Thanks For Waiting: After kicking back in
Scottsdale, Arizona, we headed to our next destination, Sedona, AZ.
Now I'm not going to bore you with how to get there. You're smart
people. Get a GPS (Wonderful electronic tool), or a map. Make
sure you pick up this book. National Geographic Traveler Arizona.
Any JB Eeeracer caught reading Arizona For Dummys will be flogged. On this ride we are heading north out of Phoenix, visiting the wild
west town of Jerome, and finally, Sedona.
When
you leave Phoenix, you look out waiting to see a band of marauding outlaws
coming around the tall cactus. But you are not interested in cowboys right
now, because you want to get to Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Don't pass this up. It is a five story Pueblo dwelling constructed
in the early 1100's. Did I tell you to pick up a National Parks Passport so you
can get it stamped, and your stamp here. Do it. This is one of those
places that as you leave, you continue to look back for one more peek. JB,
Is there more stuff to see here? Yes, get your book out. You
know the rule. This is just a teaser.
Off
the beaten path is Jerome, AZ. This mining town, once considered the
wickedest town in the west fell on hard times, and became a ghost town before it
was revived by a number of artists. It is set on a mountain side, the
streets wind up and down the mountain. Do not use your racing flats here,
get a pair of sturdy hiking boots. What is going to peak your interest
here is most of the shops were at one time bordellos. Now it gives
visitors an early 20th century atmosphere, gorgeous setting, art galleries and
craft shops. There are three museums that tell of life in the old days.
By the way, there are these signs along the road that declare a scenic overview
in one mile? Stop there.
This is why. After leaving Jerome, we headed for Sedona.
On the way was? A scenic overview. This was just a hint of what
was to come. Sedona is surrounded by red rock country. It is at the
bottom of Oak Creek Canyon. We will be going there next. Let me give you a
hint here, because this is a busy town.
Sedona is an area where you can hike, ride and run trails, and enjoy
beautiful sculptures along its main street. One of the things that you
will want to do is take the PINK JEEP Tour. I recommend that
if you are an early riser that you walk main street so that you can see some of
the sculptures seen below without have people getting in front of your camera.
There are many more. The street gets crowded early. By the way
don't miss eating at The Javallina Canteena if you like
Mexican/Southwestern food. If you are planning on doing some trail running
or hiking, do a little research first. That's why you want to buy the
book. By the way they do have road races in Sedona. One of
them is a marathon.
I found this site helpful when taking a look at Sedona.
http://www.sedonachamber.com
When next we meet we will be heading out of Sedona, through Oak Creek Canyon,
and on our way to The Canyon.
