Surprises Await in Enchanting Sedona
Part 1
Welcome to Sedona, the mesmerizing haven nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Arizona’s Red Rock Country. While its natural wonders and spiritual allure are well-known, this enchanting destination held a trove of surprises just waiting to be discovered. From finding the perfect spot in national forest land to encountering majestic bulls and witnessing magical vortex energy, this vibrant destination had a way of surprising and delighting us. So much enchanting surprises I’m going to split this up across 3 posts.
National Forest Escapades: The Quest for the Perfect Spot.
Our adventure began with the thrill of seeking out the ideal camping spot amidst the vastness of Sedona’s Coconino National Forest land in our huge truck and 5th wheel trailer.
Our first attempt took us down a very very long dirt road to a dead end filled with other campers. No room for us. We got turned around and headed back down that road, our home bouncing and bumping along behind us.
Using Campendium and google maps we found an area that was quite open and had lots of space off 89A and closer to Sedona! Now we went about the discussions of choosing a spot which is the hardest thing to do as a new dispersed camping couple.
Our first spot we chose was very unlevel. We had a couple heated discussions of how to position the trailer that resulted in switching drivers and the other going for a walk. In the end it didn’t work out and scared the crap out of us when the trailer was going to roll backwards as we were unhitching it. That was a lesson learned.
It was getting darker and we were getting less patient so we parked in a temporary spot for the night. We both felt uncomfortable there as we were close to the dirt road and surrounded by dogs that set our dogs off constantly. Little did we know that the next day held an even greater surprise in store for us.
The previous day, we had chanced upon a picturesque spot and, as luck would have it, noticed the occupants preparing to depart the following morning. Eager to secure the coveted location, with friendly smiles, we asked if it would be possible for us to leave a couple of chairs there to reserve the spot for when they departed. As we engaged in conversation, an instant bond formed between us and the departing campers. They gifted us a beautiful carved walking stick and we still connect on social media, sharing adventures a year later. It serves as a testament to the power of human connection and the unexpected treasures that await us when we embrace the surprises that unfold along our journeys.
Once they moved out around noon we quickly drove over and parked. The day was getting super hot and we set up as quickly as we could. Expecting to be there for at least a week we unpacked and organized everything. Dripping in sweat but relieved we were finally settled in, we opened a beverage and sat outside to enjoy our new spot.
Less than half way through our drink we were visited by a ranger and police officer. Surprised and curious, we greeted them and asked how we could help them. They reluctantly informed us we had to move! I was in shock… what?! Move again!
Apparently we were parked too close to a watering hole for the free range cattle. We had seen the hole but it was really far from us. The officers said they had measured and we were just on the edge of the limit. I politely asked (begged!) if we could just stay one night because we had just set up and it was so hot to move again. Unfortunately they had been requested by the farmers so we obliged and moved once more. The next spot was fine and we did stay there for over a week.
However, the very next day, Surprise! Another 5th wheel moved into this ‘perfect’ spot and stayed the entire time we were there too!
Bull’s Galore
During the first evening at our new and thankfully permanent Sedona camp spot, we encountered an unexpected surprise visitor – huge majestic bulls roaming freely through our camp which was actually their free range home. It was a little scary at first as they were all full grown bulls, but they paid us no mind and ignored our barking dogs that if free I’m sure would have herded them together, or at least tried.
In the days that followed, we found joy in observing the bulls as they gracefully roamed their domain. Each morning and evening, they would embark on their journeys, returning to their favorite grazing spots along the way. It was a privilege to share their home and witness their presence, their generosity in allowing us to coexist leaving us grateful.
More to come in Part 2 and Part 3 in the next couple of weeks. Sedona is so magical!
If you’ve enjoyed Sedona camping let us know in the comments below, if it was a magical adventure full of surprises for you too.
