It is a pretty drive going from Clarkdale to Sedona. We stopped at Black Bear Diner for a big breakfast on the way through Cottonwood. Murphy stayed in air conditioned comfort in the RoadTrek, thanks to the lithium batteries and 3000w inverter. It was 74º when we stopped at the restaurant, but parking in the direct sun means it will warm up - with this rig, the boy can stay comfortable with no engine or generator running.
Breakfast was outstanding; we've eaten at other Black Bear Diners before, but this one tops 'em. Nice decor, too, and the place was lightly populated at 10:00 am. Back to the van, checked on Murph (he didn't leave his carrier, even though the door was open), and we headed to Sedona, only 17 miles away.
Looking through the windshield as we got close...
We were there a bit early for the noon check-in time at the RV park (and they are particular - they have an "before check-in overflow parking" where you can wait until noon. We drove around town, eventually finding a road that led to a trailhead, away from all the population (Sedona is very much a touristy town - upscale, but it is very apparent what the main "industry" is in town). I got out to take a couple photos of the Roadtrek...
At one minute after noon, we rolled into the RV park. And followed their procedure: "You were given a site number when you booked - drive to the site and get set up. Do NOT come to the office until after your are parked in your site after noon. Their emphasis. The lady at the front desk thanked us for following "the procedure." They don't have much room for parking around the office, so I could see how it could be a bottleneck when people don't follow "the procedure." Truly, this is unlike any other RV park we've ever stayed at, as far as "the procedure."
The sites are wooded and arranged according to size and amenities. I have checked here several times in the past and they never had anything available with a week's notice. I lucked out to get this partial hook-up site, booking a few days ago.
Nothing much to do for check-in, since we booked and paid over the phone. She gave us a campground map and list of rules (they do like their rules here). We walked back to the van, then headed back to town for a bit of a walkabout.
As I mentioned, plenty of touristy type shops...
Joan hammed it up for a photo with a prickly pink javalina...
Then, she wanted a photo of me, by just regular ol' javelinas...
The views of the cliffs are pretty, even from the downtown area...
Joan didn't find anything to buy, but I heard some ice cream calling my name... first time I've had real ice cream in a very long while. There are free public parking lots a couple blocks off the main drag, but you have to pay to park if you want to be in the thick of it...
They do like their round-abouts here - I guess it keeps traffic flowing, as long as everyone plays nice with the yielding...
Then, back to the RV park where we really settled in: plugged in, awning out, chairs out, and some leash time for Murphy...
I had no reason to come to Sedona, other than a place to be where we could be out and about in the van. It is cooler here: 101º in Phoenix today, 79º for a high in Sedona.
Tomorrow, back to the Valley of the Sun, since we both have "appointments." And Murphy wants to get back to his courtyard when he can frolic without the "house" moving. ;-). But, for now...
3 comments:
The only time I was near Sedona was in the Cardinal at about 9500 feet. I took my in-laws flying when we stayed at their park model in Muntz Park (20 miles south of Flagstaff). Of course they dawdled despite my warnings to go as early as possible. Density altitude was 9000 feet on the runway sign when we departed. The POH said it would work and it did, but I was nervous, I used most of that LONG runway to get airborne and climbed out anemically. Learning to fly in Alaska density altitude is something academic, but that was a real experience. I should have canceled the flight when we were not airborne by 9:30 am. But it all worked out.
One of these days I will do the tourist thing., On my trips I am still driven by goals and objectives -- got to visit you, then someone in Tucson, then folks in NV. If I took any side trips, I would be on the road for a couple of weeks. That is more hotel beds than I can usually take.
I understand that "hotel beds" thing, Earl - I'd rather be in whatever RV we have.
Many people (some pilots included) don't understand density altitude. We frequently flew in and out of Denver, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas - I figured density altitude on every flight. Our second plane was a turbo charged single... but, there is a limit (it doesn't "turbocharge the prop or the wings"). Our third plane was a twin-engine, and it would climb out nicely, even on a hot day... but, also: a limit. We were generally flying with 2 or 3 of us. We did take the cat (Smoke) in the plane, ONCE. I think it was right after that when we bought that first motorhome (for the convenience of Smoke the cat).
Oh, and: Sedona is beautiful from the ground, looking up. I haven't seen it from the air, looking down, but the terrain is striking.
Post a Comment