We had company on this tour, Judy and Jan from Nova Scotia. It was great to experience this with fellow Canadians.
The vortexes of Sedona are named because they are believed to be spiritual locations where the energy is right to facilitate prayer, mediation and healing. Vortex sites are believed to be locations having energy flow that exists on multiple dimensions. The energy of the vortexes interacts with a person’s inner self. It is not easily explained. Many people come to these areas to meditate and align their chakras.
In the late 70's a psychic by the name of Page Bryant channeled a being named Albion who told Page there were seven energy centers here in Sedona. She wrote a book on four of those places - Boynton Canyon, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Airport Mesa.
This is also a well known spiritual ground for the Native American Indians who believe this to be the centre of the earth. They also refer to this area as the Blood of Mother Earth, a sacred medicine ground for the circle of life.
We begin our tour at Overlook point to experience the energy of the vortex. From the top of Overlook Point, more commonly referred to as Airport Mesa, you can see Bell Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and Courthouse Buttes. Taz, our local tour guide hands each of us some desert white sage and instructs us to rub it in our hands and smell the aroma. This is supposed to help us to meditate and get in touch with the energy of the vortex. We each head off to find our spot to sit and take in the sights and to get in touch with our senses.
Our next stop is Bell Rock located in the Seven Canyon area. This massive valley has a spectacular view of Boynton Canyon., There is a sacred knoll here which has been blessed by many shah men and behind this area the Indian's believe this to be the centre of the earth where an Indian legend gave birth to the forth world. Our guide asked us to find a quiet spot to take in the scenery and view the rock formations to allow our creativity to emerge.
Our final stop is Cresent Moon Ranch National Forest, also known as Red Rock Crossing. The energy of this vortex is known to enhance love. There are stumps which have heart shapes in it's formation and a rock that has a natural heart shape within.
Taz took us to the edge of Oak Creek to have the best view of Cathedral Rock, which is one of the most famous sites of Sedona. Beside this river, Taz performed a white sage ceremony for each of us to offer us protection from negative energies. It was quite an experience with the warm sun shining on our faces, the river trickling beside us and the view of Cathedral Rock in the distance.
This afternoon we begin with a delicious at the Heart Line Cafe. All foods are made with healthy natural products. I had a fabulous BLT on whole wheat bread. The bacon was delicious and they included their fresh creamy home made mozzerella cheese. Delicious!
We hopped into our Ford Escape and headed down Hwy 89A to visit the ghost town of Jerome.
Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill (5,200 feet) is the remnants of the copper mining town of Jerome. Once known as the wickedest town in the west, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing from a settlement of tents to a roaring mining community. Four disastrous fires destroyed large sections of the town during its early history, resulting in the incorporation of the City of Jerome in 1899. Founded in 1876, Jerome was once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory. The population peaked at 15,000 in the 1920's. The Depression of the 1930's slowed the mining operation and eventually the demise of this once vibrant town.
We wandered along the hillside streets, visiting the quaint artist and trinket shops and taking in the amazing view of the Verde Valley below. Today there are some clouds in the sky and they have cast shadows which enhances the spectacular view of the expansive valley below.
We head back down the winding highway towards Cottonwood. We are off to visit the Alcantara Vineyard located in the Verde Valley and owned and operated by Barbara Predmore. This tranquil setting is the perfect place to enjoy a wine tasting and Vince is a charming and knowledgeable host. We had the pleasure of tasting five wines. It was difficult to pick a favourite as they were all excellent.
We drove back into Uptown Sedona for dinner at one of Sedona's oldest restaurants, the Silver Saddle Room located in the Cowboy Club. First we enjoyed a glass of locally brewed Oak Creek Ale then moved into the elegant dining room to enjoy a fantastic meal.
I had the marinated buffalo flank steak served with sweet potato mash and spinach. Delicious! Lori had the tender baby back ribs served with their home made coleslaw and baked beans. I must admit, I ate most of Lori's beans as they were the best I have ever tasted. Our meal was absolutely fabulous and I highly recommend this restaurant.
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