What a crazy weather week it’s been here in Arizona. El Nino has been playing some nasty tricks on much of the Southwest. Southern California is flooding with the multiple storms throughout this whole past week, leaving Arizona with remnants of torrential rains, snowstorms in the north mountains (Sedona), and big drops in temperatures.
I went from wearing short sleeves last weekend, to layers of sweatshirt, sweater, winter coat in Sedona (an hour and 45 minutes north of Scottsdale), back to long sleeves and a jacket until Saturday. I actually laughed at the sight of the few bathing suits I brought with me in hopes of getting a little suntan. But perhaps February will level out to the mid 70s where the temps should be, providing El Nino doesn’t keep striking.
Our guests (step-daughter and son-in-law), left Saturday, after a fun-filled week of adventure and weather mania. We went downtown to Old Scottsdale a few times, up to Sedona for 2 days, walked around Kierland Commons outdoor shopping area on another day, and finally succumbed to indoor mall browsing, and visiting a casino nearby where we could take shelter from the torrential rains. It was an action-packed week.
The sun came back to visit us in Scottsdale on Saturday, and although the temps stayed around 57 degrees instead of the usual 70, it once again began to feel like we were in Arizona.
We were treated to a wonderful one night stay in Boynton Canyon in Sedona by our guests. We drove up to Sedona on Tuesday, which was supposedly the best weather day of the week of storms that were to hit Arizona all week. Typically Sedona is about 15 degrees cooler up in the mountains than it is in the valley where we are. It’s about an hour and 40 minutes drive north.
The scenic view is beautiful as you drive up Highway 17, and although the temps began to drop to the mid 40s, we hadn’t yet encountered any precipitation other than grey and overcast skies.
We walked around uptown Sedona and visited many shops. We then went visiting Bell Rock Vortex, which we couldn’t get close enough to for me to feel the energy that emits from the vortexes.
Then we drove up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross where we marveled at the rock structures known as The 3 Nuns (aptly named, rock formations) and the little chapel that was built up on the mountain beside it.
As the weather was beginning to feel a bit colder and it was nearing 4pm, we decided we should head up to the resort and check in before nightfall. We had these beautiful rooms that were in little adobe buildings sprawled out over 70 acres of property. Every room had a view of the Red Rock mountains. It was spectacular.
In order to get to the main building where the restaurants were, we dialed the valet who came to pick us up by golf cart to drive us back and forth on the winding sidewalk paths from our rooms to the restaurant or where our car was parked. It was a 3 minute drive, but pretty darned frosty by 930 pm when we were driven back to our rooms after dinner. I stared out the window for quite some time as I am always mesmerized by the beauty of the mountains. This was a view from our balcony:
The next morning, I jumped out of bed and opened the curtains. I was stunned by the new view. Our balcony had almost a foot of snow on it, the big mountain was spectacular with it’s blanket of snow, and the branches on the trees were weighted with heavy snow.
When we got picked up to go for breakfast by the golf cart, I noticed that the wheels had chains threaded around them, to enable traction while driving around what became, ice and snow-laden paths. We huddled into the cart as we shivered to the main building.
The snow continued to fall, so after breakfast, with a snow-covered beautiful restaurant view, we decided to pack up and head back to Scottsdale before the roads became harder to drive through the canyon.
We did manage to stop at Airport Road where there’s a beautiful scenic view at that Vortex (when it’s not foggy). My hub and I had visited it last year at sunset hour for spectacular views and photos. It was cold and grey this day, but we parked and walked up to the edge of the canyon. I was thrilled to be able to feel the energy vibrate throughout my body.
We then headed back to Scottsdale. Within a half an hour out of Sedona, we lost the snow. We still never saw much sun, even when we returned home, but at least it was back in the high 50’s, back to lighter jackets.
Next month, my husband’s brother and wife will be coming to visit us for 2 weeks. They can’t wait to see Sedona, and we can’t wait to go back there when the temps will be closer to 60 degrees. Then I will take new photos of the beautiful scenery, only difference will be the sun’s rays shining on the mountains to enhance the beauty and colour.
Here are a few neat photos I took:
I hope you enjoyed my little tour of Sedona. I can’t wait to take more beautiful photos when I go back and hopefully there will be no snow or fog in Sedona.
DGKaye©2016
DGKayewriter.com 
Thank you for sharing your photos with us. I was amazed to see the snow, wow and the Chapel is beautiful. thank you
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Thank you for visiting Adele. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. There will be more to see as I explore different parts of the state. 🙂
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You look as stunning as the landscape 😉 What a beautiful place ❤
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Yes Abee, it’s truly God’s country up in the mountains. And thank you for the personal compliment, lol. 🙂
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B-r-r-r. Isn’t the weather crazy everywhere?
