Maybe it’s because I didn’t have the map.
I really, really wanted to sense the multiple energy vortexes that apparently litter the tiny town of Sedona, Arizona like so many steaming mugs of Chai tea. But alas, I didn’t feel a vortex at all. What I did feel was frustrated at the fact that I’d accidentally chosen the busiest weekend of the year – it was fall arts festival in Sedona, and it was crowded. Parking was a drag, and every place was packed. Tan, fit parents dragged bored children up and down sidewalks, and there seemed to be a wait for everything.
But. Sedona, a small mecca of New Age consumerism, is surrounded by gorgeous landscape, and the physicality of it is undeniably special. It’s a strange thing to say that I’ve never seen anything like it, and yet I never need to go back.
Peter and I went to Oak Creek Brewing in hope of inspiration, but even the tap room had a weird vibe. An undercurrent of anger and hopelessness, and the guy on guitar who seemed to know everyone couldn’t help with his Allman Brothers covers and easygoing hippie style.
Before.
After. (Please note I didn’t drink all these. I had help.)
A highlight was a fantastic meal at Elote Cafe. Yes, the wait is ridiculous, so grab a beverage and wait on the patio (or the benches in the hallway if the patio is full, which it probably is), while the friendly and incredibly organized staff move hungry patrons in and out of the restaurant. It’s worth it, trust me.
I was hoping to capture the gorgeousness with the Nikon but we were cursed with clear, blue skies, which didn’t make for terribly interesting photos. We took a Pink Jeep tour and though our guide was great, fun and knowledgeable, I didn’t get the interesting photo ops I’d hoped for. I did take a few obligatory shots, because how can you not when the rock is that pretty? (Our guide told me that iron oxide makes it red, but you probably already knew that.)
I suppose I should quit my whining about the lack of clouds. Sheesh.
Then there’s Slide Rock State Park, where you can slip down sandstone into pools. I was happy to stay dry with Sam, who wasn’t allowed in the water:
It took awhile to get this, since I had to wait for a gaggle of kids to finish climbing the rocks. Then a girl left her blue shoes on the rock smack in the middle of my shot, but I resisted the urge to be Ms. Crabby Pants and holler at her to move them. Patience was the word for the weekend.
Ahh.
I’d recommend Sedona in the off season, as I assume the crowds would be much less intense, though locals said it was busy pretty much year-round. And really, despite my crabbiness it was a good weekend, and at last there was this:
A vortex of golden light.
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We went to Phoenix over Labor Day Weekend in 2005 (what kind of idiots go to Phoenix during Indian summer?) and of course it turned out to be 115 degrees. So we took a side trip to Sedona to escape the oppressive heat, and it was absolutely breathtaking – and not crowded at all. You really should go back and give it a second chance (and disregard all that vortex crap).
Deborah – All right, fine, I’ll give Sedona another shot. 🙂
Hmmmm, you couldn’t make a fabulous pic pf blue shoes on a rock? C’mon!
Susi – Believe me, I tried!
We went to Sedona years and years ago. I don’t know if I felt a vortex but I do know I felt fear. First from the strange people in the campground and second from the wind that picked up at 3am. A wind that seemed like it was going to blow the tent over the cliff with us in it. We finally got up at 6am and just threw the tent into the trunk of the car and left. The tent still has red stains from Sedona. A friend of mine told me she liked Sedona more than the grand canyon so we skipped the canyon. I still regret that! BTW, I liked the photo of all the beer glasses!
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Manisha – Glad to know it wasn’t just me that didn’t love the place. But yes, there was beer! Hallelujah, ha.
Wherefore art the blue shoe? I do not see it. If you find something in a picture that you wish was not there . . . try Snapheal Pro.
The glasses of brew are splendiferous, especially the “after” version.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Judie – I waited, impatiently, ha, for the girl to pick them up and clear the shot. But thanks for the tip, I might not wait next time. Glad you liked the beer photos! I do love to take photos of glassware, and the bonus is you get to drink what’s in it. 🙂
We’re heading to Sedona in couple of weeks and will search out the vibe of “anger and hopelessness” at Oak Creek Brewery! We will travel in your shadow and I’ll let you know if any of it still lives there (your shadow, not the hopelessness). xo A
Anna – Ha! I’ll expect a full report – and that it isn’t the frustrating weekend I had. Have fun.
I agree that the photos of the glasses are magnificent! I’ve heard so much about Sedona, which is maybe why I don’t have any great desire to go there.. It seems that wherever I’m supposed to feel great vibes, I don’t. Conversely, I can get great vibes from the weird places that no one knows or talks about.
Martha – Thank you! It sounds like you have a gift with weird places. : )
You sound a lot like me – I like to get away —-from all the people! Glad you hung in there though and still had a great weekend! Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Sherry in MT recently posted…Black & White Challenge
Sherry – We are kindred spirits! There were definitely many good moments that weekend, and I’m glad I went, but… it’s not on the list of places to go back to. There are so many others, and life is too short. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!