While hiking Woods Canyon Trail near Sedona, Arizona , you may spot a glistening rock that catches your eye. Amber crystals coating one side—a chip from a large geode. As much as you may adore earthly objects found in nature and want to take them home—don’t. This simple chunk of beauty was Mother Nature’s jeweled accessory she was showing you. Take Only Photos “Leave what you find” is one of seven principles in the “Leave No Trace” philosophy, which strives to minimize human impact as we enjoy the great outdoors. Sedona , with 1.8 million acres of national forest land and 300-plus miles of developed trails, is a plein air playground, which earned the city the top spot in the USA Today Weekend list of “The 10 Most Beautiful Places in America.” But if every visitor kept what they found in Sedona’s stunning red rock wilderness, the luster of what many argue is “the most beautiful place on Earth” might soon fade. So, as you hike, climb, swim, fish, peddle, paddle and tour this m
A collection of writing samples by Lesley Kontowicz