Sedona, AZ

We camped just south of Sedona. Sedona's main attraction is its array of red sandstone formations. The formations appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. The drive up to the city was very pretty and the closer we got the red rock formations Sedona is known for became evident.

As we reached the city Bell Rock arose in front of us.

We continued into the city and stopped at a Tourist Information booth to get a map and a list of must see site.

Our first stop was at the Chapel of the Holy Cross.  The chapel was inspired and commissioned by local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, who had been inspired in 1932 by the newly constructedEmpire State Building to build such a church. After an attempt to do so in Europe, with the help of the noted architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, was aborted due to the outbreak of World War II, she decided to build the church in her native region.  The video below shows a panoramic view from the standing at the top.

This is the view of our van in the lower parking area from the chapel grounds.

Looking down from the chapel grounds there is a spectacular Italian Villa style house complete with gardens, waterfalls and a pond.

This is the view of the chapel from the ground.

We left the chapel and headed for the Airport Mesa Overlook to look across to Coffeepot Rock and Thunder Mountain.

From the Airport Mesa we drove to the Red Rock Loop Road for a Scenic Drive.

George spotted this house marker.  It is a little difficult to make out, however under the 3600 it says SEDONAWOLF.  He was so excited.

This sign is at the end of what was once Walt Disney's driveway.

Afterwards we headed north on 89A towards Oak Creek Canyon where we were planning to camp for the night.  

After we crossed that bridge things got very interesting...