April 27, 2014  (pictures below)


Deep contrast between todays weather and yesterdays.  We woke up to clear skies and a temperature of 34 degrees.   We took a ride to Sedona and Jerome today.  It was a beautiful drive as we had to go to Flagstaff to get to Sedona.  Flagstaff received up to 8 inches of snow so the snow on the trees was beautiful as well as the mountain with snow on it and in the clouds this morning. 


We saw a herd of at least 20 deer but could not get a picture as the road was steep and there was no place to pull off.  The ride to Sedona and was like every picture we have ever seen (another bucket place check marked off).  I think you will agree the rock formations are breathless and beauty to behold.  We did not stop in Sedona as the town was really touristy and Jim and I love history.  So we drove to an old mining town called Jerome.


Jerome was an old copper mining boom town of 15,000 people and turned into one of Arizona's largest ghost town but now is considered Arizona's most unique art and history destinations that boast over 1,000,000 visitors a year.  The town is built on Cleopatra Hill and in its hay day produced 3 million pounds of copper per month.   In the late 60's and 70's Jerome offered a haven for artists that renovated homes and opened up abandoned shops to sell their wares.  Jerome is now a bustling tourist magnet and artistic community with a population of about 480.  We had a cup of coffee with Vinnie who owns the Copper Town Café.  Vinnie gave us tips on the town of Jerome and was a very inspirational soul.  God led us to this little Café for a reason today.  Thank you and God Bless you Vinnie. 


We then headed for the Montezuma Castle National Park.  Montezuma's castle was built by the  Southern Sinagua farmers.  It is a 5 story, 20 room dwelling that was built between 1100 and 1300. 
It occupies a cliff recess 100 feet above the valley. The castle once was a five story apartment like building with about 45 rooms.  The farmers found reliable water in the nearby creek and fertile land on the nearby terrace for farming.   As you can tell by the picture this was a unique history lesson.


We came back to town and ate at the 66 café where we met a Joann and Dave from Ocala, FL.  What a small world. 


Tomorrow is our train ride which we are both really excited about, number 1 I have never been on a train and no. 2 we have never seen the Grand Canyon.  


Have a great evening,
Jim and Debbie