Day 8 - Thursday 4/15/10 Red Rock Jeep Tour

This afternoon we were picked up by Michael, our driver/guide for our Red Rock Jeep Tour. We choose the Old Bear Wallow Tour. This tour takes you on the early stagecoach route along Schnebly Hill Road through Bear Wallow Canyon just below the Mogollon Rim to enjoy stunning views of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon 2000 feet below. This was also the old route from Flagstaff to Sedona. We went to a place that is called Merry Go Round because of the rock formations. There you will find a tree that was used in Elvis' movie Stay Away Joe. It is the scene in which Elvis is chase the two girls around the tree. Of course I had to have our picture taken here (these are the bottom two pics on the right). You will see by the sampling of pics I have posted that this is a gorgeous area. It is from here that Walt Disney got the idea for Thunder Mountain,the picture of his inspiration is the top right pic.

Day 8 - Thursday 4/ 15/10 Early Morning Ride

Well our day began early this morning, I bet you all are wondering what we did today that would get us out and about so early and what would we be doing that would surprise you all..............................

Well we were picked up at 5:20 am this morning by Mark our pilot. Now you may be asking yourself, pilot of what? We have already flew in a plane, a helicopter, and a biplane. So whatelse might we be flying in????

Mark had already picked up two other couples, one from British Coloumbia and one from New Jersey. We proceeded to pick up 2 other couples, one was from Florida, and a mother and daughter. Then were driven out to where we were to meet up with the others. In all there were to be 35 of us counting 2 pilots, Mark and Marky Mark, oh and 6 crew.

Now it was time to start setting thing up for the flight. Out came the ............................................
baskets, then tarps, then the balloons. Yes, you have it. We are going on a Hot Air Balloon ride. Can you believe it???? Me with my fear of heights, going a hot air balloon. Wow the setting up, what a site to see. I never knew that they had ones so large; ours will have 16 in it counting the pilot, and the other one will have 19 counting the pilot. Mark will be out pilot, and Marky Mark will pilot the other one. There are only two companies in this area that are licensed in this area to go close to the red rocks, and they are one of them.

The basket has 5 compartments, 1 for the pilot which is in the center then 2 on each end. Once the balloons were 3/4 full they had 8 people get in while it was still on it's side. Which is actually easier than climbing in once it is up right. We were choosen to get in while it was on its side. We got into one of the top compartments with me getting in first then Kevin. We were then laying on our backs until the balloon was up-righted. Once the balloon had enough air to right its self the others climbed in. The balloon had been anchored to the front of the truck and the crew members that had been helping the other balloon take off came over and helped hold onto ours after releasing it from the truck until Mark was ready for take off. This was one of the most thrilling experiences I have ever had. Our ride lasted between 1-1 1/2 hours floating up and around the red rock cliffs and the Sedona Valley. At times we could see our balloons shadow on the red rock formations. It is amazing how by pulling on a couple of ropes they can turn the balloon around. Because of the winds we didn't end up landing where they had planned the the crew had to move their location. We ended up landing on a dirt road. The landing was very smooth. They then laid out tarps over some of the near by trees and cactus so that they would not hurt the balloon. It is amazing watching them take it down and pack it up. We then went to a park for a Champagne & Mimosa Picnic including muffins and fruit. If you ever get a chance to take a Hot Air Balloon ride, I reccommend that you do so!! Barbi

