Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock Intersect with the Beaver MoonIn the 20 years I have lived in Sedona, this is only the second time I have caught the moon setting in the cradle of Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock.  This happens only in the fall from my vantage point in the Cottages At Coffeepot, Sedona.  Conditions need to be perfect. The above photo was taken in late September 2011 with a Canon 5D Mark II full-frame camera on a tripod and a Sigma zoom lens. "I always look up at the Moon and see it as the single most romantic place within the cosmos."Tom HanksThis photo was taken with a hand-held iPhone 11 Pro Max with digital zoom at 10:07 am on Dec 2, 2023. Panorama View of Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock The above image is from my driveway in October 2017Above - Hiking on a... 12/03/2023

Thankful Thoughts When Does Color Peak In Sedona Arizona?Thankful For Fall In the Cottages At CoffeepotI love Autumn. So, it stands to reason that every year I would be very thankful for this season.  Recap of 'Thankful Thoughts' PostsTo start this series, my first 'Thankful Thoughts' was about my grandson - "Farewell Halloween Until We Meet Again."  I reminisced about my grandson's first few Halloweens and how cute he looked. I am grateful to be a part of his life growing up.  My second post was "Thankful Thoughts - A Very Special Thanksgiving."  My first born was announced at Thanksgiving dinner in our new home. This was a special holiday that I will never forget.  Last week's post was "Thankful Thoughts - Meditation In The New Moon."  I discussed how I meditate and plan my month righ... 11/25/2023

Sedona Weather Update July 2023As with most of the west and southwest, Sedona is experiencing some of the warmest weather we have ever experienced.  A high-pressure area over the southwest has been stagnant for days.  It is keeping the monsoon from developing over much of the state. So far, we have had 23 days over 100º.  We average around 26 days over 100º for the entire year.  Sedona has experienced nine days over 105º and a total of 21 days in a row over 100º in June/July.  This is highly unusual.  Last year (2022), the warmest day of the year was July 20 at 106º.  Today, it is already 109º and a high for the year of 111.1º.Fortunately, our morning temperatures have averaged mid to high 60ºs.  We can open the windows at night, even in these warm temps.  Humidity has averaged 27%, wit... 07/21/2023

A Very Special Sedona Sunday Hike on June 11, 2023Last Sunday, we decided to visit a particular location that is hard to hike to in Soldiers Pass.  We waited until the afternoon to avoid the sun.  However, it was very windy as we hiked almost straight up to get to this remarkable location that holds many memories for my son.  He wanted to share that with us.  This location is right behind our cottage at the Cottages At Coffeepot in Soldiers Pass, West Sedona.  This is not a location that an average hiker would be able to locate.  We were with an experienced hiker who helped us every step of the way. It was a fabulous experience after we overcame the fear of hiking almost straight up the red rock!This Video Captures The Essence of This Unique HikeA Very Special Hike in Soldiers Pass Sedo... 06/14/2023

Easter Sunrise In Soldiers Pass, Sedona Arizona Tristan, Enjoying The Easter SeasonEaster Eggs Are Ready To Be HiddenWe always love hiding the Easter Eggs for Tristan to find.  He enjoys the "hunt." I  wish all a fabulous Easter Sunday, no matter how much you and who you are with, please enjoy today and make memories. ~ ~ ~QuotesEaster is the only time when it's perfectly safe to put all your eggs in one basket. Evan Esar~The very first Easter taught us this: That life never ends and love never dies. Kate McGahan~Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life. Janine di Giovanni~The great gift of Easter is hope. Basil Hume~ 04/09/2023

Snowdona!The red rocks turned crimson and white with patches of pine and juniper. It is just gorgeous outside. Fortunately, we have food for the birds and protection in the junipers for them. View From My Great RoomSedona is in Northern Arizona. One of the big differences between Flagstaff and Sedona is that the roads into Sedona do not shut down. Generally, the I-40, SR-89A, and the I-17 can close from Sedona to Flagstaff shutting down all traffic.  Above - Thunder Mountain- View from my driveway... 02/26/2023

Cottages At Coffeepot - Snowdona!Four Inches of Snow and a low of 26ºA cold front came in from California and hit Northern Arizona with a lot of snow. The snow level got down to 3500 feet! The Cottages At Coffeepot sit at 4500 to 4600 feet at the end of Soldiers Pass in West Sedona. On Jan 20, 2023, Four inches of snow dropped, and the low temperature hit 26º. We have had about 7 inches of snow in the last week. So far this month, the rain total has hit 5.85 inches. We needed this rain and snow. Sedona and most of the state are out of the severe drought. In fact, the drought intensity equals "none" for 42.2% of Arizona! Sedona is no longer in a drought as of 1/10/23. I am very thankful for this. Our juniper and pine trees have already perked up and look healthy. Last year, it wasn't unt... 01/20/2023