Sedona

Our next stop on our way south through Arizona was Prescott Valley.  We took a day trip from there and drove over the mountain through a little mining town called Jerome to get to Sedona.  Sedona is known for its beautiful red rocks.  They truly are beautiful from what we could see.  We didn't go to Red Rock State Park or the famous creek where you can slide down the big flat rock like a giant natural water slide.  We did check out all the neat shops and saw all kinds of places where you could buy crystals and have your "aura" checked.  There are many art galleries and tourist shops and interesting places to eat -- all on the spendy side. 

We drove to the Sedona airport to a restaurant that overlooks the runway.  Supposedly you can see lear jets coming in and taking off "part of the rich crowd" that hang out in Sedona but it was pretty quiet when we were there.  Our burgers came with green chili fries -- very good-- not really spicy hot just pieces of green chili battered and fried.  We also saw a restaurant that was serving cactus fries -- maybe next time. 

Prescott (pronounced preskit) and Prescott Valley are popular retirement communities.  The weather year round is pretty nice because the area is at 5000ft.  The drawback to towns that attract retirement crowds -- the roads are busy all the time because no one works.   They are always out shopping and eating.   We did find a forest service recreation area that had gold panning.  We found one little spec after about an hour and a half. 

We have begun our orientation for working at the refuge for the winter and start actual work this first full week of November.