Tuesday morning we left Flagstaff and headed back towards Sedona. There is the option to take the interstate and skip the switchbacks, but we decided that was a fun drive to do again. We stopped in Flagstaff near the Pink Jeep area so we could check out some of the shops and also get lunch. Some of the restaurants along the main street have amazing views out their back windows looking at the red rocks. We did find this cute little shop, although it was not open yet, we had to grab a picture of it!!
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Just outside the city of Sedona is Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is a Catholic church that looks like it was built in the buttes of Sedona.
There are some great views from the observation deck at the top, including this CRAZY house just below the chapel.
We were really curious who lived in that house — mansion I should say!!! The house was built in 2003, with most neighbors not too keen about it!! It was rumored to be owned by Johnny Depp and Nicolas Cage, but both proved to be rumors only! It was believed that the lot was bought for about $289,000, by the Romanian doctor that invented lasik surgery and once the house was complete, 4 years later (44,000 square feet), he had it on the market for $29 million!
The inside of the chapel was very beautiful, along with the surrounding grounds.
After leaving the Chapel we headed back towards Camp Verde, but first stopped at Red Rock State Park (again trying to use up $75 state park pass….LOL). David and I had gone there a couple of weeks ago and thought it would be a good hiking opportunity with Jason and Jen.
Red Rock State Park
At the top of the hill in the park, is the House of Apache Fires that is currently being restored. It seems to blend in with the landscape and will be interesting if it will be accessible once restored.
We took the other hiking path that went on the other side of the hill to the scenic overlook. The path is so uneven you have to continually look at your feet so you don’t trip….and so you make sure you don’t step on any snakes!! But it was a great hike and a great view at the top.
And of course, even with this warning, Jason had to head out to the edge!!
Back towards the visitor center, we encountered a couple of groups of mule deer and they seemed very comfortable with humans gawking at them as they barely moved!
We arrived back at the campground and had to do some grocery shopping so I could make the “dish to share” for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving feast. The campground was also offering a wine and canvas event where they were going to paint a snowman so David and Jen decided to go while Jason and I went grocery shopping. They both turned out great and unique in their own way!!
Wednesday – Thanksgiving at the Campgrounds
We brought both a dish to share and an appetizer (Mashed Bacon Califlower and Brie Cheese/Cranberry bits) for the Thanksgiving gathering here at Verde River RV Park at Camp Verde. The campgrounds supplied the turkey, mashed potatoes/gravy, dressing, rolls and dessert. The rest of the campers supplied the rest of the food and it was all amazing!!! I had volunteered to play music on my keyboard during the appetizer hour.
The campgrounds put on a great meal with everyone getting more than enough to eat!! Both the appetizer and “dish to pass” that Jen and I made were gone, so they must have been good!
After the late lunch Thanksgiving meal we finally got the opportunity to go back to the camper and play some cards! It was a great evening!
TIFN
Dandy Ventures 