Day 7 - Wednesday 4/14/10 Hopi Reservation

First of All Sorry but this is Kevin this time and there will be only two or three pictures, as we were not allowed to take any pics today. We went to Hopi Mesa Villages on two of three Mesa's. From the road at the botton it was difficult to see them on the top. If they did not have windows you would never know they were there. We went to the third Mesa first which is where our guides (Donald Nelson) Mother was born. Did I say that the villages are still occupied, yes there are still people living there, some of the villages have decided not to have modern conviences, such as water, sewer or electricity. They have to drive five miles to get water from the Veterans Center and drive it back up in containers. In the old days they had to walk down the mountain nad get water from the natural springs, about two miles, carring the water back up hill all the way. Oh that was the womens jobs by the way. There are more than one village on a Mesa, one village may be up to 200 yards long and the another starts 25 feet from the last building. One may have water, sewer, electric, while the other does not. It was up to each village to decide for themselves. The first village we went to was Oraibi, where we went to Geraldine's house to see her works of art and be told how she makes each piece of the potery she makes. Wow what a job, she uses the same methods as her grandmother who taught her. She uses certain clay type soil and rocks, not only for the making of the pot but also the paint is made from certain rocks or plants. The black color is from spinach. Cook it for a long time on open fire, then place the mixture on a curved rock where she then rubbed it with a rock until it produced bubbles, then it was ready to use. The are no paints used, all natural from the earth. She was such a sweetheart that we bought a pot from her and ask if we may contact her in the future. She said yes of course with a big smile, then began to write her phone number and address of the paper bag she put the pot into. Like I said what a sweetheart, I think she really would love the get a letter from us and she will. Barbi made the comment that she would love to learn how to do this, dear grandma Geraldine said come back and I will teach you sometime, I truly think she meant it. She is retired now never did find out what she did. Most of the people that live on the Mesa works real jobs elsewhere. Children are bused to public schools now on the reservation, used to be taken to a boarding school and returned in the summer. The hopi people did not like this much. Oh Guys cover your eyes a minute! The Hopi are a matrearchial communty, the women own everything and I mean everything. The own the land the house and even the children are under her direction and her clan, the father have basically nothing to say about the kids or much of anything else. They are the protectors of the tribe and the spiritual leaders, they work the land and get jobs to support the family, as far as the family goes thats it. The children are members of the wifes clan and are taught by her clan members not him or his clan. Ok Guys you can come back now. Then we walked over to another house where a man was making Katsina (english Kachina). Little wooden dolls, the first dolls a child would be given upon birth, that the child would use during teething because the local medince man would soak the wood (cootonwood root) in something that would help with the attitude of the children during the teething process. The wood is very soft and very very lite. We bought one of the dolls and while we were talking he said the was a cerimonial dance in June. I said I would love to see this, he response was well you are welcome to come back and witness it. I told him I love to learn about different cultures and his response was to invite us back and stay with him during the weekend of the celebration. I told him I would love to , He began writing down his telephone and address to keep in touch. I later ask our guide if he truly meant it or just being nice because we bought something. Donald said no that he was very serious, but they not often do that. Then we left and went to the First Mesa. There were three villages on this one, we went to the second and third village. Same type homes nad supposed to be the second oldest indian village that is still active in the NOrth american continent. One village the second one had water and sewer and electicity but the third did not. Althought the did have a water faucet and teh very end of the second village to get their water. They also had a building that was the shower room for the entire third village at the end of the Mesa. That was all they would allow. Most used propane to cook and heat yet some used coal to burn for heat as it gets very very cold in the winter, sometimes it does not get above freezing. The homes are very small and sometime two generations live there. When the parents die the oldest daughter takes over ownership of all the families land and belongings. When they get married the man goes to live with her parents. Remember the men own nothing. the female is the blood line that continues not the fathers. They also believe that the woman should live with a man before getting married, to make sure they can get along if not he leaves and goes back to his mothers. If there are children during this trial period, it does not matter because they belong to the mother anyway, he just leaves and has no responsibilty at all to her or the kids. If after a trial time they believe they can get along the marry. Sound good guys ? LOL If you meet muster you get to marry her and still be nothing! LOL. We did not talk to much on the last MEsa or buy anything we were getting pretty tired by then. Oh yea they have what they call KIVAS to hold secret cerimonies and the women are not allowed in there for some. They have a doorway that leads straight down and is a really big hole in the ground via a ladder with a roof over it, but there are times the women use it and the men are not allowed in. Some all are welcome. Some of the homes have long since fallen down and just left there, because no one can even take a rock or a piece of wood from the site, for the do not own it, so if the woman who owns it leaves and builds a home somewhere else the rock and rubbles just stays there untouched by anyone. Some have been there for many many years. Some of these homes were built 1600 years ago, it was like stepping back in time. Very interesting and informative, especially with a real Hopi as a guide. After walking there and learning all that we did we can say it was a hard life. all crops were planted in the flatland at the bottom of the Mesa where they had to walk a long way to get to and work the land. They had to carry all the rocks that they built their homes with up to the top of the mountain. Why did they live clear on top of the Mesa? Easy to defend, besides being very hard to see from the bottom since all the dwelling were made of the rock the Mesa was made of. They were a peaceful tribe and clear on top of the Mesa, they could defend easily but they just wanted to live in peace and on top of the Mesa hidden in plain site they could do just that live in peace, but at a great cost, for eveything had to be carried up the hill to survive. Oh how high was it about 1500 feet above the valley straigh up, no paths no roads. Oh and I also got the opportunity to talk with and shake hand with the Chairman of the Hopi Nation, this is something every few outsiders get to do. Tomorrow we are going to do something that I think will shock many if not all of you! Tune in next time same time same channel.......Bye Kevin and Barbi. opps the Hopi way would be Barbi and kevin he he he byeeeeeeee.

