We're at it again....

After a little less than 10 months since our last trip we rolled into Sedona last night sometime just before midnight. It was the first time we ever entered the red rock in the dark. We were a little disappointed that the timing might result in a boring drive in and were happy to find it to be the exact opposite....the looming silhouette of the rock against a clear starry sky was breathtaking. Maybe even more so than the daylight view we've come to look forward to. {or perhaps I am biased because this time of year there are also lots of white lights and decorations headed into town}

We started yesterday with a few hours at work but quickly headed to the airport and were off on our way.

Landing in Phoenix around 1:45 mountain time our first stop was the Desert Botanical Gardens.  The cactus plants were our favorite of the winter desert landscape - some turn a beautiful purple color that we hadn't experience on any of our spring or summer trips. We are now members of the Garden and were excited to learn about the reciprocal agreement with gardens across the country, including Garvin Gardens in Hot Springs.

We loaded up the car at Target with our hiking and food essentials and then headed over to Helio Basin Brewing Co. to meet up with friends Mike and Kathy. Kathy is a Pittsburgh girl too, and Mike went to high school with Michael in Alexandria (small world, right?).

Kathy's brother (Mike #3) recently opened Helio Basin with his college roommate and we enjoyed swapping stories over dinner and a few craft brews. We even got a chance to meet the owners and see where the magic happens. If you're in Phoenix we definitely recommend stopping by!

Today we're off to buy our park pass, see the Buddha and hit a yet-to-be-determined trail. More later!