Flagstaff/Sedona

We arrived in Flagstaff, planning on touring the town. After our stop at the Visitor Center, we decided to tour the local Arboretum so we could learn more about the local plants. They also had a raptor show, which was really good. They had several hawks, a Cara Cara, and an owl. They also had a very talented crow who helped with "fund-raising" to support his fellow bird friends. He would accept bills in any denomination and deposit them in a jar. Apparently, he also takes credit cards, but prefers to destroy them rather than give them back!

We headed for Sedona after the show, where we were booked at our timeshare for 4 days. Sedona itself is just beautiful- red cliffs every place you look. I fell in love with the pueblo-style homes in colors that blended perfectly with the cliffs. We learned later that the town only allows those colors on any new buildings in the area. The downtown area has lots of galleries, restaurants and shops. We did several driving tours- scenic loops through the red rocks, a drive to Jerome, an old mining town. Again, galleries and shops on steep streets with a view of the valley below. We were disappointed that the state park, which displayed information on the mining aspect, was closed due to budget cuts.

We felt it was time to try out our golf clubs again, so headed to a course recommended to us at the timeshare. What a beautiful spot! Again, the cliffs surrounded the course, so spectacular views were everywhere. (We've included a few shots of the course- drool on, golfing fans!)

The last day in Sedona we decided to take a Pink Jeep tour to an ancient Indian site. Our guide Jason (an Eagle Scout) was very knowledgeable. I'm not sure what we expected, but he took us on rugged dirt roads out to a site of old dwellings built under the overhangs of the cliffs more than 700 years ago. Remnants of walls were still intact. Old petroglyphs and rock carvings were visible on the cliff walls. It is an active archaeological site- the tour company actually participates in the preservation of the area. Fascinating!

We spent the afternoon back in Flagstaff walking around the town and touring the Riordan Mansion. The mansion is an arts and crafts style home built around the turn of the century by two brothers who married two sisters. The house is actually two 6000 square foot homes joined in the center by a central room used for family gatherings. All the original furniture is present. The house had some very innovative ideas for its time- all electric lighting (including one room that had indirect lighting), and an interesting cooling system that made use of natural air flow. Well worth touring!

We leave tomorrow for Cortez, CO, where we will visit our final National Park of the trip- Mesa Verde. From there, it is on to Grand Junction to visit my sister for a few days before heading back to New England. We have begun to plan a route, and I have to admit, it is a strange feeling to have the end of the trip in view. However- not over yet! More after visiting Mesa Verde.