Chino Valley, Arizona (March 26, 2012- April 16,2012)

Chino Valley, Arizona is a small town 15 miles north of Prescott, Arizona and it was the first territorial capital of Arizona before it was moved to Prescott in 1864.  Most importantly, though, it is the home of our daughter Krystal and her husband Paul and their son Teddy.  We hadn't seen them in a long time and we were all elated to be together. They had set up an RV site for us complete with 30 amp electrical service to power our RV and a fresh water connection.  Couldn't ask for a better spot.  View was fantastic and we were within a hundred feet their home. This was going to be a welcomed break from the road.

Johnson's RV Park

Moon over Chino Valley

The time we spent with our family was fantastic and they made us feel more than comfortable.  We spent quite a bit of time with our grandson, Teddy.  He really got into "treasure hunting" with Granpa.  Didn't find anything but some wire, bottle caps, nuts and bolts, but it was treasure to him.

Did we find something?

I'll dig for it Granpa.

We took several day trips while we were there.  One was to the small, revived mining town of Jerome, Arizona.  The town is built on the side of a mountain and was once populated by more than 10,000 people in the 1920's.  Now only a bit over 400 inhabit the town.  It was mainly a copper mining town, but silver and gold were also mined.  Today it is a popular artsy-craftsy destination with several quaint restaurants and bars.  The ride there was through the mountains and needless to say it was a bit unnerving to me for we have discussed my concern of heights before.  Regardless, we all had great time and the experience was fantastic.

Long, winding road

Wow!  It's a long way down.

Main St., Jerome, Arizona

Nelly Bly Gift Shop

Nelly Bly Gift Shop

Jerome, Arizona

Biker's destination

Way up on the side of the mountain.

Another day trip brought us to Sedona, Arizona. Sedona's main attraction is its array of red sanstone formations. The formations appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun.  It is a tourist destination and all the businesses play to that theme.  It is a beautful place and the colors are amazing.  This should be a "must see" place if traveling through this part of the state.

Beautiful colors

Sedona, Arizona Main Street

Town is in the middle of all the colors.

Mesmerizing landscape

 Several of my good friends and former co-workers moved to the Phoenix area when they retired.  They, actually, live very close to one  another.  I contacted them and they drove to Prescott where we met for lunch at the historic Palace Hotel.  We had a great conversation and caught up on each other.  Some of the best friends/co-workers anyone could have had.
 

(L-R) Marvin, me and Bruce

The time spent with our Arizona family was great, as it is anytime we spend time with family.  We had such a great time and leaving was hard on all of us.  Our son-in-law, Paul, treated me to a special time when he took me twice on his job.  He is a deputy sheriff with the Yavapai County Sheriff's Department.  His patrol area in just like the Old West. This was really special to me for his range also covers the old Route 66 and there was so much history in the small desert towns. Seligman, Arizona  is one of those towns. Pixar's "Cars" and "Radiator Springs" was based on this town. Got to see some real strange people out there.  Must be the water they drink.
 

All-in-all though, our stay was great, even with the one, beautiful snowfall we had.  And now we have to get prepared to hit the road again.  Next stop: The Grand Canyon.