Day 6 - Tuesday 4/13/10 Bi-Plane Tour

Upon returning from the Grand Canyon, we then set out with John for a ride around the Sedona Valley and surrounding area in one of Red Rock Bi-Plane Airtours. This was something neither Kevin or I had ever done. I must say it was a lot of fun. We got to see up close the world famous Cathedral Rock. We also saw Bear Wallow Canyon, Mount Wilson, Boken Arrow, The Fin and many others. This is a ride I would highly recommend.

Day 6 - Tuesday 4/13/10 Sky Safari Grand Canyon Tour

Wow what a day we had. We started out from the Sedona airport with another couple, Tom & Ostenesia, and our pilot Harold at about 8 am and flew almost a hour to the western rim of the Grand Canyon. Where Harold handed Kevin and I off to Tony our Helicopter Pilot while he took the other couple out to the Sky Walk. Tony took us and two other couples on a ride down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. There we met up with Frank who was to be our pontoon drive and guide for a short float on the Colorado River. Then it was back to the helicopter and Tony for a ride back up to the Western Rim where we met back up with Harold. We found Tom & Ostinesia and went for a bus ride out to Guano Point where we has lunch prepared by the Hualapai tribe. Then we toured that area and saw where they filmed portions of different movies. Then we rode the bus back to the plane for our trip back to the Sedona airport.

Day 5 - Monday 4/12/10 Verde Valley Railroad

Monday afternoon we went to the Verde Valley Railroad Depot in Clarkdale where after checking in, we had lunch at the Copper Spike Cafe. We were on the Wickenberg car which was a First Class car. We were served champagne and appetizers by our waitress Judy. There was an open-air car behind us that we could go to to take pictures and there was a tour guide there name Fermin who was very knowable and showed us many things we would not have seen on out own.

This historic route is between two national forests and adjacent to a national wilderness area, and follows the upper Verde River. We passed by acient Indian ruins; over fortified trestles; past a monocline fault and through a manmade, 680 foot tunnel on our 4 hour journey from the mining town of Clarksdale to the Perkinsville ghost ranch and back.

Two FP7 locomotives,only two of 12 remaining in North America, are the muscle that pulls the nenovated passenger cars of the Verde Canyon railroad.

Thanks to Fermin, I was able to get pictures of a current bald eagle nest, as well as many other wonderful pictures.

