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.

Day 8 - New Mexico - Arizona

Driving into Flagstaff is like driving on Mars.

Santa Fe was such a joy, and I can definitely see myself back there, however it was time to continue on.  Set the GPS to Flagstaff, Arizona and pointed it West.

Leaving Santa Fe is incredible.  Basically, Santa Fe is situated out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a few mountains, but mostly flat.  There aren't really any large factories around it, so you aren't surrounded by Semi-Trucks on the highway.  Not to mention, any pull off you take you could find yourself in the middle of nowhere.

Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and is located about an hour outside of Santa Fe.  It has a beautiful historic section in the middle of the town with plenty

of color and pattern to keep your senses alert.

I really loved all the side patio spaces in Albuquerque.  Although the central square had a beautiful church in it, and a very historic feel, these patio spaces just felt very calm, peaceful, and beautiful.

Onward!  Decided to switch up the route a little bit and hopped onto the Historic Route 66.  The scenery is relatively the same as the new highway I-40, but you are on a smaller road with fewer traffic.  This is ideal when you are looking at the scenery around you more than the road in front of you.

Met some new friends.

Saw some incredible old signs (which are starting to crop up a LOT in the work I'm producing).

Got WAY out there.

And learned what one of the coolest ways to drive across the country is.

A few hours later, and I was in Flagstaff, Arizona.  Managed to catch the last few rays coming over the mountains - a great way to be greeted into a new city.

Flagstaff seems like a real rad community.  Nestled in the mountains with an historic few block area, and very friendly people.  Again, there were a bunch of old, neon signs lit up to show the way through the streets.  However, that didn't stop the stars from beaming.  I even caught a shooting start.

Another city with live music - this one in particular was a rockin' blues band.  I hung out in the back and watched as people created waves of silhouettes in front of the red lights.  Foreground and background seemed to blur, and the energy in the room was contagious.

Looking forward to checking out more of Flagstaff tomorrow, plus I'm going to check out, what I'm told, is one of the best hidden gems of Arizona.  Any guesses?