Visited Red Rock State Park yesterday morning, was pretty, but not what we were expecting. Last August torrential rains wiped out two of the hiking bridges that cross Oak Creek so many of the trails were either closed or one way - hike in and turn around and hike back. Did hike up to the House of Apache Fire, a home built by Jack and Helen Frye in 1941, never completed, sold many times, abandoned, and then later purchased by the state. Jack Fry was the president of TWA and wanted a get-away home away from his job. Must have been quite a concept - wondered what it looked like inside. Designed after Hopi architecture, Helen was the brains behind the design. After their divorce in 1950, she got the House, but it was never completed. Two story home with each room literally on it's own level. Impressive views of many of the red rock formations in Sedona surround it. On the way down from the House, watched 10 deer meander by.
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| Oak Creek meandering through state park |
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| House of Apache Fire |
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| One of the views from the House |
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| Mule Deer came moseying by |
We drove the scenic road north of Sedona into Oak Creek Canyon, very impressive. 30 years ago we drove this same road, remembered that at the top of the canyon at 6420 feet, a viewing area was set up and back then many Navajo and Hopi Indians were selling their crafts, spread out on blankets on the ground. This visit the Native Americans were there, but they had their wares on tables to view. Of course I had to get a trinket or two, even Dave found something!
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| At top of Canyon |
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| Would not want to bring RV on the switchback road! |
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| Just about half way between Flagstaff and Sedona |
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| Lots of Native American artists selling their wares |
On the drive back down the canyon, we stopped at Slide Rock State Park, a natural water park that people come to play in the running Oak Creek. The water has worn the rocks smooth and people start at an upper level waterfall and slide down through many waterfalls. Looked like fun although watching the people, they were howling that the water was so cold. Did not stop them from having fun! With limited parking there, I asked what happens when there is no more parking? Where do people park their car? The attendant said that people wait in the turning lane of the highway, waiting for someone to leave - could be an hour or two! But, then the highway patrol comes along and makes people move on - loosing their place in line for the next spot in the parking lot. Guess you need to come early!
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| Slide Rock area |
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| Look closely - the kids are moving through rapids |
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| Quite deep in areas! These kids were loving it! |
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