 News & Views by Kim Davis
Last week it was technical difficulties, this week, I'm a
day late because I'm wiped out from traveling, but what a
trip! I finally got to visit Sedona, Arizona, which is one
of those places I've been wanting to see and experience for
many years. I just had to write a feature about Sedona, didn't I?
I went there as one of the Internet Tech team who have been working on a new website, http://www.newspirituality.org , which is designed to fund Humanity's Team's operations. ( http://www.humanitiesteam.com ) I am very please to report that I love my team mates. What a warm and loving group of people - I suppose that's no surprise as we all signed on to this project as volunteers with the intention that we share our skills to help make the world a better place.
I am hoping that maybe some of you would like to help fund this worthwhile movement. It only costs $19.95 per year at http://www.newspirituality.org and you get daily e-mail messages pulled from the works of Neale Donald Walsch. Sheri Berry, my friend from Webshine.net,http:www.webshine.net is working tirelessly to get all these messages (365 of them) into a multi-media format so you get photographs and music to go along with the enlightening messages.
Visit me on the web at my other sites:
If we truly believe that we have the power to heal our world, then we do! So get busy believing!
- Kim ;-)
Feature - Oh! Sedona
by Kim Davis
Most people when they travel get guide books. I start looking at real estate for sale; at least, if I like the place that's what I do. Oh man, I like Sedona!
At the rental car desk in Phoenix I met my colleagues, Sheri and Shashu. We hugged like we'd known each other forever, and set out on the 2 hour drive to Sedona. Since we'd only communicated via e-mail up to that point, we had a lot to talk about as we set out on that bright Arizona afternoon.
 The chatter commenced immediately, with our conversation turning ever more frequently to the fantastic landscape around us. We hadn't been on the road more than 20 minutes when the Saquaro cacti became thick on the ground. We didn't realize that we were passing through the Tonto National Forest. These giant cacti look like huge people with their arms up in the air. They are the state symbol of Arizona, and you see likenesses of them everywhere. It's no wonder - they are truly natural works of art.
About 20 miles from the Sedona Exit off Highway 17 we couldn't stand it any more. We had to stop and take pictures. The first picture for me was of this warning sign telling us that poisonous snakes and insects inhabit the area. Sort of discourages one from squatting in the bushes! We piled back into our car and drove on into "Red Rock Country." To get to Sedona we turned onto HWY 179, and that is where the magic really began.
 We did an emergency stop, nearly causing a wreck, to photograph Bell Rock, the first of the phenomenal red rock structures on our route. Our timing could not have been more perfect. It was early evening and we proceeded to get quite happily lost - chattering like a car full of magpies! We misread the directions to our guest house, and drove 8 miles west of Sedona, when we should have gone east. We were happy for the chance to keep talking and admiring the scenery. We finally found our accommodations just as the sun was going down. The three of us were positively giddy as we checked in and spent the evening getting to know the rest of our colleagues.
 The houses we stayed in at the Junipine Resort were tastefully decorated and situated with large decks overlooking Oak Creek, (pictured.) Fires were laid in the fireplaces for us and all we had to do was strike a match. Each house comfortably held 6 or 8 in a pinch. I highly recommend this place for a family vacation. You can visit their website at junipine.com, or e-mail them at creekside@junipine.com . Remember how I started out by mentioning that I like to see what properties are for sale when I travel? Well I could not help noticing that several of the Junipine houses are listed for sale… This could be a nice investment that pays its own mortgage with vacation rentals.
 Most people want to go hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding while visiting Red Rock Country. You need to be aware that if you park a vehicle at any of the trail heads, you'll need a Red Rock Pass. A daily pass costs $5 and a weekly pass costs $15. Residents can buy annual passes. There are a few areas that are not covered by these passes, and these sites will charge a separate day-use fee at the gate. Daily and Weekly Red Rock Passes can be purchased at many local stores and hotels as well as at the Gateway Visitor Centers. The funds generated from the sale of these passes helps the Red Rock Rangers protect the delicate and unique red rock ecology. With 4 million visitors annually the area is in danger of being loved to death, hence the "leave no trace" policies of the National Parks Department.
While the scenery and wildlife around Sedona are a tremendous tourist attraction, the area is also famous for something even more unique - Vortex Sites. In fact, a recent Northern Arizona University study found that 64 percent of visitors in a given year came to the red rock country seeking some kind of spiritual experience. Some people believe that area is home to special places of power among the rocks that enhance prayer and meditation and provide an energetic boost for people of all faiths. All the area book stores have information about these sites. Just be respectful when you visit and follow a few simple guidelines to insure that these magical sites are still magical when your grandchildren come to see them:
- Treat the site and trails as a fragile resource - Leave No Trace.
- Do not move the rocks or sticks. Some people feel the need to create "medicine wheels" - please don't!
- Stay on the main trail.
- Leave nothing behind.
- Preserve the natural quiet - if you must chant, drum or sing, do so quietly.
Unlike other parts of Arizona, temperatures in the mountains around Sedona rarely get above 90° Fahrenheit. The nights are cool, only getting up to the 60's in July and August. So be sure to pack a sweater.
Now the part you've all been waiting for, JOBS IN SEDONA:
- http://www.topusajobs.com has 558 job listings within a 50 mile radius of Sedona, and nearly all of them are for nurses! In addition there are a few for doctors, physical therapists, pharmacists, and last but not least there is one listing for a civil engineer and a few retail positions.
- http://www.pr.state.az.us/employment/hrpark_vacancies.html The Arizona State Parks Department has several park ranger positions open.
Photos thanks to Sheri Berry http://www.webshine.net, all but the cactus photo, which is by John Crossley http://www.americansouthwest.net |
