Red Rock Country

Our guide book convinced us that Oak Creek Canyon, south of Flagstaff, was the smaller cousin to the Grand Canyon, and well worth a visit.  Since we decided that the Grand Canyon was a trip in itself, and we were not going to do it this trip, we would make this stop.  Following directions to what was to be the best viewing point for the Canyon, we headed out on Rt 89 A toward Sedona.  Well, the book did not mention the hairpin turns, and 7% downward grade for miles on end!  NOT a nice drive in a 30 foot RV!  My heart was in my throat the entire descent!    And there was no turning back!  Fortunately, we stopped at what we thought was the park we were looking for, and a very nice couple informed us that this was a great ride for a motorcycle or small car, but probably not an RV!  Didn't we know?? While we chatted with them, they said they had just retired, and were touring.  Clem said he had retired seven weeks ago, and had hoped to make it to eight weeks!! They informed us we could continue in the same direction,visit Sedona, and then take an alternate route back up to Rt 40, and find the roads very friendly.    Whew!!!  Can't imagine what the return trip would have been like!!  They also informed us that the route we were on used to be the only way to get to Sedona.

We collected our composure, and had lunch at the bottom, before heading out for Sedona.  The red rocks were beautiful, but actually even more spectacular from Sedona!  We could have saved ourselves the trip and anguish!  Sedona is a really neat  town, and the views in all directions are gorgeous.  And driving out along the alternate route, it was really breathtaking.  Red rocks and cliffs all around.  Then into a forest of junipers and pines, then barren, flat dry land, then back to red rock.  Very interesting.  We did not stop at a meteor crater.  My engineer is trying to keep us on pace, even though we are behind already.  I really wish we had rented it for a longer time, but we need to get it back on time, or pay a very stiff penalty.  Tried to extend it, but they are booked!  Got two more days at least.

Tomorrow the Petrified Forest, then on to New Mexico.