Gorgeous photos, Debby and stunning views. Wow. I’m gobsmacked. The mountains are amazing. 😀 😀 You don’t look too bad yourself. 🙂
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Lol thanks Tess. I’m prepared for all weather, hence the too many suitcases! And Tess, if you’ve never been to Sedona, perhaps you should add it to your bucket list! I’d recommend May/June or September/October for perfect 70s weather. Summers can go up to 90s if you can stand it. 🙂
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Give me five minutes. I’ll be backed and meet you at the restaurant. Heck I might as well stay till May/June. 😀
😀 😀 It’s a l.o.n.g. walk from here. Might as well get started.
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Lol Tess, we’d have a blast! ❤ 🙂
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I know it! 😀 😀
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😉
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Marvelous Debby. I’m sorry the weather took such a turn though. You mentioned February — are you getting to stay that long?
I’ve been looking for a place in Scottsdale, but it’s just too expensive for me…
Love your southwest parka! Enjoyed every photo and the write-up. The show-chains on the golf cart takes the prize! Have a wonder-filled time. Mega hugs! (I’ve got to share this on LinkedIn.) 😀
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Hi Teag. No doubt I knew you’d enjoy this post. And lol, I bought the jacket at home in Canada, although, made in USA!
Yes, we are staying until the end of Feb. I can tell you the natives have been restless all week, not just the tourists. Everyone is sick of rain and cold where it’s not usual. They’re calling for a sunny week with temps in 61 degree averages, still well below seasonal temps of low 70s, so hoping in another week or so I can take off the cowboy boots and put on some sandals, lol. And sheesh yes, housing is not cheap in Scottsdale. Our dreams of ever buying a property here will sit on the back burner for many years until at least the markets cool down, and our Canadian dollar stops behaving like toilet paper!
Hugs back my friend! xo 🙂
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Some of the shots look otherworldly, surreal. And you fit right in with your hair color and furry togs. Your photos are amazing. I was fascinated by the chapel nestled in the rock formations. I can’t imagine managing the construction of it but it does fit into its environment.
I can tell you are having a ball exploring all this.
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Thanks Marian. Looking at those mountains is truly a fascinating experience. I too stood in wonderment when I first saw that chapel last year and wondered how on earth they could build on the mountain like that. It’s truly God’s country up there. 🙂
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The world’s weather has gone completely mad, Debby. Glad you’re having a great time despite the unseasonal temperatures. Lovely photography. Wish I was there.
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Thanks Hugh! Well, this series of storms have passed. They’re calling for 61 degree temps this week with sun; much better, but still around 10-15 degrees colder than usual. 🙂
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Although the weather wasn’t so great it provided some great photos. As you said spectacular! El Nino is here as well. Cloudy and rain! Hope the weather gets warmer soon for you so that you can wear your new bathing suits. 🙂
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Lol thanks Carol. If it doesn’t I may eat too much and not want to wear them. 🙂
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Knowing you I don’t think that will happen! ❤
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On my way to the gym as we speak. 🙂
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Ah, snow. Beautiful stuff–so long as it’s not too deep and melts quickly. Which is what it usually does in Silver City. If I could post a photo in a comment I would. I’ll have to put some up on one of my blogs. You seem to be having a very nice time in the scenic (and uber-shopping) areas of Arizona.
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Lol John, one has to keep busy! We had sunshine yesterday, overcast today and still quite cool, high 55 :(. Supposed sun all week with 61 degree temps, still unseasonably cool. Hopefully El Nino will calm down and leave us alone for awhile next week. 🙂
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Debbie, I just loved my guided tour.. Just shows us how quickly the weather can change… and the UK too as you know experiencing extremes.. Loved all of those views and El Nino is making it’s self felt around our Globe..
Love each and every photo.. and lovely to see you looking so radiant with your lovely smiles.. 🙂
Have a great New Week.. stay warm and safe ..
Love and Blessings..
Sue xxx ❤
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour Sue. I hope to be showing some sunnier and warmer photos in the coming weeks. For now, I’m still making lemonade! ❤ 🙂
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🙂 sounds Lovely… Enjoy your Lemonade! 🙂 xxx
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🙂
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Wow, so cool. I love the photos! Hard to imagine Arizona gets snow, and so thrilled to see they are well-prepared with chains on the tires for the golf carts. That is too funny! Hopefully, the weather balances out for you and you get to enjoy warmer temps soon!
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Thanks Kate! Yes, I got a kick out of the chained tires as well. At least the sun is back in Scottsdale, although 60 degrees will be pretty much standard for the next week or so. No doubts, I’ll keep you all posted. 🙂
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At least there is no snow although it was 50 degrees F here yesterday. A friend of mine went to Sedona this week for a workshop. It was supposed to be cold rain all week. I’m glad you can stay longer! It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. Be warm and well.
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Thanks Elaine. It did rain all last week in Scottsdale, and snowed most of the week in Sedona. Although it was still beautiful, it was cold. Now, go figure, I come all the way to the west coast for warmth, and our neck of the woods was green and reasonably warm for this time of year. El Nino is wreaking havoc everywhere. It seems our East Coast will soon be getting our just desserts, so enjoy it while it’s green. We have sunny skies here all week, so they predict, although it won’t go past 60 degrees until later in January. Maybe then I’ll appreciate that it will be 60 degrees warmer than home. 🙂
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What stunning landscape. And it looks cold with all that gorgeous frosty snow. You’re still smiling!
