Discover America The Beautiful
My husband and I have a real passion for traveling. Last month we had an opportunity to go to a wedding in Phoenix, and we added on a visit to Sedona and the Grand Canyon to round out our trip. What a wonderful and awe inspiring surprise it turned out to be.
I am the first one to brag on Europe and I love Italy and Spain and admire cultures both far and near but I must admit I have not really explored America. Our recent vacation really opened my eyes to the diverse beauty in our own back yard.
Sedona was such a special place that I didn’t want to leave. Our hotel, Enchantment, was nestled in the Red Rocks and as I sat on the deck, I could see the cave dwelling of the ancient Indians. I just could not stop looking at the rock formation, it was amazing. We hiked, did a vortex tour, and just experienced the greatness and beauty of our country. I even got up at sunrise to see the sun enter the Red Rock Canyon and it was well worth the wake up call!
The next stop was the Grand Canyon. We had booked El Tovar on the South Rim months in advance. Our room had a breathtaking view and at Sunrise we got up to find the American Flag flying high over the Canyon as the sun was cresting and painting the sky red. That was a snap shot and a memory I will treasure for a lifetime.
We took a helicopter ride and dropped into the Havasupai Indian Reservation then rode horses 3-miles back to the Havasu Falls. This was a special trip and the falls and the Indians were like something preserved in time.
As much as I love Europe, I can honestly tell you that this was one of my favorite trips. In 2007, I intend to make a point of seeing and experience more of “America the Beautiful”. We have so many natural treasures in this country and they are worth fighting for. I hope that 200-years from now, a new generation can see this great country and that our flag will still be flying over the canyon.
Jodi Cross is a marketing consultant and freelance writer and may be reached at jcrosstalk@aol.com
