Montezuma Castle National Monument - Arizona

2 Chicas High-rise in the Sky

Montezuma Castle adds additional intrigue to the Verde Valley area, and is the 2 Chicas official "UNEXPECTED GEM!”

The 2 Chicas visited Montezuma Castle on a rainy day, but that did not take away from the beauty of the site.  We spent time in the visitor’s center looking at the displays of the native inhabitants.  Their ability to create such sustainable beauty did not slip past 2 Chicas!

As we meandered down the trails that surround the site, the 2 Chicas could not help but pause to listen to the sounds of nature.  

We also reviewed the informative placards and discussed the interesting lifestyle of the Sinagua people. Of course Chica 1 could not see herself skinning that muskrat for the nightly meal!

Chica 2 wanted to go up in the structure and pretend she was waiting for her great Indian hunter to come home and receive a proper reward for a hard day of work.  Chica 2 don’t be so forward!

It is suddenly up our eyes go to the star of the show.  The structure is astounding! Chica 2 was disappointed to find that the interior of the structure is off limits. 

So the 2 Chicas explored the path, sat by the river and reflected on the great history of the people, and wondered aloud if this was what George Jefferson and Weezy had in mind. Tee hee he

Montezuma Castle is like a high rise apartment complex built in the side of a cliff. 

Chica 2 burst into song singing – “now we moving on up! To the eastside. To a deluxe apartment in the cliffs.”  Calm down Chica 2, it was only a joke.

To think that some ingenious folk crafted these dwellings thousands of years ago, and although deserted, and crumbling from being abandoned, these dwellings still stand!

That’s more than the 2 Chicas can say about a lot of “civilized” places we visit throughout the country. Tee hehe he 

2 Chicas had Fun hun!!

On our way back to Sedona from Montezuma Castle, Chica 2 was discussing how powerful the experience in Sedona had been.  As she began the descent into Sedona, just past Red Rock State Park, she became misty eyed and confessed she had never experienced such tranquility. 

As tears rolled down her face, she could only say over and over, “it’s so beautiful” and “I’ve never been so at peace.”  

Chica 2 filled with divine sentiments? What? It was almost too much to grasp, but as difficult as it is to describe the feeling in words, these internal stirrings provide such a depth of meaning to spiritual treasures. 

Of course, by the time we got back to the middle of the town, she had returned to her old self.  The sacred was replaced by an insatiable hunger for steak. 

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Sedona, AZ

Sedona area – 2 Chicas go Red Rocking The drive down from Flagstaff to Sedona is particularly awe inspiring.  Chica 1 can still hear Chica 2 squeal like a little child : “Ohhhh, look at those cars down there!” Chica 1 must confess that she took particular pleasure in snidely saying, “You’re going DOWN THERE too.” The twisting and turning, slowly descending from the mountains down to the valley is so beautiful that you have to remind a certain someone to keep their hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and not take pictures while driving (shaking my head – Chica 2 oh that Chica 2).   Chica 2, during one of her few moments of serious reflection shared that Sedona is the perfect place to be for a couple days.  Chica 2 promised to come regularly to relax, spend some quality time with the one or ones you love or to reach deep down in your soul for that must needed spiritual pilgrimage.  Is it the red rock or some other mysterious substance at play in the atmosphere?  The 2 Chicas don’t know, but they do believe that they could return to Sedona monthly for a little rest and relaxation!    The 2 Chicas checked into the Best Western Arroyo Roble and immediately sat on the balcony and smiled at Snoopy Rock.  The view was spectacular! In every direction there was red rock, life giving red rock, soul stirring red rock, blood warming red rock!  Rock that red rock – ok, ok, calm down…. The hotel was really nice with a small refrigerator and microwave, two comfortable beds, and that incredible view!  The bathroom was modern with granite countertops, nice porcelain vanity, decent bath towels, and did I mention the view? Well Chica 1 had ants in her pants and knew that this was a spiritual trip, so she desperately wanted to get to that place she saw in her dreams.  Chica 2 asked where and Chica 1 said by the water, so the 2 Chicas walked downstairs and proceeded across the grounds to Oak Creek.  Now this made perfect sense to Chica 1.  The hotel was near water and in her dreams she was by the water, so this had to be the place!  As the 2 Chicas walked tow the water, Chica 2 commented on how beautiful it was outside, clear skies and crisp air.  We passed the gorgeous clubhouse, admired a lovely fountain, rounded the corner, and at that moment, spotted the creek.  As the 2 Chicas got closer to the creek, the wind picked up, and it started to sprinkle a light rain, but Chica 1 was determined.  The 2 Chicas were almost at the creek when the sprinkles turned to hail and the wind turned blustery.  Chica 2 said “maybe you’re not supposed to be here”. Once a few more well placed hail pellets hit the side of our heads, the 2 Chicas turned around and booked it back to the room. Well seriously, the “weather event” stopped!  We both looked over our shoulders and then at each other speechless. Scary, eerie, spooky, crazy! Chica 2 looked at Chica 1 with an expression of total fear and said “Should I be here with you?”  Chica 1 comforted Chica 2 and assured her we were not going to be in a scene from some angels versus demons movie. Thwarted but still restless, the 2 Chicas decided to explore the main strip. The quaint main street is a nice place to peek in windows, pick up interesting art items, curios, souvenirs, and new age trinkets.  No matter where you are, please let them know 2 Chicas wishes we were there!! Check out the Red Rock State Park right outside of the main strip.  Take a hike and sit on one of the rocks by the river. Look over at Cathedral Rock and decide for yourself.  Does it really look like a cathedral?  Maybe you ask, what is a cathedral?  Any hoo, slow it down and marvel at the simplicity of God’s great country.  There are a few simple pleasures in this life, and2 Chicas must say, this park is truly one of them! So off we go on a little hike through the park.  As we are ascending the path, there was a sign that had something on it like Warning Bobcats and other wildlife.  Before you could say ready.....set.... it was Run Chicas Run!  Maybe we weren’t really prepared for the more isolated trails, but we really enjoyed sitting by the river watching the beautiful birds play in the trees.   Other birdwatchers were nearby so it was a really fun interacting with the other nature lovers. Day 2 in the evening and the 2 Chicas spent some down time in the clubhouse.  The indoor pool provided a welcome submersion to wash away all of the days travels, but of course be sure to shower or rinse off first.  There is a pool table, a sauna and steam room, and lots of fitness equipment. This is a really nice recreational space, so should you visit, be sure to make time to enjoy the entire property.    Please leave comments!