Day 3 - Saturday 4/10/10 Old Town Center for the Arts

Saturday night we went to a variety show at the Old Town Center for the Arts. It started out with Jolly Roger a comedy/magician act, which was okay. Then Robert Ray a Magician came out and did some stunts. Kevin got called up on stage to help out with one of them. There were 4 animals traps on a table, one was weaker than the rest and would not hurt you if you put your hand into it, Robert Ray demostrated with a carrot that the other 3 would cut the carrot but the waker one would not. Two people held up a sheet so that Robert Ray, the girl and the audience could not see while Kevin mixed the up so that no one knew which one was the weakend one. Then Kevin took the place at holding the sheet while someoneelse mixed them up, this way no one knew where the weakened one was. Then Robert Ray had a girl which he had used his magic on to sense where the weakened one was to direct him to eliminate one by one two of them. Then when there were only two left he had her tell him which one he was to put his hand into. She did and she was correct. The next act held outside, it was Julie Ram Das the Fir Dancer, this was pretty amazing to see. After that we went back inside to see Steven Sandoval the Mentalist. He had two women and two men come up on stage along with another rather tall large man who sat in a chair. The four people were then instructed how to place there hands to try to lift the man in the chair. They were unable to. then they were instructed to place their hands above his head one on top of another and go round and round imagining that he was getting lighter and lighter and try again. They were able to lift him a little. So they placed their hands above his head again made circles and on the second try they were able to lift him a good 18 inches above his chair. lastly was Abandon Minds an Improve Troupe.

Day 2 - Friday, 4/9/10 Our Resort Unit

Our unit is a one bedroom about 500 square feet. It is like a small mobil home that has been stucco covered. We have a patio with a table and two chairs and a built in bench along the rail.There is also a BBQ for each unit. They are all set up in rows with man-made babbling brooks running behind the units, and with a rock waterfall at the end.

Day 4 - Sunday, 4/11/10 - Jerome

We were to meet our driver at the Verde Valley Senior Center at 6:30. So we left the resort for the short 15 minute drive at 6:00 pm to allow plenty of time. We followed the typed up directions given to us by Peggy the conciege. Well, let me tell you, those directions did not get us to the place we were to be. In fact we didn't even find the streets we needed. So we called Ron the owner of Tours of Jerome. He insisted we just stay put and he would send the driver to us, even though after speaking to him and using my phone GPS, Kevin figured out what it was we needed to do to get to the place we needed to be. He said the driver had my cell phone number to call us. He wanted our location which was Main and 10th Streets and we were at the Spirit gas station. Well 30 minutes latere were still waiting. So Kevin called him back, and he tried to tell us the only Spirit gas station was at the base of Jerome, well that obiviously wasn't true as we were at one and were not at the base of Jerome. The driver also didn't have our cell number come to find out, so we gave it to Ron who called the driver, Jerry. A few minutes later Jerry called us and we proceded to confirm that the way we thought was the way to where we were to meet was correct. five minutes later we were at the Verde Valley Senior Center where Jerry our driver was and we were on our way to Jerome.

Once there we met up with our tour guide and 6 other people for the tour. We drove around the city streets learning about the history of Jerome, and hearing the local legends. At one time there had been 15 house of prositution, 12 salons and 3 churchs and the people of the city thought this to be a good balance. This town had at one time been a booming cooper mining town.

After touring the city it was time to do some investigating. We were supplied with EMF readers and were taken to the old high school, and the Conner Hotel to investigate. At the Conner Hotel a cable installer once was offered the room for the evening and the next morning was found in his car, he told the hotel staff that he would never again stay in that room nor any room in that hotel. In Room number 3 people who have stayed in that room have reported that things they have left on a nightstand beside the bed before going to sleep, in the morning are across the room on another piece of furniture. Another room is said to have blue light suddening show from beneathe the door as you are standing in the hallway. A man, I can't remember for sure but I think his name was Harry Ott, was kill at the bar in the building that now houses gift shop on the first floor and the Tours of Jerome has their offices in the basement.

