Sedona Day 1

Well, we flew in last night and made our way up to the hotel in Flagstaff.

After breakfast we headed south on 89A---the scenic route into Sedona via Oak Creek Canyon.  Of course, we made our usual stop at the overlook at the top of the canyon for pictures.  I think Kelly was impressed with the view and the beauty of this place!

As we made our way down the canyon we made another of our usual stops at Midgley Bridge for more pics.  We took lots of photos, but as it was still morning they aren't the best. 

Since our body clocks are still a little off we headed over to The Oak Creek Brewery for an early lunch before picking up our Film Festival passes.

After lunch we made our way to West Sedona for some sightseeing and some hiking.  We opted to hike the Boynton Vista Trail, one of Sedona's "vortex" sites.  This trail is a nice, short (.75 mile one way), easy hike.  It takes you up to a saddle on the red rocks between two spires where you have some incredible views.  From up here you can look into Boynton Canyon and the exclusive Enchantment Resort or turn around for a sweeping view in every direction.

Word on the street is that both Oprah and Madonna have spent time up here.  It is rumored that Madonna spent an entire day here last year.  I can certainly understand why, it is simply serene.

While up here you may notice that people have laid out medicine wheels or other patterns around the spire--which is the vortex spot.  You will see an easy scramble up to the top of the spire but be warned--it is said, "that if the mountain likes you she will let you climb.  If she does not, she will throw you off."  I did not try to climb today, maybe next time....

Time to head to the hotel and get ready for our first Film Festival party.  Tonight is the "Filmmaker's Opening Night Dinner" at Troia's Italian Restaurant.

To be quite honest, I tend to dread these events, but I must say Kelly and I both had a fantastic time!  It was a pleasant surprise to meet so many nice and interesting people!  We sat at large round table and as these filmmakers use these events for networking, there was a constant rotation of new people to talk to.

We found it quite funny that everyone would come up, introduce themselves and then ask us, "Are you filmmakers?  Which film is yours?".  We would laugh and have to respond with the truth, "No, we're not filmmakers.  Actually, Kelly won the tickets from Sedona Monthly Magazine."  Then it would be, "Where are you from?  Wow!  You came all the way out here for this?  That's really cool!".  People were simply amazed (and amused) by the fact that we had won these passes.  Quite frankly, so are we!

Tonight was so much fun, I can't wait to see what's next!!