Saturday hubby and I took another one of our little "jaunts". Living here we are afforded a totally different terrain in as little as two hours so we left our dry 1.000 ft. elevation and drove north in time for breakfast at the Cliff Castle Casino. It is about 3300 ft. elevation and we spotted a tree I had never seen before..
![]()
The little sign said it was a smoke tree.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
On the gambling note....our usual...hubby won, I lost.......... It is a good thing I stick with the penny machines:)
On north we drove until we were in pines of Flagstaff at 6900 feet but we turned south to Oak Creek Canyon and in a very short time we were at 7200 feet and just in time for lunch at the Hideaway restaurant. We have eaten here several times over the years. The first time we had lunch here (many years ago) we had hiked the west fork.
![]()
I don't have any personal pictures of that hike but here are a few from other hikers.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Sedona is well known as a power spot - metaphysical spiritual. There are many resorts that cater to this type of experience. As you drive through the town you will see most anything that will attract the tourist......
![]()
![]()
All to soon we were back on the freeway and headed home but I still had a little yearning so we headed back west to what I call a jaunt......
![]()
Where the roads turn to dirt....
![]()
rough and washboardy and you can stop to go tinkle without intrusion...
![]()
So where in the world are we going? Cherry, Arizona. A little mining ghost town between Dewey and Camp Verde that now is home to those who are retired and want a secluded life style at 5000 ft. elevation. There are old places that you wished could talk...
![]()
and new pretty places off in the distance with (no trespassing) signs and those close enough to the road to get a glimpse...
![]()
We rounded the corner to see this sign....
![]()
![]()
As far as I am concerned...this was the highlight of the jaunt!
Saw these along the road....
![]()
Some wild daisy's
![]()
Dropping back down into the desert.....
The little sign said it was a smoke tree.The casino entry had this pretty little view....
zoomed into the back
There are people who oppose the casino's on the Indian reservations but for me...I think they exhibit good taste and provide many, many jobs. What do you suppose this is?
Just a little ceiling decoration......
Had a great breakfast for $5.00 with no tax with and many wonderful pictures to see.
On north we drove until we were in pines of Flagstaff at 6900 feet but we turned south to Oak Creek Canyon and in a very short time we were at 7200 feet and just in time for lunch at the Hideaway restaurant. We have eaten here several times over the years. The first time we had lunch here (many years ago) we had hiked the west fork.
I don't have any personal pictures of that hike but here are a few from other hikers.
This area is beautiful and the only way to truly appreciate it is to hike.
Typical for this area, this time of year...the place was packed with visitors and heavy traffic.
In less than 20 miles of this lush green looms the famous red hills of Sedona at 4400 ft. elevation.
Just might have to come and stay sometime....would be a great way to learn more about the area. In no time were were headed back to the dreaded freeway but not before hubby spotted these!
Saw these along the road....
Some wild daisy's 
Dropping back down into the desert..... In all, it was about a 300 mile jaunt and a perfect little day get away....
Thanks for coming along.
8 comments:
such beautiful territory. :)
i believe the casinos employ a lot of folks. don't know about where you're at but those in Oklahoma don't serve alcohol which eliminates a lot of problems.
I like to take jaunts, too.
The casinos here employ a lot of natives, which is good. It is my hope that the casinos will eventually improve the living conditions on the reservation. It is sad to see so much poverty in the shadow of such extravagance.
Thanks for the trip!! It was wonderful and next time we are in that area...we may check out some of the restaurants and that Ghost Town.We have been in that area...Flagstaff, Sedona... Oh and I agree on that dreaded highway...we always take the scenic route if we can!!
Loved the jaunt as it brought back memories of our trip in the nineties. For some reason, Sedona's red rocks are more vibrant in person. I saw a bear when we drove through Flagstaff and there was lingering snow on the ground. We went from our cousin's house in Phoenix up to see the Grand Canyon. I was not gonna get that close and not see the Canyon. Thanks again for the memories and your view. I am glad you told us the elevations. Peace
Well living in GA we don't have stuff like that - but when we were in Vegas - they sure employed a lot of people.
I love your jaunts - and don't think we have anything like that here - so I rode a long with you!
Oh what a fun post and trip!!! I would love to go on that hike.
You have been where I would love to travel....
you are so lucky to live so close to wild areas like this. I passed through this area about 4 years ago on my way from California, and I'd love to go back and take another look. But it's not likely in the forseeable future.
Good idea, sticking to the penny slot machines, I think I'd do that too.
What an interesting day. I remember our trips to Calico Ghost Town when I was little... your Cherry, Arizona reminds me of that.
Post a Comment