Monday, February 28, 2011

Oh, Sedona.

It's not always hot and sunny in the desert.
* * *

This past weekend Doug and I had plans to visit our northern property but the weather threatened to be nasty so our trip was canceled.
Problem was that I really wanted to get outta' town. So, Sunday morning I sent Carrie a text message that read, "I need to be in Sedona. Wanna' go?"
I knew she couldn't resist. We love this place!

Sedona, Arizona is a two and a half hour drive from where we live. And if you are ever in the Phoenix area I highly recommend that you drive yourself on up to this spectacular town in red rock country.

The drive up was absolutely stunning. There was fresh snowfall and puffy white clouds against that amazing Arizona sky...
One of our favorite spots on the planet is Crescent Moon Park. It's a state park with some easy walking trails with Cathedral Rock as its backdrop. You have to pay {$9} to get in, but Carrie and I both agreed that it was worth every penny.

Carrie has been fighting a cold and the beautiful day was a nice distraction. Poor baby, by the end of the day she was not feeling well at all...but here, she was happy:
And me? With my "woe is me" attitude lately, I was happy too...

Most of these photos were taken with my point-and-shoot camera. The trees were loaded with snow that kept falling on us, and I was worried about my big-girl camera getting wet.

The light and darkness of these photos is due to cloud coverage ~ and Sedona is so beautiful this way. The red rocks look different throughout the day depending on the brightness and the angle of the sun.
Seriously? ~sigh~
Yeah...amazing...
Sedona is the perfect place to renew your spirit.
The path at Crescent Moon Park.
We happened upon an older couple and asked if they'd take our picture. As the lady pointed our camera the gentleman said, "I was going to tell you to smile but it looks like you girls already have that part down." :o) Yeah, we were happy...

After our walk through Crescent Moon Park,
we drove into town for some shopping and lunch.
Mmmmm...lunch at "The Hideaway"...
And the view from "The Hideaway"?
Here's what we looked at as we ate our lunch:
We took a quick stroll through the shopping district.
There are statues and art pieces here and there,
and Carrie obliged in taking my photo with one.
I should have bought this sign as a reminder
not to take myself so seriously sometimes...
Thanks,
Carrie, for accommodating my spontaneous idea
to head to Sedona for the day. It was just what I needed!

33 comments:

Sian said...

That's a snow turtle, isn't it?!

It's so nice to see the two of you taking a trip away from it all and enjoying each others company. And it's also lovely to have a bit of a tour of some countryside so very different from my own.

A lovely post.

scrappyjacky said...

Just lovely,Deb...as Sian said.....such a different vista to our own.
So glad it raised your spirits....and hope Carrie is soon well.

Cheri said...

While I'm sure the location had something to do with it, I'm betting the girls' day out was also key to the happiness factor. Good for you for getting away when you needed it!

Dave said...

I had no idea you got snow in Arizona! I learn a lot about life in the west reading your blog, Deb!

BEAUtiful shots.

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

A snow turtle!!! LOVE it!! And I love the man's comment - you girls DO have the smile down pat! And those skies!!! Wow, wow, wow! You were right Deb - I do need to visit Sedona with you and my camera! xoxo

helena said...

must admit I didn't know you got snow over that amazing red landscape. Looks a wodnerful day and good to see you smiling

Valerie said...

Great pictures--next time I visit, I want to go there! Love you!

debs14 said...

The Arizona Tourtist Board ought to offer you a job! These are such lovely photos, and it is clear to all how much you two enjoy each other's company. Am so pleased you had such a great weekend.

Rhona said...

I love all of this post, the photos are stunning and I also never really thought about your having snow in Arizona! Love the snow turtle, the photo of you and Carrie needs to be framed! and lunch and shopping looked great. Glad you got to go out of town and lift your spirits. Hope Carrie feels better soon. xx

Bernice Hopper said...

We were there in January. We never did find the shopping district

Lizzie said...

