Mmming, because we were munching on fresh strawberries.

Oohing, because we had amazing views as we munched, from the top of a mesa near Sedona. The trail to get here involved some climbing, but it’s well worth the effort! Scenery like this is why Sedona was voted the most beautiful place in the country. Pictures simply can’t do it justice.

And ouching? We’d walked by some dead century plants (agaves) on the mesa top, and talked about how they live their entire life just to shoot up one enormous spike of blooms, then they die. They go out in a blaze of glory!

Just as we arrived at the view spot, one of our group stepped on a dead agave, thinking it would crumple easily. The spine was as sharp as ever though, and it stuck all the way through the bottom of her hiking boot into her foot. Then as she lost her balance, she fell against a cholla cactus. Ouch!! She said the dozens of little spikes were nothing compared to the big one in her foot. It was a doozy.

Fortunately we were able to extract the spines and get her back on her feet again. All’s well that ends well, and before we left the mesa top, she was oohing with the rest of us.

Moral of the story? Watch out for pointy things in the desert. Even the dead ones can get you!

We do Red Rock Getaways to Sedona a few times a year, and the climb to this mesa top is one of our favorite hikes. Just watch your step!