I left Flagstaff and headed south toward Sedona, then I headed through Oak Creek Canyon. I had high hopes of shooting some of the impressive Red Rocks along the way. Highway 89 runs through the canyon and since it was a Sunday, and a beautiful sunny day, I couldn't find a place to pull off and park. Everyone from the area was hanging out along the river. I managed to get a few shots. Grasshopper Point was on the list but the park was full. I hate when that happens.
I just kept rolling along Hwy 89 and arrived in Cottonwood. This city has the new side of town and the Old Town District. Many of the Old Town buildings there date back to the late 1800's. While there I visited the Tuzigoot Ruins that were inhabited by the Sinagua Indians. They were related to the Anasazi tribes. If you ever get to this area a stop to the ruins is worth the trip. It is only a mile out of Cottonwood.
After leaving Cottonwood I headed to Jerome. This town is on top of a mountain. It was founded by a local famous copper Baron. They used deep mining systems and Jerome has a museum that is very informative. I passed on that and picked up all the literature. A little too touristy for me. Instead I spent an hour or 2 walking around the hilly winding streets of Jerome.
After leaving Jerome I headed on a journey that I wasn't prepared for. Hwy 89 heading to the West had some of the most incredible winding switchback roads I had encountered on the trip. It took me almost 5 hours to go 100 miles. On top of that I had to wait an hour because a semi truck dropped its trailer over the edge of a cliff on one of the switchback corners. He wasn't supposed to be on that road, and we had to wait until they brought in 2 huge wreckers to move it enough for one lane to pass. Boy, am I glad I wasn't getting that trucker's ticket! I was very thankful we didn't have to wait until they cleared the road. From what it looked like, we would have been there all night. If you go to Jerome, double back the way you came unless you really want to drive 89 to the West. Don't drink any spirits or you may meet the Spirits. If you even blink you could go off into the abyss. That stretch of road isn't forgiving at all. Hear me now, believe me later!
Once I got passed the mountain roads I encountered more of the "Lonely Highway" syndrome. Out on this part of the highway you have to be very careful because you will encounter cattle, horses or sheep eating on the side of the road at any time. By 9:30 pm I arrived at the California line. I decided to drive into the night until I reached Tustin, where I was going to stay for a few days. As I dropped down into the LA valley basin, the lights of the cities stretched for miles. I wish I could have stopped to get a photo but, there wasn't any place to stop. Once I got on Interstate 10 the speed of all the vehicles jumped up to no less then 80 mph. And, there were cars passing me like I was standing still. The closer I got to the metropolitan areas, the crazier the drivers were. If you miss an exit because you are in the wrong lane, God bless you Mo' Fo'. One thing that worked in my favor? At the speeds we were moving I arrived at my destination by 12:30 am.
I will be busy on a few projects so you won't hear from me for a few days. But, I'll be back!
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