Sedona

On our way back north from Tucson, we overnighted in red-rock country near Oak Creek and Sedona, Arizona. I had originally planned on fishing Oak Creek, but we arrived in snow and I called that off. Like an osprey or kingfisher, I prefer to immerse myself in the water where I seek my prey—no waders for me—but like those birds, I'm sensible about time and place.

[Looking down into Oak Creek Canyon from northern end.]

Most of the rock formations around Sedona have names. The first two pictured here are Bell Rock and Courthouse Rock, but we weren't around long enough to learn any more of them. 

The red rocks, alluring to hikers and other desert enthusiasts, also attracted the attention of local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Stauder, who commissioned the Chapel of the Holy Cross. In a letter on display at the chapel, she wrote, "Though Catholic in faith, as a work of art the chapel has a universal appeal. Its doors will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed." A hospitable gesture, much appreciated by this wandering pagan.

After our visit to the chapel, it was time to hit the road again, across and then along Oak Creek, back north toward Dinétah. 

[Still snowy on the high ground at the north end of the canyon.]