The Beauty of Sedona, AZ, Spectacular Despite the Crowds

The little winter storm keeps us inside on Tuesday with intermittent snow flurries and gusts of wind. 

Although we're only paid through Wednesday, we haven't made plans to move on because we're not sure what's happening with the windshield, and I'm waiting for a prescription in the mail. 

Fortunately we hear from the insurance rep who has involved her supervisor in our case. They are concerned that the seal sent to ABQ could have been the wrong one, or that the shop installed it incorrectly so it's never going to be right. For that reason they have arranged for another windshield to be sent to Laughlin while we're there for a week. Even better the shop there will do the install at the RV park so we don't have to move it or stay in a hotel. I like this plan. 

The office receives my prescription as well, so we are good to move west on schedule!

Cold and clear, Wednesday morning we head south to Sedona in the Jeep. As it was three years ago, the forest along Hwy 89A has several diseased and dead trees. Once we reach Oak Creek Canyon we don't notice trees any more. Such a beautiful area. 

Our first view from the highway

There are quite a few cars on the road, but we are still surprised to see a line getting into Slide Rock SP. When we get to town it's packed. Streets, sidewalks, stores. Lots of families so it has to be spring break somewhere.

Traffic jam with a view

We're not here to see town, so we drive through and find a couple small roads that take us closer to the canyons. While there are a lot of beautiful homes here, we find a neighborhood of mobile homes and modulars with million-dollar views - maybe we could afford to live here :-)

One street over from the mobilehomes is this block home for sale. Imagine that backyard view!

The moving clouds play with the colors

Even in shadow the landscape is incredible

Boynton Canyon

While we have left town behind, all the trailheads on Dry Creek Road are overflowing with people. Everyone of the parking lots are full with cars parked for half a mile in both directions along the road. I can't imagine hiking any trail with that many people!

Overflow from all the trailhead parking lots look like this

Instead we follow numerous roads, taking in the unbelievable beauty. I can't imagine ever getting "used to" a place where everywhere you look is so intense. 

Rain falls over a distant mesa

Many back roads lead to gated communities

Bill spots a bit of spring color along the road

Bell Rock

Courthouse

The congestion of so many people dilutes the energy of this special place, but the vistas captivate us. We'll be back during a less busy time.

Keeping with the theme of beautiful and wonderful, thought I'd share some current pics of Ezra :-)

Almost nine months old already - what a cutie pie.

Thursday we'll stop for service at Camping World and then another short move to Williams, AZ.