Pink Jeep tour day! I got up early this morning and went into town to book a jeep tour of the canyon. I got the 11:00 tour so I relaxed, had some breakfast and read for a while before I set off. The Pink Jeep company was the first 4x4 touring company in the canyon and has exclusive access to the Broken Arrow trail, granted by the US Forestry Service. In return, they maintain the road and educate tourists about the ecology of the area.
I was joined on the jeep by my driver (whose name I forgot as soon as he told me, I'm really bad with those things), a couple from Utah and a family of 4 from Ohio. We climbed into the back of the modified Barbie-pink jeep and headed off. The tour included some scenic stops and photo opportunities, friendly banter, information on the history, geology and ecology of the canyon, and some crazy off-road driving. We were driving up and down over huge steep boulders and ridges. Very cool!
This place is very interesting. There is a lot of spirituality here, much of it commercialized, but I think a lot is very genuine. Whether you're spiritual or not, you can't help but sense some sort of energy here. Some people in the area recognize certain spots in the canyon as Vortexes, which I'm not sure I totally understand. I personally think there is just so much natural beauty in the area that you can't help but slow down and take it in. It seems to have a way of causing people to think about things a little differently.
It very much seems be having an effect on me. For one, I felt like I had to come here, even though it was out of my way and all I had heard was that it was nice. Secondly, I immediately felt like this would be the spot that I may stay for a few days, slow down for a little bit. Also, this morning I decided that I should have a "psychic reading," something I have never felt compelled to do before. I have always been very skeptical of these things but this seemed to be the right time and place. Finally, out of nowhere, I started crying as I was driving down the road this morning. I'm not really sure why or what it was about, but it seems that I am not quite as happy as I thought I was. There is still something missing.
I scheduled a reading for 4:45 and then had some time to kill. I went to the local bike shop to ask about some rides in the area. The guy working there turned out to be Canadian and we talked for quite a while. He even made a few calls to try to find me some girls to ride with. In the end I just got him to show me on my map where some good rides would be, and he gave my bike a little tune up. I'm going to go for a ride in the morning on the trail he recommended.
Then it was time for my reading. I had no idea what to expect. She didn't really do the whole "this will be your future" thing, we just talked a bit about what's going on in my life. She gave me some insight on what some of my spiritual priorities should be and some possibilities for my path to feeling better. It was actually pretty emotional and I'm really struggling with what to do with what I learned. She told me about this place called the Sedona Healing Center that I'm going to go check out. I made a reservation to stay there tomorrow night, and I'll see from there. I still have a couple of weeks left on my trip, and I think this might be a good place to slow things down a bit and figure out where things are going. My room will have a private balcony overlooking the canyon and I'll have access to a sauna and hot tub, and lots of other people who are also slowing down a bit. Don't worry, I'm not going flaky or crazy, just mellowing out.
Monday, July 24, 2006
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8 comments:
How sad that you haven't anyone to accompany you.
Kate,
I have finally had my first opportunity to actually read your blog rather than just look at your pictures. It's 10pm Wednesday night, and the first time I've sat since I got home from NS. I will try to call you tomorrow.
There is NOTHING sad about not having someone to accompany you. I think it's a wonderful thing to be a young independent woman experiencing a little 'segment' of life on your own. I'm envious and you inspire me. Have fun and enjoy your exploring, experiencing and meeting new people. It's a beautiful thing. Be proud.
Love you and miss you lots!
Tamara
Kate,
Looks like you're having fun, and seeing lots of cool things. I've actually found myself reading these every couple days as you go along... and you know me, I'm not the blogging type. This is the first time I actually decided to write something back though.
Sounds like you are in a good place to take a bit of a break as well. There's lots to see coming up, but no reason you should settle in one spot for a bit and relax. No need to be driving everyday.
You are successfully driiving me crazy by making me wish I were off on an adventure as well. Have fun and enjoy the rest of your trip,
ID
Hey Kate,
I just wanted to let you know that I am so proud of you for doing this trip on your own!!! I think it takes a lot of strength and courage to do what you're doing. I know that this trip will only benefit you positively by giving you more life experience, a greater understanding of the world, and perhaps a greater understanding of yourself. Best wishes for the rest of your new adventures!!!
Love you!
Katie
Thanks for the kind words guys! Can't wait to see you all again. We should have a little shindig when I get back.
Only when a person steps out of their comfort zone do they fully have the opportunity to grow. Congratulations for venturing out into the unknown and embarking on this amazing journey! You rock!
Kate -
I've been looking at your postings every couple of days. It looks like you are having an amazing time and learning so much about yourself. That's awesome! I hope the rest of your trip is as adventurous, interesting and unique as the beginning. Don't forget to give your trip a super cool-ass name.
I'm proud of you too!
love Gillian
Again, thanks for the support. You all rock!
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