We set off on our tour with a drive through Old Town Scottsdale, pit stop at a saguaro area, visit Montezuma’s Castle, ending in Sedona in the early afternoon. Our hotel is Kokopelli Suites, and I have a jacuzzi in my room!
to Sedona
the big red bus that will get us around for the next week
we will soon trade palm trees for cactus and desert vegetation
Beer, burgers and buns, oh yeah!
Sunday morning drive through Old Town Scottsdale
nothing is open yet
much quieter than 2 nights earlier when I was here.
now it’s just a tourist photo stop
Giant saguaro cactus
 
 
 
Prickly pear cactus
 
nice safe spot for a nest
I’m in there for scale
 
 
 
 
driving north through desert scrub
 
Yavapi Apache Nation runs a casino here
Montezuma Castle National Monument
built by Sinagua Indians
5 story, 20 room dwelling was built in the early 1100’s
It is 100 feet off the valley floor in a recess
 
shady spot in limestone cliff wall
remnants of Castle A
once a 6 story building with about 45 rooms
lush vegetation in the Verde Valley
these trees trunks look like camouflage print
 
first glimpse of Sedona’s red rock
entering Sedona
Bell Rock
 
I am blown away by the beautiful formations
 
the town just sits amongst them
 
 
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this little guy needs to grow his tail back
Giant’s Thumb
Camel’s Head at right
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Oak Creek
I found a nice shady spot to hang out
 
I’m in Sedona!
 
 
See video page for movies of Native American dancers
 
 
 
 
 
the “Coffee Pot”
 
 
 
 
 
The Kokopelli Suites, where we stay in Sedona
My room has it’s own jacuzzi!
Prickly pear flowers
Sunset over Sedona
 
 
 
Oak Creek Brewing Co, Sedona