Day 9 - Arizona

If you're going to build it, you might as well build it on the top of a mountain.

Woke up early in the mountains, and decided to explore the surrounding areas.  Originally I was planning to drive up to Grand Canyon and stay in Zion, but a few towns were highly recommended in Arizona to check out.  I figured what the heck - and I'm so glad I did.

The first town I stopped in outside of Flagstaff was Sedona, Arizona.  It's situated on the edge of a mountain ridge in the middle of these impressive rock formations, and never ending canyons.

Into the never ending I continued!  I had to check out Cathedral Rock, and the road I took brought me to a stream bed of bright red clay.  It's incredible how massive these formations are, especially since they are in the middle of so much flat land.  The color combinations of brick red and bright vibrant blue are beginning to seep into my thoughts.  If you're in Arizona, I highly suggest taking your car on some dusty back roads and seeing these formations.

Every time I stopped it seemed like there were old cars - no rust of course, in, at the very least, working order.  Living in New York and Vermont you never see these cars, except for about one month a year.

As the red Beetle may give away, the town I was in search of was an old mining town situated at the top of some pretty steep mountains in the middle of Arizona named Jerome.  After the mining business stopped in this town, it was sort of taken over by different artists.  So, you have a few switchback streets far removed from chain stores and big businesses with many galleries, restaurants, and some pretty funky, older buildings.

Of course, some of the buildings are beyond repair, but they're still impressive to see.

I absolutely loved the town, but have a hard time imagining what it would be like to live there.  Not to mention what it would be like to live there in the 20s.  This is definitely another place I would HIGHLY recommend checking out - whether you're an artist, love to travel, or simply are just looking for a place to see a little off the beaten path.

On the way out from Flagstaff, or in my case on the way back, you should also check out a town called Cottonwood.

It's about 20 minutes away from Jerome, and about an hour outside of Flagstaff.  Skip the main strip and go straight to the Historic Downtown.  And, don't go on a Tuesday (to either places).  Most of the businesses are closed Tuesdays for whatever reason.  Still a cool town, lots of color, neat signs, and a few blacks to meander up and down.

Back to Flagstaff I went for the night, tucked to bed early, and planned to get up with the sun to go to the Grand Canyon for sunrise (or at least early morning light).

Thanks for the beauty Arizona!  I'm sure I'll be back to see  you soon.