Friday, April 1, 2016

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.



24 comments:

  1. Our little babies sure grow up fast!

    Sedona is such a beautiful area. It's also so much fun taking all the pictures we can. We love the area.

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    1. Too fast! Oh yes, I took a ridiculous number of photos!!

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  2. Sure glad you've got a good insurance company. It's hard to have fun in hidden places over spring break. Although I love that red rock I am not keen on Sedona. With those eyes, Ezra is already a lady killer.

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    1. I guess this is how you find out how good they are :-( It's weird having the weekdays feel like weekends - used to like that a whole lot more before I retired! Oh yes, and he's quite the flirt already.

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  3. Really sorry to hear about the crowds in Sedona. Wonder when is a better time to come or is there such a thing. I would skip it too with that many people. Sure hope this windshield fix is done right. Nothing cuter than a smiling Ezra.

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    1. Maybe late summer, but I don't know. Those trails must be well-worn. He melts my heart :-)

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  4. That is the only drawback to Sedona...its popularity!

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  5. We made the mistake of going into Sedona yesterday...Joe needs new rubber tips for his trek poles and we thought The Hike House would be a good place to look...yikes!...bumper to bumper! We were lucky our hike was not crowded on Thursday. We only passed 2 families.

    Ezra is so cute! And growing like a weed!

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    1. I don't know how the locals tolerate the crush of people, I guess that's why there are so many gated communities :-( It's not hard to tell why we all want to go there though! He is pretty adorable :-)))

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  6. Lots of beauty going on in this post, especially that little precious beauty at the end:)

    I can't believe how crowded the west is. Before long the only calm time will be in the winter.

    Good to hear your new windshield can be put in at the park:)

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    1. I keep hoping we'll get a mild reprieve from the middle of April til Memorial Day, but we'll see. It will be so nice not to have to move for the windshield!!

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  7. Great photos! I love the colors of the rock and even with the shadow, it's beautiful.

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    1. Thanks Rene. You guys will love it - make sure it's on your "do first" list :-)

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  8. What eyelashes! He's gorgeous! The scenery is, too. :)

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    1. He really does steal the show - no matter what's playing :-))))

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  9. Oh my, those crowds would be a deterrent for us, too. I had no idea that Spring Break was such a pain in the west. Somehow we've managed to avoid the crowds in our travels. (I probably shouldn't say that aloud, at risk of jinxing ourselves.) Anyway, it is a gorgeous place, and one we need to get back to. It's been many years for us since we've visited Sedona -- but your photos make it look mighty appealing! And Ezra is just as cute as ever! I'll bet you miss him.

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    1. I suppose I should be pleased that so many want to hike in nature (there were lots of college age folks) rather than drink on the beach, but I wish I had known the break lasted so long :-( Miss him SO much!

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  10. Erza sure seems like one happy baby, Jodee. :)

    Beautiful scenery, despite the cars!

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    1. He has been a joy! We focused "over" the crowds and did find a few spots where we could get away and still enjoy the beauty.

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  11. Cool pictures. I so Miss those red rocks.

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  12. We love Sedona! We just started full timing and plan to spend a lot of time there. Thanks for the great photos!

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    1. Thanks Courtney. Congrats on starting your new adventure - it is the best! I think the RV parks in Camp Verde are better than Flagstaff for spending time in the area. I was really disappointed with the options in Flag.

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