Sedona on the Rocks

We have been to Sedona many times in the past ten years.  Last week, over Labor Day weekend, was the first time we went in the summer.  And it was so hot! 110 degrees or so every day we were there.  As a result, my plans to do a tour and some hiking were dashed.  Instead we drove around in an air conditioned car and got out in the heat for short periods of time to take pictures.

On route 179  on the way into Sedona from Interstate 17, there is a visitor center for the Red Rock region, which is part of the National Park system.  We stopped to take some pictures, pick up a Red Rock pass and otherwise look around (i.e. shop for trinkets for grandchildren and me).  This year, I remembered my annual N.P. pass which allows me to get the Red Rock pass for free.  I was looking for it in my purse to show the woman at the desk and she asked me if I had the Senior Pass.  I laughed and said, no, I hoped I did not look like I was 62 already.  Then, when I asked her for the map with the rocks she said that was the "Disneyland" map and I really should take the hiking trail map instead.  Apparently being in an air-conditioned building all day made this woman, who was significantly older than I am, delusional about what is appropriate behavior in 110 degree weather.  I took my "Disneyland" map and left to take photos of the rocks, like any good Mickey Mouse tourist.

Three of the rocks shown below are spiritual vortices in Sedona, and reportedly have special energy.  They are Bell Rock,  Cathedral Rock and Kachina Woman.  The fourth vortex, Airport Mesa, is not really a rock  and thus not as photogenic as these other places.

These rocks are named based on what they resemble.  I have followed local conventions as much as possible although sometimes Thunder Mountain is also called Capital Butte, Two Sisters is also known as Twin Nuns and Coffee Pot Rock, from another angle, is called Eagle Rock.  The red color of the rock comes from a mixture of ferrous oxide with sandstone.

I also include a picture of the Chapel of the Holy Cross which is not a rock per se but is viewed in the same light and even deemed by some to be a vortex.  I must agree that it has a special aura when you go inside.

Kachina Woman (Boynton Canyon)

Two Sisters

From left- Chimney Rock, Thunder Mountain, Coffee Pot Rock

Courthouse Butte

Coffee Pot Rock

Madonna and Child

Bell Rock

Cathedral Rock (from Schnebly Hill Road

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Back in Sedona

Last year when I came to Sedona, after a week or so in other parts of the southwest, I was very tired and feeling ill.  I did not think much of it at the time although I did find it amazing that I slept for three hours one day after a two hour easy hike at Arches.  Now we know that I was tired and sick for a reason--my ovarian tumor was growing exponentially at that time.

This year I am pleased to say that I feel so much better and am enjoying Sedona more than ever before.  We have been here seven times, always staying at Enchantment Resort.  Last year, I spent a lot of time in the room in a comfortable arm chair, reading, doing work and dozing.  This year, on our first day, starting at 9 a.m Paul and I went out to look at sights we have bypassed in the car on past trips many times.

First, we headed out Route 179 to Oak Creek to the Red Rock Cafe, which Trip Advisor ranked as the best restaurant in Sedona based on consumer ratings.  I have had a few good meals here in Sedona, mostly last year at Dahl and DiLuca and Fournos, and Red Rock Cafe did not come close.  However, it was a very good place for breakfast.  Paul had a "roll your own" omelet with feta cheese and chiles.  I had an egg and a slice of french toast.  Basically, it was good diner food.  I would eat there again.

On the ride back, we stopped at three different scenic turnouts.  I had forgotten my camera so I was limited to the camera in my Blackberry.   The views this morning were quite gorgeous.  See below -- and sorry that the pictures are a bit blurry.  Usually BB camera does a bit better than these.

Cathedral Rock

Bell Rock

Courthouse Butte

We then went up to Flagstaff for the afternoon.  I have written about Flagstaff in another blog entry so I will not repeat here.  Today we visited our usual haunts there--Josephine's for lunch (crab cake salad with citrus corn vinagrette), Barnes and Noble, a few stores downtown.  I bought a pair of boots and a few gifts for family members.  On the way out of town, we hit the Starbucks (where I had my "triplio"- a doppio with an add shot) and Baskin Robbins for my once a year pumpkin ice cream cone.

Tomorrow we have a Pink Jeep trip planned to Broken Arrow Trail which gives you views of Submarine Rock and Chicken Point, also along Route 179.  I tried to get into a cooking demonstration at Mii Amo in the afternoon but the resort is very full so I am on the waiting list.  Sunday we are looking at a hike to Cathedral Rock (Red Rock Crossing not the one off Back O Beyond  which is considered "strenuous") and possibly the easy hike to Chimney Rock off Thunder Mountain Rd., on the way into the resort.  I also want to go horse back riding, but figure that probably won't happen this trip. I have a lot more energy but not unlimited time.  Maybe that's why I have a lot more energy.