It sounds like a wonderful day out and a great way to relax. I am so glad it lifted your spirits and reminded you the world is still "out there"! Hope the good feeling stays with you while you cope with the current problems.

I loooove the snow-turtle! And the gorgeous scenery was pretty cool too...

Mom said...

IF Valerie is there when I am, please take us both. Otherwise, it looks like you might have to make 2 more trips before long. I love being there and am certain that within the next few of months, my spirit and soul will need a major over-haul! Very amazing shots of God'd country! After a day like that, you just have to feel renewed!!! xo

Unknown said...

It was definitely a fun day! I'm glad you wanted to go :)

Anonymous said...

I love the cloud pictures! I noticed them too over the valley. Bubbly, billowy HIGH, Arizona! They were a HIGH, for sure! Sue W.

JenCoen said...

Um... JEALOUS!

January 21st, 2007 I had a life changing event in Sedona and go back every year on that day. The red rocks decorated with the white snow is exactly what helped change me.

I didn't go this January. But I think I'll go up this weekend... I think I HAVE to!

:-)

Ruth said...

I'm with Robyn, I had no idea you got snow in Arizona. What a stunning set of photos ~ I hope they re-appear in a mini-book at some point.

Kirsti said...

Wow...your photos are amazing Deb...Wow...

Glad you had a good day and blew away the cobwebs..

Take care...
Kirsti xxx

Margaret said...

I love that you did this. Here is what I know: In challenging times it is vital to feed your soul and your spirit. Be kind and compassionate and indulgent with yourself. It will help you keep your head above the water. (And who knows what's in that water.)

Clair said...

There's nothing like blowing off the cobwebs and in such stunning scenery, I'm not at all surprised that you felt your spirits lift a little.

Much love to you and yours. I am thinking of you x

MarleneMAZ said...

Love that turtle you made:)
Fabulous photos Deb, and you are right Sedona is beautiful although I have never seen snow there before.
Glad you got away for the day, definitely something you needed.

Amy said...

Arizona has much greater contrast than in Australia, though we did get snow at Uluru (Ayres Rock) one year and it would have looked similar to snow in Sedona.

You know, that last shot is a cracker, I'd be framing it or at least making a page about it!

Catherine said...

Wonderful photos. Sedona is such a beautiful place. We leave for Mesa AZ tomorrow. Will be doing a road trip. We just checked the weather and will have snow for much of the way.
Have lots of fun....oh wait photos indicate you definately are.
Catherine

Pure Ella said...

Wow it is beautiful!
Kind of reminds me of the set in Cars (the cartoon - sorry that's all I watch nowadays is cartoons ;)
and with snow - AMAZING ;)
XO

Anonymous said...

Glad you had such a onderful time and what fabulous photos.

Denise said...

Wow,what lovely scenery.It looks like that was just what you needed.A lovely day with your girl.Hope she is feeling a bit better now.Hugs to you all xxx

Kristin said...

LOVE Sedona! What an awesome trip, thanks for sharing it.

Maria Ontiveros said...

Those clouds are amazing! And the way they set off the snow is surprising and beautiful.
Love the snow turtle!
Rinda

Dave said...

ummmm???

27 comments, Deb??

holy smokes, girl!

Jana said...

Gorgeous pictures. And so are the models. I LOVE your snow turtle.

Becky said...

What a lovely post - so glad you and Carrie were able to get out for the day and you were able to take time for yourself.

Anonymous said...

We were in Sedona in August one year. We did some hiking and I don't think I've ever been so hot! It's amazing to see it in the snow. My daughter and her husband were there just two weeks ago. The temperatures were much warmer I think---no snow for sure. They had a fabulous time.

humel said...

It looks amazing, Deb - so glad you got that special time with Carrie :-) And I love the snow turtle! xx

Anonymous said...

I love what you guys are usually up too. This kind of clever work and coverage!
Keep up the fantastic works guys I've incorporated you guys to my personal blogroll.
Look into my blog post Rubbish Removal NYC

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...