As you know I am fortunate to be able to travel often. Through my current work, here I am in Phoenix, Arizona, for Christmas 2023. How lucky am I? Yes, it pulls me away from family and friends, but it gives me the opportunity to make new friends and discover new places.
Yesterday, Christmas Eve, I walked up Piestewa Peak for sunrise. I have done this walk before, again for sunrise. Piestewa Peak is the second highest mountain in the Phoenix Mountain range at 796 meters. Named after Lori Piestewa, the first female native American to be killed in action, March 23, 2003, she was only 23 and later awarded the Purple Heart. I think that this is an extremely fitting name for this mountain, it stands tall, it is tough to climb but when you get to the top the warmth and connection to the earth is clear, simple and majestic.
At the top I was treated to a performance by Ken Koshio, a Japanese drum teacher who has walked this Peak every day for the past four years. He is up there for every sunrise, and he drums and plays the flute in honour to the sun, earth, and sky. It is a ritual that is turned into a performance as his reputation has grown. This morning was very special, as the sun came up Ken played Amazing Grace, the sun did not disappoint, it painted the sky with orange, red, yellows that made my heart sour and tears well from deep inside. How lucky am I?
After such a glorious start to the day I headed up to Sedona. I have been told a lot about this area and how it is a must-visit place and yes, it most certainly is. Magnificent, the rock, red, white, clay all combination of these colours. I was heading for Devil’s Bridge but took a little side trail. I am so glad I did, I was treated to all kinds of cactus, trees with white berries, trees with silver bark, peeling away to reveal yellow, red, white, all sorts of colours on display. I was in awe, and I was also soothed. Mother Nature confirming to me that, don’t worry, I’m in control, if you humans mess it up, I will bring it back, no matter what it takes.
The walk to Devils Bridge was a pleasant one, the Bridge was full of people waiting to have a picture on top of it. It spans a small section on the side of the mountain, I thought it was crossing a valley, but it doesn’t, a little underwhelming but I was glad I took the time to see it.
The drive back to Phoenix was assisted by a much-deserved and earned Baskin Robins Cookies and Cream Milkshake. I was in Heaven, well Arizona, it felt close.
Happy Christmas everyone and here’s to 2024!
Onwards and Upwards.
Buen Camino.
