Day Two: Sedona - Holbrook

Began the day early by watching the sunrise from Airport Mesa. Sedona sunrises are spectacular, the way the first rays strike the red rocks until the whole face is glowing. It's like watching the rocks come to life.

Most of the morning (and part of the afternoon) I spent hiking around Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. This is one of Sedona's newest hiking trails. Although the hike was longer than I anticipated, it was still very enjoyable. It was interesting to see these two landmarks from a different perspective.

After lunch (Javelina at the Hillside Shops), I drove up through Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff. I can't imagine a more exhilarating drive anywhere in the country. At every turn there's a wondrous new vista to see. It's easily the most scenic drive I've ever taken.

The drive from Flagstaff east on I-40 is scenic, but in a different sort of way. There is an incredible sense of vastness and space. The effect is even more pronounced once you pass Winslow and continue on towards Holbrook. Never have I seen so much sky before! The distant mountains and badlands visible against the horizon add to the splendor.

Holbrook itself appears almost frozen in time. Old Route 66 runs right through the downtown. Not much appears to have changed since I-40 opened and bypassed Route 66 in 1957. Architecture and automobiles appear much as they did 40 years ago. The place I stayed at, the Wigwam Motel, is an icon of sorts for those bygone days.