Over the past several years, with the challenges of doing the wife/mom thing and looking straight at 40, I've become far more open-minded than the young me could have ever predicted. I've embraced yoga, whole foods and self-help books, all of which I'd once dismissed as 'hippie-dippy stuff'.
My bad.
I consider myself practically native to my beloved AZ, and have been to many of the must-see spots in the state thanks to my Grandma & Grandpa M!
Unfortunately, I was not exactly attentive and/or particularly impressed on our southwest summer road trips. I was far more interested in friends, boys and nail polish than cliff dwellings or swirling centers of energy. In my defense, I was a teenager.
As I've traveled to different places, I've occasionally been a bit sheepish about my lack of knowledge about my self-professed home state. Obviously, it's time to subject my little sweeties to Southwest Road Trips (With a Special Arizona Focus)!
It's my turn now.
Red Rock Jeep Tour
Anyone who has heard of Sedona has probably heard of the Pink Jeep Tours. However, since our Little Tyke is crazy about RED Jeeps with no doors and a tire on the back, pink lost out!
We took the Cowboys & Canyons tour with Charlie. He looked like a Wild West cowboy and was just as knowledgeable. Our gang loved the beautiful, bumpy ride ride, full of fun facts about different trees and rock formations. The climb up to "Whiskey Bill's" cabin was only mildly nerve-wracking and the bouncy jostle down was my little guys road trip high-point!
We had an especially awesome experience with Red Rock Jeep for two reasons. First, they were super patient with our lateness. Sedona is usually a bit less than two hour drive from Phoenix but traffic construction, a bad accident and Spring Break Traffic added an extra hour+.They held our spot without complaint and were even helpful with the maddening parking situation. Secondly, our guide stopped to pick up a distinctly ill young woman and her slightly panicked friend and gave them ride down the trail to their car. I'm quite glad my kids got to see an act of kindness/love your neighbor moment in action. Bravo, Cowboy Charlie!
I absolutely recommend a jeep tour, especially if you'd like experience the absolute joy of 4x4 action and the trails with no hiking or sleeping in a tent required!
Sedona is well-known for its tranquil, spiritual energy which can be felt throughout the town but many believe originate from certain areas referred to as Vortex. There are several known vortex spots and we'd heard the Airport Vortex mentioned frequently. As it was also the closest, MrDad agreed to drive us up the high, winding road and keep an eye on the Little Tyke. There was a large parking lot that was nearly deserted at about 9:30 a.m. The view was truly magnificent and the air was clear, crisp and scented by the many evergreens.
Sassy was surprisingly enthusiastic about our vortex pursuit.
She found a rock that brought her a peaceful feeling and even seemed to follow her around. I felt more energy from an especially pleasant smelling Juniper tree.
I thanked the tree & shared my water
This website was a wealth of interesting knowledge if you are thinking of having vortex hunt of your own!
Then Uptown shops were an absolute blast, though not at all suitable for a under-exercised first grader. Sassy and I enjoyed looking at Vortex rocks, Himalayan Salt lights and semi-precious stones by the millions. Sassy was intrigued by the Ostrich Jerky at one shop but quipped,"$17?! I'm not even sure if I'll like it! Even if I did it would be an expensive and unattainable craving. Best not to even get started." Wise words.
Our Sedona shopping afternoon certainly did seem peaceful, but that could have had a lot to do with MrDad & LT exploring separately...
The best part? We were only there for about 24 hours... Imagine what we'll get up to on a proper Road Trip!
See you in Sedona!
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