Last week, Hubby and I had the great privilege of traveling approximately 2,000 miles across the U.S. to visit a beautiful area of our country far different from the area we live in – the desert Southwest of Scottsdale and Sedona, Arizona.
A highlight of our trip was sightseeing the beautiful Red Rock Mountains of Sedona. I took quite a few pics, but haven’t had much time to look at yet since we’ve just returned. Here is one I really like, but even it doesn’t compare to the enormity, the vastness, and the beauty of experiencing this beautiful corner of the world in person.
The rocks in Sedona are a deep, rich, orange-red like no others around. Apparently, they are comprised of sediment layers deposited over many millions of years*. The shale foundation is the remainder of ancient swamp lands. Other layers are the remainder of an ancient beachfront, known as the “Schnebly Hill Formation,” that deposited iron about 275 million years ago. The Coconino sandstone layer was formed at a time when Sahara-like dunes covered the majority of the Western US. The Kaibab limestone layer was deposited when a warm shallow sea covered the area about 250 million years ago.
The Red Rocks we see today were formed several million years ago when the uplifting of the Colorado Plateau that created the Grand Canyon also caused water to carve out Sedona’s red rock, cake-like layers. Currently, Sedona is considered to be a part of the Colorado Plateau and is in the process of making mountains, raising an average of one inch every 60-80 years!
The temperatures during our one-week visit ranged between a low of 102 to a high of 117 degrees Fahrenheit! Whoooowheee it was hot! It was a different kind of hot than we are used to in the Eastern part of the U.S., however, as the humidity levels were only around 10% as compared to our typical 50-100%, so it was much more pleasant. (Especially when in the pool with a frozen margarita!)
This is a place in the U.S. that anyone who can, should experience!
Thanks for the memories Sedona!
I look forward to creating some paintings from your beautiful inspiration!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
P.S. Thanks Jayme and Ryan for being our gracious tour guides! ❤
the creative life in between 