Sedona, Arizona

Sedona

Sedona, Arizona, is pretty close to paradise.  Not in the tropical island, swaying palm tree sense, but in the drop-dead gorgeous, southwest scenery, perfect climate, and all the amenities that travelers seek… comfortable accommodations, wonderful restaurants, fine quality shopping, and delightful folks at every turn, sense.

In addition, there is history… as in numerous ancient ruins, spent mining towns, and connections to vintage celebrities; there is culture… as in art, Native American hand-fashioned jewelry and pottery, hand-woven rugs from wool raised and spun at home… and legends to accompany all.  There are wineries and antique towns within a red rock’s throw to experience, explore, and enjoy, as well as sunsets that surpass description… which can be seen from the midst of the towering, colorful sandstone formations that dominate the landscape.

If you approach Sedona from Phoenix, the change in altitude is subtle… occasional popping of the ears, unexpected disappearance of the Saguaro cactus, unnoticeable change in ambient temperature.  As you leave I-17 at exit 298, the road narrows, the sagebrush heightens, the prickly pear thickens.   Just as you get used to this scenery as the norm, you turn an innocuous corner and WHAM!  Right there in front of you, between two customary green hills, is the most stunning formation of red sandstone, looking, for all the world, as if some giant had accidentally dropped a model piece from his collection from The Valley of Fire onto your roadway.

And then there are more… and more… and still more…. until this new, vibrant landscape becomes the norm.  During your entire stay in Sedona you will be surrounded and astounded by this beauty.

There is just one aspect of your welcome that is less than pleasant.  Be aware that the tourist information centers are not managed by the city of Sedona… not by its Chamber of Commerce, nor its Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, but by a variety of timeshare companies who are eager to enhance your stay with a tour of their facilities for which you will be rewarded with a tempting gift.  The city is addressing this issue.  The progress is slow, but positive.  Time will correct the effrontery.  In the meantime, stay strong.  Be aware.  Leave with the information you sought.

If you choose to accept their gift, make it your choice.  Do not be intimidated into accepting.  Thank them for their assistance in answering your questions and providing the information you came in to find… and leave still enjoying the landscape and vacation to come.  It will be breathtaking.

It looks like a mirage, at first.

Hometown Holiday

OK.  It’s official…. ‘Tis the season.

This evening, after watching an hour of Rick Steves touring Europe with each country traditionally decked out for Christmas, I went downtown to be part of our own community decorating party.

The air was crisp enough (that means cold in New Englandese) that I wore my shin length down coat with the hood and warm gloves.  It had stopped flurrying, but the sky was clear and winter black with a scattering of sparkling stars.  A small crowd gathered in front of the bank around a seasonally decorated table where tall cups of hot chocolate and large plates of recently-warm cookies were being offered.  A tall and rotund Frosty the snowman graced the sidewalk and posed with bundled children for Grandma’s camera. There was much laughter and merriment.

Around the corner the large display windows of the bank were resplendent with scenes of animated Victorian carolers and shoppers all dressed in fur-edged capes and high-brimmed bonnets. Skaters were skating.  Carolers were singing. Children were frolicking.  Twinkling lights and sparkling snow adorned the omnipresent evergreens.

Although the air was below freezing, the heart was warmed by folks who were not neighbors talking to each other, sharing plans for their family’s holidays. We stayed until the hot chocolate was less than tepid and the cookie plates were being put away.

As I walked the two blocks back to my car munching on my second saucer-sized oatmeal raisin cookie, I was grateful to be able to share in this community celebration and looked forward to my own scattered family coming home to share the holidays.

I also pledged to walk more since we were now entering the sinful season of overeating… over indulging on baked and frosted tasty morsels.  Oh, this is a good time of year!

Happy Holidays!!