Sedona

RACHEL CAME TO VISIT!!!

She flew in Thursday night, June 2. We had been at the AZ Grand with Camilla the night before and swam all day so I was a little frantic getting the house picked up in the couple hours I had before it was time to pick her up at the airport. We left the next morning for a quick getaway to Sedona. I had only been once before with the Evans many years ago, but I have no memories of it. We drove right to Casa Sedona Inn for lunch. It had a lot of good reviews online. It was a quaint place with a pretty view. Nothing really to write home about, except that they gave Rachel only the muffin top of her complimentary muffin. Ha! Of course we laughed about the Seinfeld episode about muffin tops.

Then we drove to the main shopping/downtown area and parked to do some window shopping. Which included a stop into Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Then we booked a Pink Jeep tour called Broken Arrow. It is their most extreme off-road adventure. I was truly terrified but agreed to be brave and do it since it was their most popular tour. I was comforted a little when we learned our driver has been doing this for decades. She was a super funny and a little crusty, old, UFO believing lady. It was two hours and we drove over lots of big boulders and a few steep climbs, but luckily nothing too ridiculous. I was raised by Chris Lindblom, after all and have been in many a truck driving up steep embankments. It could have been much worse! We got out at a few pretty places to take pictures. 

Apparently, the "it" restaurant you HAVE to try in Sedona  is Elote Cafe, but they didn't have any open reservations. But we got an insider tip that if you go wait outside the doors really early, they'll take a few walk ins when they open at 5pm. So we went around 4pm and were the first ones in line and got in right away! We were seated at the bar but the waiter was super friendly and helpful. Honestly, he was probably the best waiter I've ever had. And the food!!! Ohmygarsh the food was incredible. Of course we ordered elote for an appetizer and it was amazing. Then we got the carne asada and the enchiladas to share and the enchiladas won, hands down. Absolutely the best ever. I couldn't believe how delicious! Their house chips and salsa wasn't shabby either and we ate til we were going to pop. But I couldn't NOT get a dessert... it's all award winning... so we got the chocolate pie to go. Best decision ever. We were licking the to-go container at the hotel.  

I guess we are old and lame because after dinner we were happy to go to the hotel and change into jammies. And make some Instagram reels, haha. We did one where the background audio says, "I don't need a therapist, I just need my bestie!" Then a different voice says, "No, you AND your bestie need a therapist. Now." And Rachel and I videotaped ourselves jumping from one bed, crashing onto the next bed. Haha. We think we're so funny. Then we did another video of a dance that's trending. Obviously, I had a blast. Which was needed because some really hard things were happening this weekend with my extended family that resulted in plenty of crying. I felt bad it was all going down during her visit. I was on the phone many different times and not as present with her as I would have liked to be. But when you break down sobbing in the bathroom, who better to console you than your best friend?!

Saturday morning we hiked the ever popular, Cathedral Rock! I've been wanting to do this one for a while. It wasn't exactly easy, but also nothing crazy.  I would be nervous to take children. There were several places that required climbing on all fours and plenty of steep cliffs. I think we did it in a few hours. 

I noticed an acai place called The Local Juicery that they have in Flagstaff that I LOVE. So we stopped in for a bowl and it was everyyyything. I savored every, last bite!

We went back to the downtown area to see if we could find a place that did massages. We parked and tried a few places with no luck. I had been calling around and finally located a place that had two spots open for the afternoon. It was within walking distance so I told Rachel she could take the first spot while I finished up buying a shirt I liked. When it was almost my turn, I followed the maps to get to the place, but as I approached, I was confused. It just looked like a run down house. I walked up and saw a sign confirming I was in the right spot... although everything was very, very wrong. The porch alone looked so disgusting and I had to laugh when I saw all the weed growing in pots on the ground. I had to pee so bad, but I could not fathom what the bathroom in this place was like. There wasn't even a decent place to sit down. I waited a few minutes and when Rach didn't come out, I started texting her. The longer I stayed, the more grossed out I got, so I walked away, down the street and decided I would wait for Rach to tell me it was OK before I went in for my massage. She finally called me as she was leaving and I whispered for her to turn left, as I was "hiding" farther down the street. The little turkey was going to let me believe I should keep my appointment! But by then I had reached panic mode and was not buying it, haha. She said the lady was very, very nice, but the whole place was covered in pet hair and definitely matched the porch vibe. I text the lady and told her I was allergic to animal fur and wouldn't be able to keep my appointment and paid for half of Rachel's massage. I can't understand some people! How can you think to have a business in those kinds of conditions?!! We laughed a lot and ran away as fast as we could! 

Chapel of the Holy Cross is a highly recommended place to visit in Sedona. It was built high atop the red rocks in 1956, inspired by the Empire State Building. I was surprised how busy it was. There was hardly a parking spot. Be prepared for a long, uphill walk if you go!

For dinner we went to a restaurant built like a tree house! Our view was breathtaking. It's called the Hideaway House and I was pleasantly surprised at how yummy our salad and pizzas were! We drove home after that, but man there is so much to do in Sedona! I can't wait to go back and try more hikes. Rachel had to leave Sunday morning because her mom was flying into Dallas that night so it all felt so short! As usual. There's never enough time when I'm with Rach but I was so grateful she made the trip out to see me!