Sedona is one of the most beautiful cities in Arizona, commonly known as “Red Rock Country.” This is a place you can eat, relax and explore. On my most recent trip, it was important that I combined all three of these into my weekend adventure. Primarily, because on all other trips, I had never conquered one of the many hiking trails. So after a little research, I decided that Cathedral Rock would be the canyon I’d take on. I chose this trail because it was the shortest of the 5 other trails and my hunger pains were trying to convince me not to go at all.
I was a little apprehensive, due to the fact that this was the 1st time I’d ever set out to hike an extensive trail by myself. At most, I’ve walked up a hill alone as a way to get some cardio and have that personal time to reflect. So, I channeled that same energy to help me make it up the first hill. I’m not sure if it was the elevation, the humidity or the big bowl of pasta that I had the previous day, but I WAS EXHAUSTED!! So tired, in fact I actually considered turning around as it had started raining and the peak seemed so far away. As I didn’t want to quit on myself, I decided to stay the course.
Fortunately I met a group who had taken a break similarly to me to catch their breath and capture a few photos. I took the liberty to ask if I could join them for the journey to the top. THANK GOD I did!! Going up was not easy, there were several moments I needed a hand to help me take the next step and to save me from falling (it was still raining). In my head, I kept saying, “What are you doing girl??” I still didn’t give up though. After about 25 minutes we made it to what I thought was the top. I snapped a few photos, danced and had already begun thinking about the journey back down. Well, my fellow hiking group had more in mind to conquer. They encouraged me to continue following them as we had not yet made it to the very top. Since I didn’t want to go back down alone, I obliged. Thank goodness for their push as I was able to view a side of this canyon that was beyond beautiful. (See pics below)
This hike reminded me that we’re not in this life alone! God will always be there to guide, encourage, protect and pick us up when we fall. He just wants us to take that 1st step out on faith. Grateful that I took that step out on faith to see what was on the other side.
Continue to stay encouraged and know that you are not alone!
Keep SHYNING!!!
“Be strong. Be brave. Be fearless. You are never alone.” Joshua 1:9
Let Your Light Shyne 
Beautiful Shy, love it. Love you.
Keep shyning!
Big sis
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I loved this post. This reminded me so much of my time in Costa Rica when I went on a hike with complete strangers. I’m not in the best shape. My stamina and endurance is pretty much nonexistent and these ladies who complete strangers on the bus slowed their pace to make sure I made it to the top. It’s amazing how God can put people in our lives and the lessons that they teach us.
I can’t wait to visit Arizona some day. It’s been on my list for a while, this place as well as antelope canyon.
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You would absolutely love it!! Arizona is home for me and there is so much that I still have yet to see, including Antelope Canyon.
Coasta Rica is on my list!
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I love this story. Hiking with others – or finding them along the way as you did – is such a big boost to staying the course. There have been so many times where just having another person say “come on, let’s keep going” allowed me to see so many beautiful things. We are never alone, and sometimes help comes out of nowhere or looks differently than what we were expecting! Bravo for rainy hike success ❤
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So true! There’s always people, or signs to help nudge us forward! Glad that you enjoyed!!
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