Just as soon as I was back from my last work trip for a few days, I had to fly down to Arizona for a shoot up in Sedona. The forecast predicted temps north of 105 degrees. For the first time since I went to Saudi Arabia (that was only 4 years ago, but feels like ages ago) I got to test out the theory that a dry heat ain't too bad.
When I landed at Sky Harbor in Phoenix it was about 110 degrees. It was in fact hotter than Hades. I got my rental car, maxed out the AC and drove up to the north side of Phoenix to get some grub at Dilla Libre Uno.
Fantastic nachos and good vibes. This was my first time in Phoenix, having only been to northern Arizona, but while the temps were inane, you could see what some folks love about this sprawling suburb of a city. Some folks like the hot, hot, heat and suburbia, I guess.
Two hours later I made it to my hotel for the next couple of days, the Bell Rocks Inn.
I love the Southwest architecture down here. As much as America can feel cookie cutter in places (mostly the suburbs), there is a strong vernacular architecture throughout the country.
After a hot shoot at the Verde Valley School, I checked out lunch at Red Chopstick. Excellent Chinese cuisine and a perfect Arnold Palmer.
My shoot and stay were actually down in Oak Creek Valley. I drove up and around Sedona proper before settling on the touristy Uptown to walk around.
Temps were hovering around 105, but it indeed wasn't as suffocating as 90s in Midwest or, even worse, down south.
It may be a strange comparison to make, but Sedona and the Wisconsin Dells share something. Both are ultra-touristy. But had history treated them differently, they could've both been national parks.
It's mostly that the main drag of Uptown Sedona was oh so reminiscent of Downtown Wisconsin Dells and so many other tourist traps. Honestly I love this kitsch.
My original plan was to hike Cathedral Rock, but after briefly getting on to the last shuttle of the day, I settled on Bell Rock instead. Normally you don't need to take a shuttle to Cathedral Rock, but the parking lot was under construction.
I'm not sure you can settle on a place this picturesque.
I followed the signed trail until I got above the initial tree line.
The endless red rock vistas lie not in a national park, but rather Coconino National Forest.
After the path ended I scrambled up multiple levels of rocky shelves.
I kept going higher, but decided I wouldn't try the sudden ascent to the top. It seemed easy enough going up, but sliding down was a challenge for everyone I watched coming back down.
The giant blooming agave are a sight to behold. 10/10, I need to bring Brooke and the kids here ASAP. But maybe not in early June.
The rest of the night I chilled, got some work done, and got something to eat.
PHX happened to have a SIXT rental car location. I couldn't say no to a BMW for the same cost as a Hyundai.
In the morning I drove down to Camp Verde for breakfast.
Beto's Corner. Unfortunately not on the level of California or Texas breakfast burritos.
Until next time Arizona.
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