Arizona: Sedona

Sedona is as interesting as it is breathtakingly beautiful. This charming city is famous for its breathtaking red rocks and laid-back atmosphere, and if you are
driving to Grand Canyon you should make it a point to drive through Sedona. By itself Sedona has lot of interesting places to see and experience, but if you are short of time, then a drive through this place is worth to get a feel of this beautiful place.


This route is a little round about way of reaching Grand Canyon, but if you want to see Sedona you might as well take the slightly longer route.
 ( please click on the pictures if want to see the enlarged version)


It was simply awesome
Oak Creek Canyon — in Sedona Arizona


I wish we had the time to jump into the water like those peopleThe town looks pretty surrounded by large red and white sandstone cliffs and buttes, with contrasting greenery provided by a mixture of trees, bushes and cacti.










Look at the rock formations, they seem to glow in brilliant orange and red against the sun.



I would have loved to spend some relaxing time at that house on top o f the hill with the most beautiful view. Just look at the road below.. However, all this would have been possible if we had the time. Since we had limited time at our disposal, such things were not possible. But thanks to our son we could at least have some fleeting glimpse of this beautiful place.Many artists have been attracted to Sedona and its rugged beauty which is said to enhance their creativity. Over the years, an artist colony has developed in Sedona and many of the artists sell their work in local galleries and shops. It may have been more than the scenic red rocks that stimulated the creativity of artists. 
It is believed by many people that the region of Sedona contains a concentration of vortexes which are spots that release psychic energy or power from the Earth. The four local points which are considered to be energy vortexes are Bell Rock, Table Top Mountain, Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon. Unfortunately we didn't have time to visit any of these places for we were just driving through this place, and just stopped at some shops, had a shock, when we saw the prices, though I did manage to buy an antique necklace and a pair of earrings to go with it. 



The Oak creek Canyon


The combination of mysticism and red-rock majesty attracts a lot of people to Sedona

The colors were truly mesmerising



With my son


The Red Rock City Sedona



Some random shots taken from our camera of the villas





Sedona's Red Rocks are also considered to be some of the most spiritually charged RocksI wish i had the time to experience at least some of it, maybe some day who knows...
Vortex sites are believed to be locations having energy flow that exists on multiple dimensions. The energy of the vortexes interacts with a person’s inner self. It is not easily explained. Obviously it must be experienced.
I saw quite a few Reiki Studios there, obviously it was most suited for the practice of Reiki, meditation and Yoga.


Oak Creek Road, the most scenic road to take


Driving towards the Grand Canyon

This has become more or less a photo blog. However, I am sure you would love them. This was part of our US road trip which we had taken some 3 years ago.
Travelling by car is the best way to see the US.  We can always take such detours and see the less known places on the way.

Beautiful, Gorgeous, 17 Mile Scenic Drive.....

The 17 mile scenic drive was the most fabulous, amazingly beautiful drive, with the weather being perfect,  it was indeed, "The  greatest meeting of land and sea in the world"

A winding road that leads through an exclusive neighborhood and past scenic coastal views to the famed Pebble Beach, the 17 Mile Drive forms our favorite memories.

                                       Many locations along the Drive have starred in motion pictures including National Velvet with Elizabeth Taylor, The Caddie with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, One Eyed Jack with Karl Malden and Marlon Brando; and Escape from Witch Mountain (Disney).

Various artists over the years have found inspiration for their painting of flora and fauna along the famous coastal landmark

                                       The closest thing you could compare this to is a lovely isle on the Irish coast.
Rocky cliffs, large boulders protruding out of the water, and the most inspiring pristine beaches...

This is one of the most famous Arch Bridge that is well built on a concrete re-enforcement in 1932.      

The 17 Mile is a toll road, the per car fee gets you in and you will get a driving guide to take along with you. It would take one about two hours,  or more if you stop to eat.

For the best chance of clear views, one must go from mid to late afternoon like us.

 The lovely pacific blue: simply gorgeous!

                              You'll want to stop and snap a shot at every turn along this historic two-lane road that hugs the coast of California. It isn't a road to speed along, and southbound is the better direction to travel as it puts the scenic overlooks and parking areas on your right--much easier for quick stops.

It was so much fun, I didn't feel like leaving this beautiful place

The road winds through forest area, and along the ocean front, passing 3 golf courses, 2 luxury hotels and the famed lone cypress tree. The guide map would give a brief description of each point of interest. 17 miles of sea and sky, immaculate golf courses, and dream homes set graciously behind elegant gates... this is the essence of Pebble Beach's 17 Mile Drive.

One can travel as long as one likes, there are numerous turn outs, along the road to stop, take pictures,
stroll along the ocean, or among the trees, just soak, soak and soak, in the atmosphere.
Instead of paying for airfares and good dollars for guided tours, touring California at your own pace in a rental car is a very attractive proposition indeed

                                             Look at this picture: it is pure heaven

 Our son couldn't resist taking the picture of this awesome looking Mustang (right behind us).

Well, I trust you all enjoyed this picturesque journey with us. See you next  with another travelogue where we travel through Santa Barbara, where the rich and famous live in beautiful mansions.