Walking the Land: Grandmother Bell Rock Hike Part II-Sedona, Arizona
Hi Everyone,
Well, let’s continue our virtual hike with me and Linda Metzler around Grandma Bell Rock. We started out early Saturday morning, 9.9.06 and the skies were threatening rain. But, Grandma Bell pushed the storms to the east of us although the clouds were wreathing the area. That was good because it kept Father Sun and his heat from baking us on the trail–so it was a coolish, delightful morning to do this hike half way around what is known as the “Courthouse Butte Trail.”
So, come on along! We are still hiking around Grandma Bell.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
Here are some more Slender Gaillardia that was in the western grassy field next to Grandmother Bell Rock.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
This was a REAL discovery! Indian Tobacco! Natural and wild. On the southwest side of Grandmother Bell.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
This was a beautiful Tufted Four O’clock near the trail. It looks so fragile and ethereal.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
Here is a lovely view of Red Rock Country taken from Grandmother Bell. You can see why we like living here. No matter what direction you look, there is a painting of Nature in all her brilliant regalia.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
I thought this was an ‘arty’ shot looking north toward Sedona through the limbs of the dead tree.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
Here is one of many signs in and around on the trail. The Forest Service is asking hikers to stay on the path. The sign struck me on a broader note–all of us should be wearing one, too!
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
Here is some Purple Nightshade which is very prolific around Grandma Bell. It’s truly beautiful.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
On the north side of Grandma Bell as I traversed a bike path, I saw this wonderful Blackfoot Daisy growing out of a crack in the sandstone! What a tough little plant spirit! Kind of reminds me of some people who get a tough lot in life–they can still bloom and become beautiful, anyway.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
Here is a beautiful Century Plant with yellow blooms. Notice Grandmother Bell in the background.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
Here is a cute group of Button Bush flowers. They always remind me of children playing gaily and whim to any breeze that comes by.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
Here is Cathedral Rock….they say the three buttes symbolize the father, mother and child. Indeed, the energy up there (I’ve climbed it several times) is very nurturing and feminine.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
On the bike path on the northern side of Grandmother Bell Rock was this fantastic Century Plant in bloom.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
Here are some bright, nodding Sunflowers in a field on the north side of Grandma Bell.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
Imagine my utter surprise as the trail is about to end and here is a huge group of BLUE Morning Glories right next to the fence! What a wonderful gift!
Copyright Eileen Nauman
And right next to the patch of blue morning glories were a patch of RED Morning Glories! Amazing!
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
It seems fitting to leave you with two breath taking photos of the Sacred Datura. As we hiked away from Grandmother Bell Rock and toward Courthouse Butte on the path, I discovered these incredible purpled-edged white datura. Just looking at this photo puts you into a meditative state. This is a plant that has one of the strongest spirits that I know. Many want to work with this plant spirit but they must know how to approach her in order to earn her trust so that she will share her secrets with you.
Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006
And so, as we leave Grandmother Bell behind, this ‘gate’ between the two buttes and vortexes have the Sacred Datura as the gatekeeper and guard. We gave cornmeal to this powerful plant spirit and thanked it for its inescapable beauty. Tomorrow, we move on to Courthouse Butte and a whole other exciting group of experiences and photographs! In Spirit….
