We hit up the first trail on our trip.  Todd and I figured we would partake in an easy hike. However,  when your hiking in the desert, the sun beating down on you and no trees for shelter, well you get the picture.  So we ventured onto the Airport Loop Trail via Sedona View Trail.  I, personally, would rate this hike as easy, if back east, but out here, I give it a moderate rating.  Not a lot of elevation, but you are exposed to the elements the entire time.  Todd and I burned through a gallon of water between the two of us.  Todd was sucking on air by the end of the hike.  Part of this hikes beauty, are the flowering cactus and prickly pear cactus. Stunning.

After our hike we ventured to Page Spring Cellars for a wine flight and the most delicious   garlic parmesan truffle fries, they were yummy, especially paired with a couple of our favorite wines from this winery.  I am a fan of the Vermentino Free Run (Yovapai County) and the 2016 Roussanne.  The Vermentino is a gift to the cellars.  It is most easy for them, as it is the free run produced by the weight of the grapes.  I am not a Sommelier, but I do know that I like it.  Speaking of which, our Sommelier, was not enjoyable.  If we had not experienced this winery in the past, and were not familiar with the amazing folks and wine, I am not sure we would ever return again.  She was an arrogant millennium, know it all, her tip reflected her personality; just enough.

Todd and I are looking to move out this way eventually, so we enjoy driving through the neighboring Sedona towns.  Cornville and Cottonwood  are a couple of our interest.  As we drive around we both are in awe of the beauty this area offers.  The scientist can explain how Sedona was formed, but I know God was here.

So driving back from Page Springs, we headed to Chapel of the Holy Cross,  This is most sacred and spiritual to me.  As I walk in and the tears begin, I sob as I pray.  As we were walking up the hill to the church, Todd and I ran into Carmine Appice and Leslie (his shortie), the last time I saw Carmine was when I ran the studio at guitar center.  We sat and chatted about his drum curriculum he created for his students and was trying to market it to the public.  It was nice running into him, and odd at the same time.  He is touring in the area with Vanilla Fudge and invited us to his upcoming show in Scottsdale on Friday, we had to decline, as we will be on our way to Zion.

On our way to the Chapel I received a fb message from my buddy Dave Anderson.  He wanted to inform me that his friend was performing at a local brewery, and suggested we stop in and show some love.  So we did.  Todd and I ventured out to where the locals hang.  It was a lot different then the other places we have seen here.  The locals are crazy cool and true artist.  It was a great diversion and really felt good listening to the band, who were excellent by the way!

Last stop was dinner, a couple of burgers and beers at the Mesa Grill, then back to the hotel were we hit our stone wall, hence this post the day after.

Gotta run!  Have a great today.