Hiking in Sedona

After spending Christmas in LA, we hopped on a plane to continue our vacation in Scottsdale for a few days. We spent most of our time relaxing and recouping after quite an eventful stay with family. I typically am really horrible at doing nothing and just relaxing, but for some reason this time I let myself completely soak in every laid back minute that we had. 

The only plan we had made was to drive up to Sedona to explore the area and do some hiking. I had not yet been up to Sedona, and had always wanted to see the red-rocked city in person.  The drive took us a few hours and when we finally made the turn off on the two lane road that led into the city, it quickly became apparent that we were not the only ones who had the idea to visit Sedona that day. The traffic was pretty much stop and go for 30 minutes and we later found out that Christmas to New Years is the busiest time of year for Sedona. Finding parking was near impossible and the streets were bustling with people out to enjoy the 65 degree day. We walked through the town a little bit, but our main event would be to find a good hiking location and after doing some research found a quick but challenging trail up to Cathedral Rock.

One of our main goals for the hike was to find the PERFECT location to take a photo that would eventually be used in our baby Cusick announcement. We had brought along a little grey onesie and had no other real plan but to find the best possible photo opportunity and hope that it turned out! 

The hike was incredible- quick but straight UP. I love hiking and after a long ride in the car it was just what we needed. 

We kept stopping thinking "oh this is the spot!" as we made our way up the mountain, not knowing the spectacular view that was waiting for us at the very top. We took several photos in different lookouts with the big red rocks serving as our backdrop- at first using the tripod we had brought along, but other hikers saw what we were doing and we kept getting offers from folks wanting to help us out and take the photo for us. So many people congratulated us as we toted that little onesie and held it up with excitement in photos.

Finally after reaching the top, we spotted it. The PERFECT photo opportunity - the sun was setting and cast a electric glow across a rock that jutted out over the valley below. A man offered to shoot the photo, and out of everyone we met along the way, he seemed to have the most camera knowledge, and we knew it was meant to be that this was going to be our official announcement photo. So thank you, random hiker guy!

Already baby Q is getting primed for his life as an adventurer with his/her parents. Many more adventures to come, little one!