Arizona Road Trip: first feelings, findings and photos.

Driving into Sedona the sun was landing on the red rocks from the west.

Travel has many forms.

Vacations, or holidays as the Brits call them, should only come in one form… FUN.

But travel is different. While being thoroughly satisfying, even enjoyable, travel can also be hard work. It can be educational and mind-expanding. It can make you a better person. But none of these is necessarily fun.

Fun as in exhilarating. Fun as in “look over there”! Fun as in “wow, I can’t believe I’m doing this”!

I’m traveling in Arizona with a small RV thanks to Cruise America. This could be called a holiday but it truly is traveling. I’ve been on the road two days and I have already learned so much.

I’ve learned about myself by driving an unfamiliar vehicle through new territory. Doing so has been amazing. Prior to leaving I was both excited and anxious. On the road those feelings took turns. But now, after two days, my confidence soars.
I visited Arcosanti and took a tour of this utopian community which they call an “urban laboratory”. I’ll write a whole post about this amazing place for you.
I have twice followed my instincts on this trip and found them to be in good form. Both times, my choice was proven wise yet there was little but instinct that prompted them. This is reassuring to a solo traveler. I have a post on solo travel safety and instincts planned.
I’ve found a landscape that takes my breath away. Despite beauty in every direction I can’t consume enough of it.

This was supposed to simply be a post with some photos but my mind is spinning and I had to let at least some of it out. As I’ve been driving through this beautiful country I have written the beginning of many posts in my head. I’m eager to share this trip with you. But all in good time.

Now, some photos…

A view of Arcosanti. There is so much more to this urban laboratory that I’ll show you soon.

View from Airport Road in Sedona.

Dan, the owner of Garland’s Indian Jewelry, gave me so much information on the Hopi and Navajo Indians. His shop just north of Sedona has “the finest collection of Indian Jewelry in all of Indian Country” according to National Geographic Traveler magazine.