Wednesday, November 9, 2011 (Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood, AZ)

It was a chilly morning out there again this morning...but nice and sunny.  We had a bit of a later start to our day today...leaving for Sedona at just before 10:00 a.m.

Sedona is only about 20 minutes north of here...a very picturesque city surrounded by red rock monoliths named for distinctive objects that their shapes resemble (Bell, Cathedral, Coffeepot and Snoopy, to name a few).

We found a spot to park the truck and then headed off to explore downtown Sedona.  After stopping at the Visitors Centre, we continued along the main street full of unique shops, art galleries and restaurants.

 We stopped for coffee...

Almost two hours later, we were back sitting in the truck eating our packed lunch...we would have loved to stop at one of the many restaurants but we went out yesterday—can’t eat out everyday...we are on a fixed income now, you know!

After we had finished our lunch, we drove out to Chapel Rock.  Build in 1956, Chapel of the Holy Cross appears to rise out of the surrounding red rocks.  The towering cross and awesome panorama of buttes, valley and sky are a source of inspiration inviting rest and reflection...not to mention incredible photo opportunities...

 Take a look at this place...wow!

Our next stop was Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.  Tlaquepaque is a recreated Mexican village that hosts a myriad of shops and restaurants “offering unique and unexpected cultural experiences”.  Sedona is absolutely full of galleries...a very “artsy” place!

We decided to stop for a beer at Oak Creek Brewery...

On our way home, we drove up to a scenic viewpoint at the Sedona Airport...gorgeous views of the Sedona Valley and surrounding mountains...

We were back at the State park at about 3:30 and decided we would go for a bike ride.  We rode down the hill...hmmm...not looking forward to having to ride back up...to the day use area by the Verde River...

After riding a narrow trail along the riverside, we carried our bikes up the steep bank to a much wider, nicer trail that led to the lagoons. 

After riding around the lagoons, it was time to head back to the trailer...yup...time to face the hill.  Slow and steady...we made it up just fine...we had had a good hour’s ride.

We had our usual relaxing evening before heading to bed.  Tomorrow we are going to drive through Oak Canyon and then go to Red Rock State Park.

If you are interested in seeing the rest of our "Sedona" Pictures, here is the link to our web album...Sedona