Great hoodoo-type red rock formations or monoliths rise high above the mountain tourist town of Sedona in all directions. Sedona is located at the mouth of the stunning Oak Creek Canyon in central Arizona about one hour south of Flagstaff. History tells us that this city developed from the Zane Grey characters from The Call of the Canyon (Oak Creek Canyon) with its rugged canyon rock walls and fast rushing waters beneath whispering pines. Settler after settler arrived, creating cow-paths which would become future roads, raising cattle and planting orchards. The name Sedona, was the namesake of the wife of one of the first homesteaders, J J Thompson. Today, it is a mecca for artists, archaeologists, spiritualists, outdoor enthusiasts and shoppers.
We walked about the town after our drive up Oak Creek Canyon to Slide State Park and back. A variety of shops from western wear to western art to jeep tours to time share solicitation lined both sides of the street. Art Galleries and studios abound; Tlaquepaque is an art and craft centre that mimics the markets of Guadelajara, Mexico. Easter Sunday brought many tourists into town to buy a souvenir or book an outdoor tour or just browse.
This amazing structure, The Chapel of the Holy Cross, is an architectural marvel and thought to be bold and daring for its time. Built on a twin pinnacled spur about 250 feet high, jutting out of a thousand foot red rock wall, "solid as the Rock of Peter" the building of the Chapel was completed in April 1956. Perched between the rocks, the church has a small sanctuary backed by a floor to ceiling wall of glass, through which more red rocks can be seen. Of course, the Cross, the focal point, appears to be the support for the structure, much like Christ is in our lives. Entrance is gained from the rear and all are invited to spend some time in reverence to God.
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