Sedona is a land of timeless beauty, surrounded by magnificent red rock carved over millions of years from water and wind. It is a sacred, legendary land. It is a place not to be missed and certainly never to be forgotten.Standing about 4300 feet above sea level, it is centrally located less than two hours north of Phoenix and 2 hours south of the Grand Canyon. Lyle and I headed south on 89 through Flagstaff. The sun was getting low in the sky and by the time we passed Humphrey’s Peak with elevation of 12,643 ft , it was dark.
Nothing can prepare you for the first morning when you wake up in Sedona, pull back the curtains in your hotel and see Bell Rock. WOW. Brilliant red rock. Everywhere. These buttes are monuments to nature. We planned to stay in the area for a few days and take in the power of this unforgettable experience.
If you are lucky enough to plan a get away, look to the luxurious Enchantment Resort, (www.enchantmentresort.com) this five star retreat offers many activities including access to the exclusive Seven Canyons Golf Course (www.sevencanyons.com).
It has been called “That rare jewel of a course”, with Epic views it distracts the eye of a golfer while it draws you into every fairway. The elevation is dramatic, making the game a challenge of the right club. The slope from the champion tees is 136. It is a Tom Weiskopf design par 70 championship course that is called the “Arizona masterpiece”. Every green could be the signature hole. We played on a sunny day in November. It was a celebration, a gift to me for shooting a glorious hole in one at another local course, Oakcreek Country Club.
A hole in one is a very special and rare accomplishment in this sport. What I have learned is every avid golfer holds a story in their heart about this achievement. When you let go of the wanting, it comes to you. When asked if they have ever had a hole in one, most golfers look off into the distance seeing the chance that almost happened, seeing someone they love hit the cup and sink it for an ace or seeing a stranger celebrate this victory within a game like no other. It connects us all.
Heading away from the course on Dry Creek Road at the end of the day we decided to continue the celebration at the trendy five star restaurant, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. It opened in June 2015 , number four in a collection of restaurants owned by Chef Lisa Dahl in the Sedona area.
The building itself is a masterpiece, stunning 23 foot wall of glass, and a front door that was hand carved and inlaid with semi precious stones, it weighs 800 pounds. Inside, you can experience excellent service with attention to all of the details and the best in food and wine. We were captured by the artistic elements everywhere but my favourite had to be the back drop of black and white movies projected onto the wall forever linked to music and epic views outside every window. As evening approaches, the low light at the restaurant conforms to Sedona Dark Sky policies, as nothing affects the natural beauty of the stars above.
It has been a perfect day. I am inspired and peaceful from this magnificent sacred land. I am thankful for nature that is rare and so diverse. This desert is bursting with beauty and I encourage each of you to explore the traditions and the soul of Sedona.
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