Sedona and Jerome

We slept like two little babies after tromping around the Grand Canyon for a couple of days.

Surprisingly, we had no problem waking up early to prepare for the drive home through some spectacular scenery.

We were out of our rooms and checked out before 7 am.

Marilyn made us all laugh, as she was whimpering for Ed to turn around for one last glimpse of the canyon as we were heading out.

The skies were an ominous grey as we made our way towards our next destinations.

Our first stop was for breakfast at a neat little place called the Junipine Resort.

Beautiful setting for a lodge

This resort is tucked away in the Oak Creek Canyon, where every turn brought smiles on all our faces.

By now, the rain was off and on, and we were hoping for better skies ahead.

Approaching Sedona

We loved the red rocks

We have always wanted to see Sedona, so we were excited to be there, even though the rain persisted.

Our first stop was at the famous Chapel of the Rock.

Very peaceful and inspiring

After pausing for a moment to give thanks, we read the history of this chapel, and browsed the gift shop and the grounds.

The rock formation in the middle is known as
the Madonna holding her Child

It was a special moment spent with special friends.

I always have to keep an eye out
for my little photographer

Always being the optimist, Marilyn kept predicting the sun would break through at any moment.  Even while saying this, our glasses were all messed up by the falling rain.

Next stop was the artistic Tlaquepaque shops in Sedona.

A little community within a community

This place had a feel all to itself.  Cobble stones, fountains, iron gates, and the peaceful music all added to the experience.

Browsing the quaint shops

We saw some great art work, and amazing sculptures.  Thankfully, we do not have much room in our motorhome, because many of these pieces were in the thousands of dollars.

More opportunities to spend money

I think Ed must have heard the excitement in Teresa's voice as she announced that she saw a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

We make a stop at every RMCF that we see

In a way, it is all Ed's fault.  Back when we first met Ed and Marilyn in Colorado Springs nearly four years ago, they bought us some chocolate covered coffee beans, and we have been hooked ever since.

Even the buildings are made out of the red rock

Even though it was still raining, we were laughing and having a ball ... we are RV'ers after all, and can't let a little rain spoil our fun.

So, we were once again back in the car heading for our next destination ... Jerome.

Jerome sits on the side of a mountain

Jerome was built around the mining industry, and is evolving into another art community.

Tourist shops on steep roads

Realizing it was past lunchtime, we stumbled upon a real winner named Quince restaurant.

Quince restaurant has fantastic Mexican food

Teresa and I decided to share a meal, and boy am I ever glad we did.  Look at the size of our nacho appetizer.  It was superb.

Teresa could have eaten this by herself - Not !!

Ed and Marilyn also commented that their quesadillas were some of the best they have ever eaten.

With full tummies, we ran to the car in a brief downpour.

The rest of the drive home was uneventful, as Ed carefully and skillfully navigated the Phoenix rush hour.

Back at our rolling home, we nearly hugged the breath right out of our pals as we thanked them over and over again for the memories that will never be forgotten.