We were not in any hurry this morning, as we wanted to enjoy the facilities at our hotel before setting out for a little sightseeing in the Sedona area. We had a leisurely breakfast overlooking the golf course and then Sara went out by the pool for a while.
Our first destination after we checked out was a ruin south of Sedona called Montezuma’s Castle. Its name is misleading. Apparently, early western settlers who saw it assumed it was built by Aztecs and named it for Montezuma. It was actually built by Apaches who lived in this area until about 1400. It was constructed partially under an overhang up on a cliff, but the lower stories (there are five) are built on man-made supports.
The Native Americans who lived here had a hospitable climate and ample water. They cultivated beans, squash and cotton, among other crops, and hunted game. This was a very busy and well-supported national monument, with lots of informative signboards along the short loop walk.
After Montezuma’s Castle, we drove back north toward Sedona and stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This small church is built into the side of a red sandstone peak and has fabulous views. The church itself is modern and quite plain. We took pictures of the surrounding sandstone and wooded landscape, as well as the enormous mansion at the foot of the chapel’s slope. From there, we stopped for frozen yogurt and began our drive back to the Flagstaff airport, where we picked up Steve and Evan. Reunited, the five of us headed to Williams for the final leg of our trip.
Our Grand Canyon excursion will begin and end in Williams, about 65 miles south of the South Rim. We booked a package that included a night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, train transportation aboard historic old trains to and from the Grand Canyon, one night at the South Rim, and another night back at the GCR Hotel in Williams. It also includes tons of food. Meals at the GCR Hotel are served buffet style. Evan had eaten nearly nothing all day and was starving, so shortly after we checked in, we headed for the Grand Depot Cafe to see what they offered for dinner. The answer was a wide range of selections. Lots of kid-friendly choices, since these rail excursion packages are marketed primarily to families, but also delicious adult foods, such as carved beef, roast chicken and a big salad bar. Other than having to make several trips back to the buffet, Evan had no trouble filling his empty stomach. The rest of us also left well-satisfied.
We had booked through AAA, and our package included all kinds of extras, including gift certificates for souvenir shopping in the onsite gift shops. We had fun looking over the selections and picking out some things we planned to buy, but the register was not working so we will have to return when we get back from the Grand Canyon. After dinner, we relaxed in our rooms, watched some TV and got organized for the following day.
Montezuma's Castle
Chapel of the Holy Cross and Surrounding Sedona Red Rocks
No comments:
Post a Comment