Sedona, AZ to Santa Fe, NM and several points in between---

Left you in southern AZ at Casa Grande, Aug 14---well, it's now a month later [almost] and I've spent the monsoon season, or part of the whole season anyway, in the beautiful area of AZ known as 'Red Rock Country' or Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon, just south of Flagstaff, about 4500 ft elevation. I'm blessed with family that will lend me their home for an extended stay in this canyon, just 3 miles up the creek from the town of Sedona. The property has been in the family since the mid-forties and has several creek-rock built cabins/homes on it, as well as an orchard of fruit trees--even a vineyard--and is such a peaceful, tranquil spot for a retreat. I became spoiled quite easily. But it was also a great area for me to really work on getting my body back in shape for dancing again---well not next month but soon, I think, I hope---God willing anyway. At least, I feel I've made great progress--now to just keep up the with this great start.

For those of you that read my last year's trip log, this is the area of the Southwest known as the Colorado Plateau. It's 'high desert' country--varies in elevation from about 3500 -7500 ft [I thnk] and is beautiful!! Of course, I'm biased but----see for yourself through my camera's eye!!
The rock formations, in/near Sedona, have been captured on film by many photographers--mine are not as well-lit, from a pro's eye--the sun and shadows were perfect when I didn't have my camera, then when I did---well---but you can judge!!

Then some more shots from the V-V Ranch site [none of these Petroglyphs again--see last years, if interested]and Montesuma's Castle and Well. These are all National Monuments created a century ago in 1906, by Congress with the Antiquities Act and, in 1916, under the Department of the Interior, are now served, protected and preserved by the, then, newly created, National Park Service. Therefore,protected for us---you and I-- to study, explore and share. These sites [and many I haven't seen/visited as yet but will some day] all reflect the people--ancient people--our ancestors, that lived , raised families, created communties--some quite large--from as long as 12,000 years ago!! You have to admit, that's quite a history of which to be proud.


Then, across the state line into NM, El Morro National Monument--southeast of Gallup--Window Rock National Historic Monument--west of Gallup [actually, back in AZ] and in the heart of the Navaho Nation---and yet today to be visited, Chaco Canyon, now Chaco Culture National Historic Park and one of the most famous of these ancient people's homesites/communities!! I've driven by Chaco but never been--this year is the time--later today. Then I'll have more pics to share. Meanwhile, ENJOY!!!