 days

I've been living in an RV, traveling around the US for 414 days now. I have no plans of stopping anytime soon, however, there are little things that're getting old.

Having so much crammed into small spaces. The pots and pans, Tupperware, etc are a pain in the ass to get out sometimes. I knew this would be a thing... it's just something I have gotten used to.

Then there's the weekend warriors at RV parks who don't respect the RV park etiquette. My daughter once said "mom, I worry this will make you hate having neighbors even more." There have been some great people we've met but many loud obnoxious ones as well.

It is what it is.

We've been in the Sedona area a little over a week. Our park has actually been nice and quiet (until last weekends neighbor). We had gotten spoiled and weren't prepared for loud talkers. 😆

Sedona is absolutely beautiful. It is all you've heard (except there are SO MANY people). We haven't gotten to explore as much as we would've liked because I've had some work to do but we still have a few more days.

A few days ago we got up early to do a sunrise hike. By the time we got to the Bell Rock parking area, it was bright enough to not need the headlamps. There were a handful of people on the trail but all were quiet. As we trucked along, through colder temperatures than were used to, the birds started chirping.

Good morning birds.

Continuing further, we climb the Rock and I am immediately hit with a dizzy spell. Almost enough to sit me down. I look down and there's a tiny rock sculpture. Perhaps someone else did have to sit here for a bit.

We climbed higher and got to a spot in the trail where we either needed to go left or right. Jordan's gut said left...I remembered seeing people on the trail to the right. At the point, we know we took a different path than typical.

"Your path is your own" plays in my head.

A young man with green hair comes walking up from the left. He claims he's hiked to the top of bell Rock before. He says that going to the right leads you to the top. Both Jordan and I are skeptical but we go his direction.

"Your path is your own..."

We follow him until he points out a small bell looking rock across the way and says "there it is" (he was pointing at a formation on Courthouse Rock) then starts to scramble off Bell Rock. Straight down the side.

Both Jordan and I decide that is not the way for us to go.

However, now we're doubtful that we've even climbed partially up Bell Rock.

Frustrated, I pull out my GPS. GUESS WHAT, those get all out of whack when you're near a vortex.

We were led astray.

We did get to see the sunrise from Bell Rock but I did not get to sit and meditate as I planned.

The sunrise though.... it was glorious seeing the first light of the day work its way into the red rocks. Giving them a magical glow. Feeling the sun hit my skin while standing on Bell Rock I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

Then we continued on our path that was not our intended path to the top of Bell Rock.

It was an odd morning.

We did see Hot Hair Balloons in the distance. Really it was beautiful and my disappointment arose from expectations that were not met.

Expectations.

They're always the bane of happiness.

We're going to check out Winslow Arizona today. I must get going. In another post, I'll tell you about my cliff jumping experience. 😁

Have a wonderful day! And get rid of those damn expectations!