05/28/19 - Trip to Sedona AZ

We love to watch old western movies and look up the beautiful locations where they were shot. Recently we were watching "The Last Wagon" (1956) directed by Delmer Daves, which was shot on location in Sedona AZ, at the mouth of the Oak Creek Canyon and mostly along Schnebly Hill Road. The director described the difficulty of finding a pristine location for the film, as his previous western, "Broken Arrow" (1950) had popularized the region. As such we set out to explore the region. We have been told by multiple people and reviews how beautiful the area is, for those that enjoy the Western scenarios and landscapes.

 

Our reviews of 'Schnebly Hill Road' warned of it being advised only for high clearance with 4-wheel traction, so we figured that with our 2017 Ford F-150 Super Crew Cab 4x4 truck we would be up to the challenge to explore the area. Boy were we surprised! We managed to get about 200 yards past where the pavement ends and the warning signs are posted when we had to stop, turn around and head back to the paved roadway. There were craters 18" -24" deep and barely enough room to turn around in when another sign warns that the 'road narrows' (ahead). Too rich for even our adventurous spirit. Even Roxy, who has a hammock on the rear seat was not too thrilled with the rocking and rolling. On our way back to the parking area where the pavement ends we noticed nothing but Jeeps coming back from that roadway... some even from the various tour operators that offer tours into that area (see photos).

 

 

 

After a few stops and short hikes to admire the scenery directly we stopped at a picnic spot for lunch and Roxy enjoyed laying on real grass and in the shade.

 

 

 

Then back to other short hikes. Mary drove one way on 179 from I-17 to Sedona and then took 89-A to just 15 miles South of Flagstaff; then Bill drove back so that Mary could have a chance to take photos as well. Hence the rare photos of Bill (the usual photographer).

This photo got Roxy all manner of admiration from others on the trailhead.

As Roxy is a Rescue, we were unsure what exposure (if any) she has had with other critters, which is one thing we are looking forward to... deer, antelope, elk, moose, bison, etc. Here some horses were on the trail and she was content to just admire them passing right in front of her. She is such a sweetie.

 

She also didn't have an issue with this other critter of the desert.

One of the many beautiful flowers of the desert landscape.

 

Roxy on her "Place" command (i.e., 'stay there until released'),

waiting for the "Roxy, Break" which releases her to "Come" to us.

 The Red Rock Scenic Byway

A possible bear cave. At the picnic area a sign stated that there has been bear activity in the area and gave instructions on what to do if encountering a bear in the picnic area. Fortunately I was a fan of Yogi Bear cartoons as a kid, so I know they are just after the food, so make sure they know you have it and then leave it there for them to steal your picnic basket... right???

 

At the end of the day, Roxy is wiped out, laying on her rear seat hammock... asleep; but she sure does enjoy our outings, 2-mile hikes and being with her 'peeps' wherever we go.