Christopher Creek to Flagstaff, AZ via Petrified Forest National Park

My original plan had me at the Grand Canyon by now, but after factoring in Memorial Day, I felt the need for change. Petrified Forest NP was a natural choice, and a big surprise.

The surrounding terrain is primarily pine forest.

And as you would expect, there is a lot of petrified wood:

What I wasn’t expecting and has caused me to seriously consider upgrading my camera was the Painted Desert. The colors are much more brilliant than my little snapshot Canon can capture:

And some perceptive soul asked if I’d like one of me since I was traveling alone.

Today’s Route

Sedona to Christopher Creek

With what feels like the whole world out for the holiday weekend, I kicked around on some back roads for a few hours.

This is Camp Verde from the SE:

Not being in any hurry, I paid my three dollars to see the Tonto Natural Bridge. It is quite large, but you need to be able to walk away from your transportation and hike down to the bottom to get a real feel for it. If you look closely in the second photo, you can see the people.

Most of today I’ve simply enjoyed the ride, counted my blessings, and lived in a state of gratefulness. I’ve really been blessed with great friends, amazing opportunities, and a generally good life.

Most campsites were full, so I took immediate advantage of the first campsite that was free. I lazed around in the hammock most of the afternoon finishing a book and napping since we didn’t go to bed until after 3 am.

Today’s Route:

Sedona

The property my friends have in Sedona, or more properly Oak Creek, has an amazing view. Here is the patio view mid-day and again in the evening.

And the patio

Jeff and Darlene

own this incredible vacation home with Mark and Michelle.

Either couple could give lessons in hospitality and generosity. Together they are almost overwhelming. We had a grand two days exploring Sedona and Oak Creek, searching out new restaurants, smoking cigars, laughing, watching movies, enjoying the view from the patio, and perhaps most importantly engaging in conversations that were encouraging and even visionary.

Other miscellaneous photos from the two days:

This is rumored to be Nick Cage’s home in Sedona:

It is right across the road from the Chapel of the Holy Cross

This sculpture, “DEFIANCE” by Lloyd Pimay was outside of Visions Fine Art gallery:

And for the record, I did not eat both of those lobster tails. One of them was Darlene’s!

I left feeling rather well fed — body, soul, and spirit. Thanks guys for a memorable Memorial Day weekend! Now to balance all the calories I’ve taken in it’s back to a diet of beef jerky, trail mix, and Mountain House dinners…