The first piece of paper they hand out at the visitor’s center is a publication from the Sedona Arizona Chamber of Commerce:
“The term vortex was first used in 1980 by psychic and writer Page Bryant to describe Sedona’s four popular meditation sites. …
“According to the scientific point of view, a vortex is an ‘area of enhanced linear energy flow’. … The scientific perspective proposes that ‘upflow vortexes boost spiritual energy and expansion of consciousness’ while ‘inflow vortexes help one turn inward and enhance introspection.’
“Vortexes are also believed to be one of the reasons those seeking growth and renewal find a welcome home in Sedona.”
There seems to be some truth to this because most of the thousands of tourists who throng Sedona every day congregate around the energy sources of the strip malls, linearly arrayed along Highway 89A. Nonetheless after meeting a large number of Sedonans who profess belief in crystal energy and vortexes it occurred to me to “Thank God these people don’t build cars or airplanes.”
It would be nice to send white supremacists on a field trip to Sedona. New Mexico offers scenery similar to Arizona with a cultural mix of Anglo, Hispanic, and Indian. Modern-day Sedona seems to have been constructed as a demonstration project for what a city would look like if built and occupied exclusively by Anglo refugees from Los Angeles.
[Oh yes, as suggested by some of the readers here Jerome, AZ was a great place to hang out for a day.]
Yes, you have Sedona nailed … beautiful country, though getting overpopulated and trampled upon a bit as that easternly migration continues…
Speaking of vortices . . . I’m currently following the adventures of a cross-country, self-sagged, recumbent trike cyclist who’s arrived just north of you in Flagstaff (after leaving the east coast in February). For different perspective on travelling, check http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journal/?pics=small&doc_id=430&mtime=20040401203231
As for my take on all this, I’m glad you’re both out there and sending back commentary for all of us deskbound adventurers-at-heart.
Cheers,
David
Sedona is also a great place for mountain biking, if anyone has that interest…
If you are still in the sedona area, then check out red rock state park. The are some really pleasant trails to wander around on.
If you are considering southern arizona then try and stop by Patagonia. It is a real little slice of az culture with very little california influence.
My wife bought a Sedona. Made in Seoul i believe…
should i be worried?