Sunday, June 9, 2013

Helicopter ride in Red Rock Sedona--doors off

Neither of us had been in helicopter before.  Doors off because it was plenty warm enough.   and I guess u can get better pictures.  So first they tell you to not carry anything that might blow away or vibrate off you--like cellphones, keys.   The rotor wash was pretty severe, and I got a bit chilled by the end.

A different view from the air, and took less time than driving different dirt roads in and out.
They said this pilot used to land on fishing ships way out at sea--spotting schools of fish.


Bell Rock and Courthouse




the dirt roads we would have driven if we hadn't flown helicopter







bridge and river







looking straight down







View from Sedona Airport Mesa

said to be the best panoramic view of Sedona especially at sunset.






FLW Chapel of the Holy Cross

ah, finally we see some red rocks

Sedona uses roundabouts so that no need for stoplights




cholla cacti in bloom


topside

huge mansion below the church--said to be owned by a Romanian 



inside,  gift shop downstairs


Montezuma Castle en route to Sedona






creek along sycamores

Wallace Desert Garden


ocotillo





Cave Creek AZ--Earth Treasures


saguaro innards


Cover Photo
https://www.facebook.com/RareEarthGalleryCC/photos_stream


under glass tables



chinese fossils

Carefree AZ


fasciated saguaro--happens infrequently


large sundial  in  Carefree desert garden circle surrounded by  retail shops

all the saguaro were flowering