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It was stunning. And one has to keep smiling. 🙂
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Awesome photos. Glad you told me that was lights reflecting in the window. I thought there were fires on the mountains.
Your weather sounds like ours. We had torrential rains and high winds two evenings ago which caused flooding and road washouts. Last week, it was -12 or so. Yesterday, it was plus 12 and sunny (calm after the storm, and calm before the storm). This evening, we have a heavy snowfall warning. In the Maritimes, we have a saying: If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes; it will change.
Life is too short to wear boring clothing or to be boring. Love the contrast between the painting cowboy and the little girl with the camera.
PS: Look look marvelous.
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Thanks for the feedback Di. And I think the same saying applies here: Wait 5 minutes for a weather change, lol. Certainly the temps have been erratic in the past week, but the sun is back shining and hopefully next week will be getting back to low 70s instead of low 60.
I know you guys get hit hardest. While we were in snowy Sedona, friends at home in T.O. were telling me how mild it was and the grass was green, quite the oxymoron! Now they’re having a snowstorm today. It’s insane! 🙂
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Wonderful photos. Love nature. I’m considering a move to Prescott (but maybe Sedona) to retire. I feel the need to get away from the crowds.
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Hi Jacqui, thanks for visiting. And how I envy you being able to move to that piece of heaven of the country. Although. Prescott got hit pretty bad last week with snow, Sedona usually only gets a light dusting. This El Nino can strike anywhere! I’d love to live in peaceful Sedona. Maybe I’ll win the Powerball? Lol. 🙂
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Loving your tour Debby, and I have to admit, I would adore having snow views like that! It reminds of when we used to take the kids up to the snow in CA – just a two hour drive higher and higher and there we would be, in a cabin surrounded by a pine/redwood forest looking like a winter wonderland 🙂 But I know you want sun, so I hope you get your sun and soon! And I love that skeleton on the bench, made me LOL 😀 Lovely pics of a beautiful landscape (makes me homesick, I remember our trip to Arizona – Flagstaff and The Grand Canyon – so fondly) of a part of the world that I miss. And of course, another great photo of you ❤ Keep having fun my friend 🙂 xo
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Glad I brought back some pleasant memories Sherri. 🙂 At least the sun came back here for this week. Now just waiting for it to warm back up. I’ve yet to find a moment to work on my book! Big surprise, not! LOL. I must get a schedule arranged for myself. It’s hard with commitments, and being on vacay. But like I said, I will try my best, and I will not beat myself up!!! ❤
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Don’t beat yourself up Debby…I forbid it LOL 😀 So glad to hear the sun returned 🙂
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Always hope at the end of the rainbow Sherri. 🙂 xo
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❤
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Wow, that looks truly gorgeous, all of it. Take the time to enjoy – the next book will flow all the better for the break; mine is!
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Oh thanks Deb, for your always wise words. I will try and take heed. No wonder I had to add you to my special post this coming Friday! ❤
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😀
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Gorgeous pictures, Debbie! Thanks so much for sharing ?!
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Thanks for visiting Sangeeta. 🙂
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My pleasure!!!
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There’s something quite mesmerizing to me about red desert rocks coated with snow, like a surreal quality. My time in Arizona is limited to one trip to the Grand Canyon years ago, but I would love to explore more some day. My friend’s parents have a condo in Sedona. I should invite myself one of these days 😉
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I’m with you Jeri. I’ve always been mesmerized by the red rock and have also visited the Grand Canyon. But there is something about Sedona that steals my heart. It’s truly a magical place. My gosh, if you have the chance to invite yourself, do yourself the favor! Then be sure to let me know what you thought. 🙂
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What a wonderful experience… I agree with both Jeri and you above here… It looks like a surreal or sci fi landscape somehow…
That being said, your photographs are beautiful, dear Debbie…
Sending love and best wishes. Aquileana . 🙂
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Thanks so much Aq for your kind words and visiting. 🙂
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Oh, Deb, this brings back so many wonderful memories. The red earth of the SW stirs my very blood and evokes sensings and longings of lifetimes past. If I died in the wilds of this area, I’d die happy ❤
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Now I know we both came from that same place!!!! ❤
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Lovely photos! I’ve always wanted to visit that part of the country. So nice that you’ve been able to spend time there.
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Thanks so much Amy. Truly, Sedona is a piece of heaven. I was very fortunate to spend part of last winter there. The weather was so unpredictable with El Nino last winter. We went there in January wearing our winter clothes from Toronto, and back in February in shorts and Tshirts, lol. 🙂
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Fun post, Debby. I love the sign on the window. Life is too short period! 🙂 I copied this link, too. I have a Sedona series to link this posts to. 🙂
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Oh thanks Marsha. And thanks for digging through my older posts. I do love my Arizona, although I prefer it without snow, lol. 🙂
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Thanks so much Marsha. 🙂
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