Last day here in Sedona for this time anyhow.

Yesterday’s hike to Turkey Creek (see pics) was the longest in terms of distance we’ve done out here so far. 6 miles with an elevation gain of 600 feet. To put that into perspective, our favorite hike has always been Cathedral Rock Trail which is a mere .7 miles with an elevation gain of 600 feet.

We had an opportunity to meet many new friends during our trip this time. With us spending our time this trip down n the Village of Oak Creek vs. our usual staying uptown Sedona, we discovered the people down in the Village are much more friendly and treat everyone like they are locals. Hardly anyone here is originally from here and a large percentage of the people are either from MN, WI, IA or the Midwest.

One of the couples we met moved to the Village about 3 weeks ago. He is a life coach and she is from the UK. She has a background in Social Media and is interested in setting up shop here in the Sedona area. Suffice it to say, we had plenty to talk about. She was very grateful for the advice and direction I gave and I think she will really make a go of it here.

Off to a new restaurant for dinner, Cucina Rustica – a Mediterranean restaurant with an Italian flair. The food was incredible. In breaking with tradition, we decided not to order separate items from the menu so as to not have left-overs. Instead we decided to share an entree and settled on one of the specials of the day, the cioppino followed by an apple bread pudding for dessert. This did not disappoint!

Stopping by our new favorite hangout on the way home, PJ’s Pub (where the pub is the hub) where we of course met even more new people forging new friendships and relationships that will last a long time.

This place is starting to feel like home but for now its back to the daily life and continuing to put the plan in motion to where we can spend more than 7-10 days at at time in our HomeInSedona.

And we’re back.

Tried something a little different this time. We took an oh-dark-thirty flight out of MSP and got to Phoenix about 9 am. grabbed the rental and took that all-familiar drive north.

Something about the weekend day – I think most everyone from Phoenix wanted to take a quick jaunt north for the day or the weekend – when we got into the Village, traffic was horrible. Adding to all the mayhem is the fact that for whatever reason, navigating traffic circles remains a mystery to the people here and with the Village of Oak Creek and the town of Sedona spending millions of dollars putting them in several years ago the people are simply going to have to learn.

Finally made our way through the Village and on to West Sedona. Stopped at a new place this time, Pisa Lisa where the first order of business was an ice cold Oak Creek Brewery Amber ale followed closely by an Antipasto plate full of good eats.

After a light snack it was off to the grocery store for some sustenance for the week – apparently we can’t just sit on the deck, smoke cigars, drink beer and screwdrivers – we have to eat food as well. So be it.

We made our way back down to the Village where we decided to stay for the first time since coming here. Cautious optimism turned into shrieks of joy and delight when we entered the place we are staying and saw the view from the deck. Only in two, maybe three times that we have come here have we had a view like the one we have here.

The town home we rented this time is nestled in the Canyon Mesa Country Club. Boasting an executive 9-hole golf course, club house, swimming and tennis the homes here are built around the golf course itself.

After a walk-about in the complex, dinner was in order and then I do what I do – find time to get some work done.

Darkness has fallen over the red rocks but according to the weather people, everything will be right back on track tomorrow – sun shine and warm weather. The only interruption in our spending the day outside will be to find a watering hole to watch our beloved Packer’s play another exceptional game of football.