We then drove around a bit more, we saw the Haunted Hamburger, the Grand Hotel, the Surgeon's House, one of the hospital's, and the jail. Then it was time to head back to Sedona.

Day 4 - Sunday 4/4/10 Old Oak Creek & Meteor Crater

After Kevin cooked us a breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon, and I posted what we did on Saturday, we decided to take a drive towards Oak Creek Canyon as it has some beautiful scenery. I was able to get some beautiful pictures of the red rock scenery.

One stop along Old Oak Creek, there was a sign saying there was a Historic Landmark 1/4 mile ahead. So that was our next stop. It was Indian Gardens, home of the first settler in 1876 or 1877. We took some picture there. I had taken one of Kevin and he was getting ready to take one of me when a young woman that was there with her husband from Minnesota offered to take our picture. Kevin and I both noticed that she took both a horizontal and a vertical picture. So afterwards I asked her, are you a scrapbooker, she said yes. Kevin said you can always spot a scrapbooker by the way they take pictures...LOL. I then took their picture.

From there we decided to see if to go to either Meteor Crater or the Painted Desert depending on if we cound make it to the Painted Desert and back in time for our Haunted tour of Jerome. Unforunately we could not find the Painted Desert with the GPS system in the car to tell us how long it was going to take. We drove as far as Winslow not far past Meteror City and decided there just wasn't enough time for us to go to the Painted Desert and went back to Meteor Crater.

It really was something to see. It was designated a Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior in 1968. From 1964-1972, the U.S. Geological Survey and NASA provided extensive science training at Meteor Crater for the Apollo astronauts, under the guidance of Dr.'s Eugene Shoemaker and David Roddy, both with the Branch of Astrogeology of the U.S. Geologoical Survey. This training was particulary significant because scientists were extremely interested in what materials lay on the lunar surface as well as what was beneath the surface.

At the impact site, the cratering process ejects material that actually originates below the surface of the crater, therefore, when our astronauts went to the moon, they knew they should be able to collect material on ejecta blankets that orginated beneath the cratered region--a valuable sampling technique learned at Meteor Crater.

From where you stand, at the rim of the crater, the floor of the crater is 550 feet deep, equivalent to a 60 story building. If the Washington Monument were placed on the floor of the crater, its top would be at eye level. The crater is over 4,000 feet across and 2.4 miles in circumference. For a meterorite only 150 feet across to blast a hole three quarters of a mile wide and sixty stories deep, its high velocity is clearly one of the major factors required to create a crater this larger.

To give you a better idea as to the crater's size, imagine twenty football games being played simultaneously on its floor, while more than two million spectators observe from its sloping sides.

While we were view this awesome site there were areas in which the wind was so strong it must have been 40-50 miles per hour. Yet there was one spot where Kevin and I were about 10-15 feet apart, where Kevin was there was no wind, yet where I was the wind was blowing so strong that Kevin said "my hair looked like it was slicked back".

On the way back Kevin spotted a tree that looked like it was growing out of two trees. When he told me what he saw he said that would have made a good picture, wrong think to tell a scrapbooker....LOL. So needless to say, my next words were, well we can turn around and go back and take a picture. So on that little two lane road, that is what he did, found a spot wide enough to do so, luckily no cars were coming. Drove back less than 1/4 mile and we got the picture. Also on the way back to the interstate I wanted to get a picture of a ruin we had spotted on the way in, that we were not sure what the building was but it was interesting. I tried to get picture from the road we were on, and I could but it was still quite a ways away. So when we got up closer he noticed a gravel road going towards it so off we go. After just a bit we notice off to the side a no trepassing sign so we decide I better get a picture so we can turn around and go back...LOL. Isn't it wonderful what, that I have a hubby that can find these great photographic finds and be willing to back up, turn around, and go out of the way just to get the picture. Scrapbooking has not only improved my picture taking but his too, and helped both of us to look for those great picture sites.

Back at the resort we had just enough time for a quick dinner before heading off for our tour of Jerome.