Cowboy Country!

Another great day today! Heading out from Blythe and across the Colorado River we edged into the desert again. The famous Arizona Saguaro Cactus started to make its appearance, standing like sentinels across the tussocky landscape. The mountains cut fascinating shapes along the skyline. From the desert floor we climbed and climbed  into the mountains and cowboy country! The plateaus between the mountain ranges are home to many prosperous cattle ranches.

We stopped at historic Prescott for lunch. Prescott was founded in 1864 and was the capital of Arizona before the present day capital of Phoenix. It is designated heritage town because of its historic buildings and homes.  We finally reaching the summit pass of Mingus Mountain at 7,000 ft and descended into the stunning Verde Valley - the home of the most stunning place on earth - Sedona! On the descent we passed through the tiny town of Jerome, which clings precariously to the mountainside.

Sedona is the most stunning place we have ever seen! From the Sedona Airport mesa you get the most magnificent views of the whole town and its breathtaking landscape! The contrasts of the rich reds, oranges, and whites in the rocks,with the greens of the vegetation is eye catching!

Another fabulous day topped off with some very interesting local cuisine!

The beautiful Arizona desert landscape 

The Saguaro Cactus - sentinels of the desert

A Saguaro cactus

  Hidden Springs  Ranch

The town square in Prescott -  a sculpture representing
the cattlemen of the area 

Another sculpture honouring the cowboy

The historic Town Hall, Prescott

An historic home in Prescott

View of Verde Valley as we descended Mingus Mountain 

Jerome clings to the side of Mt Mingus

Verde Valley

Sedona, with its stunning backdrop of red rock formations , from the Airport Mesa.

Stunning Sedona

The amazing rock formations

Beautiful Sedona

Nature at its best again! 

Everywhere you look the scenery is amazing!

From the top of Vortex Rock

Another view from Vortex Rock

View from our unit balcony

The meal Pete and I shared at the Cowboy Club (below).
Cactus Fries, Buffalo and Snake Brochettes, Cowboy Chicken Wings,
Cilantro Flatbread and dipping sauces.