Our travels on Sunday took us back to Sedona. The scenery still blows me away!
If you look in the lower center of the picture you will see “The Chapel of the Holy Cross” which was our next stop:
From above:
Inside the chapel:
From the internet:
“In 1932 Marguerite Brunswig Staude, an Oak Creek resident, artist and rancher had a reoccurring vision of a cross on the newly completed Empire State Building in New York. The cross became a recurring theme in her life during the next 25 years. She felt inspired to get the assistance of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and to build a skyscraper cathedral in Europe. When World War II Broke out, they cancelled their plans. Finally in 1955, her dream was realized with the building of the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona. As you drive up Chapel Road you will see this unique structure on your left. Construction was not an easy task in this location. The Chapel is 250 feet high and emerges from a 1,000-foot wall. It seems to be suspended into the blue sky and clouds. The red rock cross can be seen from miles around Sedona. The Chapel was the first contemporary structure built as a Catholic Church.
The American Institute of Architects gave it “The Award of Honor” in 1957. In Marguerite’s words, “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, that God may come to life in the souls of all men and be a living reality.” Inside the chapel, the view is breathtaking. Many visitors say that they are filled with a feeling of serenity and peace here. Making a pilgrimage to the Chapel, some say that they see visions as they gaze into the horizon. This is a great place to rest for a while.”
It truly is a beautiful chapel and we spent some time here.
The views from the chapel:
And even more by the chapel:
From there we headed up the Oak Creek Canyon to the vista. The creek:
The drive is beautiful. The road went along the creek bed then rose to the top of the mountain. Notice the highway in the pictures and also that is snow –:-)):
After coming back to Sedona, we had lunch at the Red Planet Diner – great food and a funky place.
Our last stop was at Crescent Moon Ranch for incredible views of Cathedral Rock:
From the internet:
“The fingers rock formation at Cathedral Rock, are also known as the lovers. Some Native American Indian storytellers say that “The Lovers” rocks were created because Great Spirit was watching a couple who were always arguing. They endlessly blamed one another for this or that. Finally, he had the lovers turn around and look out into the world and see all the beauty that surrounded them. Great Spirit asked them to count their blessings. From that day forward, they had not bickered once and are in constant harmony.”
Near the end of the trail, we found MANY of these stacked rock totems. This is Buddha Beach, considered to be the site of a powerful vortex. Believers come to meditate, chant and create whimsical rock cairns. The vortex energy here is said to be feminine, a very nurturing experience. Not sure I know enough about vortexes but I did build my own totem – :-)
And even more sights:
One of my favorite shots:
What an incredible day! We will be back here again. I would like to stay in or near Sedona and do some hiking – oh my!!
We have had an exciting six days of being tourist and are plumb tuckered out – :-))). So this morning we did the laundry, shopping and cleaning up and took it easy this afternoon/evening (and stayed out of the winds!).
Our plans are to head north and east tomorrow – unless it is still windy. So stay tuned!
