Day 33 - Our Last Day to Drive Into Sedona!

Ken and I were up by 6:30 and did some work on our computer, ate breakfast, and we had a nice talk with Jamie. By 9:30 the 4 of us were on our way to Sedona for our last hike among the red rocks.

These views never get old!!!

We turned onto Dry Creek Road and then Thunder Mountain Road to park at the trailhead.  We hiked on the beautiful Thunder Mtn. Trail and went as far as the trail would take us.  The views were incredible, again!  We took the Chimney Rock Trail back to the parking lot and it made a loop around the other side of the area, so we had a whole new view to take in!  It was a 2 1/2 mile hike that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Their maps do a great job showing you the trails!

Let the hike begin!

The red rock formations were beautiful as we hiked up towards
Thunder Mountain!

....and the climb continues!

The view just keeps getting better and better!

We stopped here for water and a snack!

Ken is having a special moment with nature!

Spring is a beautiful time to be outwest to enjoy all the
blooming flowers!

What a view of the houses down below us!

These red rocks looked like petrified wood!

We gone as far as the trail allows so it was time for
a selfie!

This tree trunk has a dark burgundy "streak" running through it!

Looking up at this rock it appeared to be a dinosaur looking over
the top!  

This is chimney rock!

Heading back to the parking lot.

From there we headed to Picazzo's Organic Italian Kitchen for a delicious lunch. They have a luncheon special that includes a slice of their brick fired pizza, a delicious salad and a drink.  Ken and I had eaten here in 2010 and remembered how much we enjoyed their food.  The 4 of us agreed that it was some of the best pizza we have ever eaten.  We were able to eat on their patio so that made it special too!

From there we drove back to the CG stopping for gas and for some groceries at the Wal-Mart at Cottonwood.  We had fun talking with Bria and Cali and hearing about their trip to Disney World and swim team.  It was so good to hear their voices.  We would have loved to see their faces, but skyping here is not possible.  The internet connection is not strong enough.  It was time to start packing up for our departure early tomorrow morning and doing some cleaning.  After dinner we went to Chuck and Melissa's to watch American Idol (taped) while playing 3 games of which the women won 2. Back to Waldo by 9:45 and we went to bed.

We will be heading to Yosemite National Park, about an 800 mile drive, so we will stop near Bakersfield CA for one night, a quick stop before continuing the drive.  We hope to drive about 500 miles tomorrow and then if all goes well, reach Yosemite on Friday.