Getting away from Scottsdale proved to be quite a feat, as some of Phoenix's major artery roads were closed for repair work, but the GPS wasn't aware of that! Eventually, we found an exit route and hurtled north on I17. The traffic was pretty heavy, as we steadily gained altitude and the desert became a little greener.
The scenery also changed in other respects, the rocks taking on a redder hue and with the striking mesas beginning to rise on the horizon. We arrived in Sedona at midday, along with half the population of America ..... it was busy! After several attempts to find a car park space, we eventually struck lucky and could join the happy throngs on Main Street. Having wandered a while had lunch a patio with an amazing view.
We shared our table with a fairly forthright (but amusing) lady who had just retired and was in her sixth week of touring the States, by plane and bus. Anyway, she finished her Martini and we all hit the road. We passed a few of the mystical shops which exist in abundance in Sedona, calling into Mystic Gypsy Jenny's! (Apparently Sedona has many intersecting Lay Lines etc)We then drove to Red Rock State Park and took the Loop Road, taking in its stunning views, before heading for our hotel, in Cottonwood.
Our hotel was fully booked, so we decided to eat early, as we planned to dine at Nic's Italian Steak and Crab House. A wise decision, as when the doors opened, the crowds surfaced, but we got in and had a booth! The food and atmosphere were good and afterwards we walked up and down Main Street in the Historic part of town.At the Burning Tree Cellars, a band was playing that could be mistaken as a ZZ Top tribute act ..... and they were good!!. Further along, several wine tasting shops were open, each having their own live acts. We decided that we like Cottonwood!
Who knows, maybe 'Sleepwalk' (by Santo and Johnny) is an appropriate piece of music to mark our time in Sedona?
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