Sedona’s a long way from Yucaipa. Four hundred miles seemed an endless drive after a late Saturday afternoon start. But getting far away was the point.
By Sunday morning Val and I were hiking up into Boynton Canyon, entranced by the red rock, the perfect November weather, and the varied vegetation. With trekking poles and light packs we marched from the 
sunny chaparral into an autumn canopy of yellow aspen near the end of the 6.2-mile out-and-back. Lovely.
Back in town we wandered the shops in search of holiday gifts for family and friends. One shopkeeper shared good advice about where and where not to dine. Sunset found us at L’Auberge, enjoying fine food and wine on the patio beside Oak Creek. The wine is Orrin Swift’s “Papillon.” Swift is best know for the great zin blend “The Prisoner.” Get it?
Monday morning we found a satisfying breakfast at Creekside Cafe (another good recommendation), then pedaled a memorable 39 mile loop through the high desert village of Cornville. We’re at the intersection of Page Springs Road and the 89A in the bike picture. The last 13 miles were the toughest, including a 500-foot climb in a two-mile stretch.
The daylight drive home was beautiful. 89A south through Jerome and Prescott is an amazing mountain drive – unless you’re in a hurry to get home, which we weren’t. The sunset is a view from the car as we traveled back into California on the 10.