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Alluring Vistas of Arizona |
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by Subra Narayan |
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The landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation within a few hours of driving through the Sonoran Desert dotted with cacti to the Red Rocks of Sedona. Once you exit interstate I-17 and follow SR 176 north, it brings you into the Visitor’s Center which offers a glimpse into the geology and archaeology of the stunning red rock formations and the early settlers who adapted themselves to this region. Artifacts including Jewelry, Pottery and Clovis from the Paleolithic era, convey a deep sense of lifestyles several thousands of years ago. We stop at Tlequepaqueh, (Tla-keh-pah-keh) Arts & Crafts Village, dotted with quaint artisan shops nestled under giant sycamore trees and spectacular water fountains in the midst of a courtyard. Lined with cobblestone walkways, beautiful arches, flowering gardens and classic stucco architecture, this hamlet is reminiscent of a Spanish village. Sunsets in Sedona are a truly magical experience as you watch from a vantage point, the sunlight illuminate the magnificent red rocks revealing its beauty. Driving on the winding roads through Oak Creek Canyon on Rt 89A towards Flagstaff, it is absolutely scenic and picturesque, where tall Ponderosa pines in Coconino National Forest rise up to touch the skies. All at once, we see snow capped mountains in early June standing tall and graceful in the midst of this panoramic backdrop. These are the San Francisco Peaks on which pockets of snow glisten in the sunshine.
We headed back to Phoenix and stopped at Taliesin West where the master architect, Frank Lloyd retreated to during the harsh winters up north. The unique design of each and every structure here is a testament to how Frank Lloyd used materials that were available in the desert to create what he termed organic architecture. The museum also houses a school where students practice the art during the winter months. We then to downtown Phoenix to visit the Heard Museum which is a wonderful anthropological museum that deals with the history, art and culture of the American Indians. The amazing works of art crafted by the Native people of the Southwest are in display here and it is simply stunning to see such wonderful artwork created using simple tools from the past. Gilbert Riparian Preserve, which is about 20 miles southeast of Phoenix, is an astounding oasis that attracts a wide variety of water-birds including Black Necked Stilts, Great Blue Herons, Avocets, Cormorants, Great Egrets, Common Moorhen, and Black crowned night herons. It was a delight to spot several Verdins, a bright yellow headed bird with chestnut sides that are endemic mainly in the Southwest. The trails here are well laid out and perfect for morning hikers and birders alike. And then it was time to bid adieu to this wonderful sojourn in Arizona! |
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27-Jul-2010 | |||||||
More by : Subra Narayan | |||||||
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Views: 2429 Comments: 2 | |||||||
Comments on this Article
I.S. Mani 08/21/2010 13:08 PM
B. Natrajan 08/21/2010 13:07 PM |
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