Actually, we went to the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona today. Our journey lead us down the Schnebly Road from I17. It is a dirt road that is used extensively by the Pink Jeep Tours. Awesome views and fun to drive the Subaru down. I think we went down over 1500 feet and ended up right in the middle of Gatlinburg, Arizona, oops, I mean Sedona. I am somewhat dismayed by all the crystalography, New Age, and Vortex Center hype that goes on here. I just want to walk in the rocks.
We began our tour by going down to one of the Bell Rock trail heads. There has been extensive work done on the roads in this area lately. The last time Julie and I were here I was afraid to drive the car off the road to get to a parking space. Now the road is a four lane divided boulevard with lovely parking areas for the trail heads. Bathrooms, vendors, paved spots that by 11am on a Monday are full to the brim. All for the low cost of $5 for the Red Rocks Pass (federal).
We began our hike up the trail toward Bell Rock and took an immediate right turn to get away from the hordes. Our trail was a loop around the backside of the Courthouse Butte, past the Spaceship Rock and then on to the final fun clambering around on Bell Rock. This area is one that is especially noted for its Vortex Energy. This energy is gained only by full body contact with the Red Rock. As can be seen we made every attempt to collect as much of the energy as possible. More energy can be gained by closer contact, to include full body.
The wild flowers were out in force today. Along with the flowers were the butterflys. Quite a delightful sight.
As we came around the east side of the Courthouse Butte, the Spaceship Rock was spotted. It had landed out of sight of the general public back in a low canyon. We had to walk around the rock to determine how the aliens got in the vehicle. We tried our best to meet with them, but they would not open the hatch. Julie and the Cat tried to extend their antennas to gather the most energy they could to communicate with the beings and I tried to meditate at the top of the ship. None of our efforts seemed to matter to the aliens in the Spaceship.
Cat did find a new friend near the Spaceship that she wanted to bring home with her. We did not think the airline would allow it to be brought on the plane.
Our next stop on the tour was the hugely popular Bell Rock. We managed to hike up and about all over this large chunk of Red Rock. It is quite enjoyable to go smearing around on the slanted rock. It is amazing to see from a distance all the variety of people that are drawn ever upward on the rock. The views are great. The day was one of our best for clear air and long views.
Toward the end of our stay at Bell Rock we had to pose in front of what must surely be the model for the new Ottawa County monument to justice, the Courthouse Butte. It appears to have been designed by the same architect with similar materials.
On the way back to Phoenix, our group needed to be fed. The source of the food was found up in the small mining town of Jerome. It is a great little town that is on many levels. It is perched on the side of a mountain with the shops and houses all on stilts and dug into the rock. To go one block in the town involves either driving up a switchback or using stairs if you are walking.
We had lunch at the Haunted Burger. The story goes that the building is haunted and the resident ghosts like hammers. Many have gone missing in the building.
There were excellent views of the valley over to Sedona and beyond to Humphrey Peak, the highest point in Arizona.
A partial rest day has been called for re-energization and basking in the sun. It is the warmest day so far predicted to hit 90 degrees. Not a cloud in the sky and no wind today. Woo-Hoo!
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