I just returned from a trip to Arizona. My wife, Mickie, had a conference scheduled in Phoenix so we decided to take some much needed time and extend the visit. Sedona has always been on our list of must see areas so we headed north. Along the way we stopped at Montezuma”s Castle. By the way there was no Native American Indian named Montezuma. The next stop was Jerome, a small mile high town built into the side of a mountain. It was once known as the wickedest town in the West. It originated as a copper mining camp and has a thriving community of about 500 plus or minus souls. While there we visited the Jerome Grand Hotel which was a former mine town hospital and insane asylum. Many people died here and it is said to be the most haunted building in Arizona, with many claims of paranormal activity. We walked around and inside the hotel, saw no ghostly figures, but talked to some staff who swear it happens. After lunch on the main street of Jerome, we stopped briefly at the ranch of new friends in Cottonwood and then made our way to Sedona.
Sedona is a special place with good energy, amazing red rocks and beautiful vistas. We had several memorable hikes, visited some energy vortex areas and took a day trip to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. It was a calming, restorative trip and I would highly recommend Sedona as a destination not to be missed. We hope to return. Below are some photos of the Sedona leg of the trip. I hope they give a sense of the beauty of the area.
Montezumas Castle
The Jerome Grand Hotel
Old Car parked outside the hotel
The Main street in Jerome
I liked how the light was hitting these Cottonwoods.
Cathedral Rocks
This view of Cathedral Rocks is from the opposite side of Oak Creek and is approached from Verde Valley School Rd. Its a great hike.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
This small chapel stands between two pinnacles and is a very calming and beautiful structure.
Sunset reflecting off the rocks from Airport Mesa
Another View from Airport Mesa
The Climb to the Boynton Canyon Vortex
This was the view as we climbed to the spot of the Boynton Canyon Vortex. We met a gentleman named Robert who was sitting atop of the far left spire playing a Native American flute. As one who has taken an interest in the Native American flute, it was a special moment to hear such melodic sounds coming from such a special place. He said he comes twice a day to play. The Boynton Canyon Vortex is said to balance a persons masculine and feminine sides.
Rock Totem
One of many rock totems in the area of this climb erected by visitors.
View from the top of Boynton Canyon Vortex
Looking up to Boynton Canyon Vortex
Grand Canyon, South Rim
Managed to capture this Elk as we were driving in Grand Canyon Park
The following are of the Grand Canyon from various vista positions. I like some of them for the vertigo feeling you get when viewing the image. It is a magnificent place.
