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| Cottonwood and Mingus Mountain in the distance |
We enjoyed a quiet time with second cup and happy hour outside in the sun. The evening temperatures dropped nicely and we could sleep with the windows open again.
Yesterday, after getting our flu shot, we treated ourselves to a drive up Schnebly Hill Road in nearby Sedona. We've spent lots of time in Sedona over the years but never had the high clearance vehicle necessary to travel the entire road up Schnebly Hill so Dave was ready to go for it.
It's a 10 mile long, relentlessly rocky road that starts in Sedona and winds up 2000 feet to end at I-17 near Flagstaff. The views are fantastic.
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| lunch spot...no reservations needed |
We stopped along the way to have lunch in a cedar lined pull off. I expected this road to be wall to wall Jeeps but we only passed 5 or 6 the whole time. They were doing the road from top to bottom instead of the way we chose - I think it's probably the most beautiful from that direction but I'm very glad we did what we did. I was on the inside as we climbed the rocky, narrow switchbacks and the few times I looked up I saw the least rocky track was right along the broken edge of the drop off. I trust Dave and I'm most always able to put my mind somewhere else when in seriously scary situations but if we had been coming down on that edge, I don't know if I could managed!
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| the distant road |
We're now in Usery Mountain Regional Park, outside Phoenix. On our way down today we were surprised at how very green everything was.....spring time green!
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| back in the land of the Saguaro |
We managed to get one of our favorite sites (5) and look forward to 8 or 9 days of sun and warmth here in the desert.
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| our new backyard view |
Fun times in Sedona with a Jeep!! next time make sure you drive the Broken Arrow. I see Schnebly Hill Road hasn't changed in the last five years. It is a slow bumpy go. Looks like a lovely site in Usery. Love seeing all the saguaro. Keep those photos coming.
ReplyDeleteYes it is veeeeeeery green. The ocotillos are the best we have ever seen. Some of the spring flowers are blooming again. Two giant rainstorms will do that for the desert. Welcome to Arizona!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! We'll be in that area next month. I'm looking forward to seeing the desert green and lush!
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to see all that green in the desert after last winter!
ReplyDeleteWe've also used Usery as a launch point for the Cactus League games on the east side, it's a beautiful well maintained park. We stopped at saguaro with a massive crested arm out side the park past the Bulldog OHV entrances. We took the Jeep into Bulldog (get the permit at the ranger station), but I think it's more for a motorcycle OHV but the Jeep had a little fun.
ReplyDeleteWell darn, I'm sorry we missed you! We're in the middle of a month in Clarkdale.
ReplyDeleteWe are partial to site #62 at Dead Horse. We're loving how green everything is!
I'm hoping we can spend some time at Dead Horse in the Spring - it looks beautiful. I doubt I'll brave that shelf road though. The desert is crazy green!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely drive with some nice views but that first picture of the tire, no lunch reservation needed made me pause. I thought you had gotten a flat tire! Glad you made it up and back! One brave woman.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos. How I miss Arizona. Usery Mountain Regional Par Is one of all time favorites. Have a great time. Enjoy the sunsets.
ReplyDeleteSura am missing the west this year... but alas, we will wait till next year to get our "brown" fix...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and almost scary drive for you Sue! I can just imagine what spring would look like in the desert! Sigh, Im going to miss the Saguaros this winter but I know I will get my fix through your photos.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog via Raven and Chickadee and had to comment on your beautiful photos. And, we recently stayed at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, but down in the lower loop. I'll have to make a note of #63 for future reference. You had a much nicer view! Sadly, we didn't have very nice weather for our visit to Sedona, so we'll definitely head back soon!
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