Nothing says romance on Valentine's Day like taking opportunity to mutually conquer a little fear, right? Oh, c'mon ~ sometimes you have to make it worth talking about. I mean, after 31 Valentine's Days spent together, we as a couple both desired to do something interesting, different, and milestone memorable.
Watch the adventure on our YouTube video here!!
Our Instagram and Facebook feeds have been packed for months with reels featuring must-do hikes, climbs, and sights in and around Arizona. Trust me ~ our bucket list is growing faster than Pinocchio's nose when he's spouting falsehoods! This particular weekend, however, we wanted to do something that would challenge us mentally and physically. Over the last year, we have both been working very hard on our health and physical strength, so we felt we were ready for something like a longer hike, a bigger climb, and perhaps a feat just outside our typcial comfort zone.
Enter Soldier Pass Trail.
Now - Soldier Pass Trail in Sedona, Arizona, in and of itself, is not that difficult. It has some rugged terrain throughout, but it also boasts family-friendly paths that lead to amazing sights such as Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools.
The Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
It also has gorgeous views of towering red rock formations, such as Coffee Pot Rock (I really don't know why they call it that - I keep trying to see the "percolator," but just can't. Is it just me?). UPDATE: While editing, I finally saw it (Can you?? Look on the left)!!!
Coffee Pot Rock Formation from Soldier Pass Trail - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
Now, after the Seven Sacred Pools (that image is posted further below), there is a path to the right that eventually leads to a large open mesa that beckons hikers to sit for a spell, rehydrate, refuel, and take in the absolutely stunning views around them. I mean - look at this!
Sedona Beauty from Soldier Pass Trail Plateau - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
But once rested, the next challenge to contemplate awaits...
To the far left of the open mesa (which I hear they might also call Slickrock Expanse??), there is a very steep, rugged scramble that leads to many an adventure-seeker's goal on this particular trail. At the top, there is what used to be a secret two-story cave ~ no longer that much of a secret. We heard from others that it was treacherous in some parts, would require some stability and bravery, and is quite steep at times. Honestly, I had no idea if I was truly brave enough to tackle this one, but ~ for some strange reason ~ nothing seemed to be stopping me from moving forward either.
Crazy, I know!
At this point, I made the ultimate decision to put the DSLR away because there was no doubt I was going to need both hands to ensure stability. Walt also gave me one of his poles to assist me with balance. From there, we both slowly - and I mean VERY slowly - pulling-off-to-the-side-countless-times-so people (even insects)-can-pass-us-kind-of-slowly - climbed over petrified roots, slippery rocks, and more...just so we could ultimately make it to a place where the cave was visible to us with our own eyes.
Soldier Pass Trail Cave - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
Then came the even more difficult decision ~ to climb or not to climb......
Well ~ without truly considering the consequences....we climbed!!
It wasn't easy and it certainly took us awhile, but there were SOOOOOO many patient, amazing people willing to assist and spot. I mean, my faith in humanity doubled that day (if even for just a moment). Needless to say ~ taking on this challenge was mindblowing and MORE than worth it!!!
I reached the top first, then Walt. Once there, a gentleman (I love calling him our "Cave Angel") spotted me as I, strangely without hesitation, began to creep my way across the very narrow rock ledge that led from one end of the second story to the other. Video that I will likely never show makes me look like a 90 year old shuffling her way across a cafeteria, but I'm going to cling to the idea that I at least will not be experiencing FOMO this trip. Honestly, though, I clung to the side of that rock like my life depended on it.
And then I saw this view...
Soldier Pass Trail Cave Second Story A - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
And then looked back to see this one with Walt.
Soldier Pass Cave Second Story B - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
And then we got this one - TOGETHER!!!!
Soldier Pass Cave Second Story - After the Climb - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
The rush of adrenaline and pride that we both felt inside was immense - and I can't believe we DID NOT FALL...or twist an ankle...or break a bone...or tweak our backs!! Thank God!!!
After we descended from the second story (THAT was an adventure, as well), we took some time to enjoy the views and relish in our huge accomplishments.
On the way back down the trail, the lighting on the Seven Sacred Pools was much more complementary than it had been earlier in the morning and offered for some better captures.
Seven Sacred Pools - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
In fact, while we were there, we saw a group of individuals take opportunity to plunge into one of the pools for a moment of meditation. This was both inspiring and enticing, so we made the decision ourselves to at least soak our feet in one of them for a bit.
Soaking Feet in Seven Sacred Pools - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
The water was freezing cold, but so refreshing at the same time. It just felt like something we needed to do. We were there, time allowed, and the idea of dipping our feet into something called "sacred" when we are personally going through some spiritual growing pains ourselves seemed appropriate. No - nothing mystical or magical happened from that particular experience, so to speak, but the idea of enjoying something so beautiful and natural, as well as the memory of taking part and cancelling out FOMO, has tremendous healing power, too.
NOTE: I will say that, every few minutes, we did have to take our feet out as they became quite numb. Yup - it was THAT cold, but it was all worth it. Heck - we even started a trend and others starting taking off their shoes and dipping their feet into the pools! Love it!
The day was long, difficult, exhausting, but, oh, my gosh, so rewarding. There was a time in my life where hiking for eight hours straight or climbing such treacherous and challenging paths was impossible to even consider. After spending the last year or so focusing on my mental and physical health, it is spiritually rewarding to look back on what I (we) had accomplished that day. Now, I'm not capable of doing this EVERY weekend...but I'm glad we chose Valentine's Day to face a few of our healthy fears (heights, instability, long hikes without a bathroom) ~ TOGETHER.
For the Love of Soldier Pass Trail - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
It's been a few days since our adventure and I still find myself smiling when I think about that day. Honestly, if I may take a moment, I absolutely love making these kinds of memories with my husband, my partner, my soulmate, and the best damn photographer's assistant ever. Here's hoping we can rise to more challenges, accomplish more of our goals, and see more of this spectacularly beautiful world TOGETHER.
Until the next adventure...
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Sedona Beauty from Soldier Pass Trail Plateau in Black & White - photo by Tina Stevens-Brown
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