Today is our last day to stay in Cottonwood for this trip and we really hadn’t thought of much to do today, maybe because there isn’t much to do around here unless you are interested in scoping out the spiritual guidance options up in Sedona. You can always enjoy the spectacular geology here but even that would require some driving which was contrary to our lack of enthusiasm regarding real effort.
Instead, since Peggy was reluctant to give me any options for her recent birthday, I took her to a J. C. Penney store here in town. Peggy allowed me to accompany her while shopping for bras even though I am grumpy in the women’s interesting underwear section if Peg won’t let me model the women’s briefs on my head. She was successful at finding some socks in addition to some interesting underwear and we left the store without breaking the $100 lower limit. Peggy inquired about swim wear but was told the summer is over here (it is about 100 degrees this October) and the store reduced their cost right before they disappeared into the overstuffed bags of voracious bargain hunters who believe autumn is not quite here yet.
On the way back from Cottonwood, we drove down two forest service roads to areas where free camping is allowed. It is quite evident why free camping is allowed because the area is free of cumbersome utility connections for luxuries like power, water or sewer in addition to being free of pleasant vistas or other redeeming features. The roads are dirt with sections of jagged rocks protruding through the uneven surfaces. Strewn among the bargain hunting RVers camping in this unremarkable vacant land you can spot where some campers have abandoned their former homes to recyclers and camper strippers who have slithered in and carelessly practiced their craft, leaving only the carcasses of the now-worthless assets. It is quite scenic for those enjoying the almost vacant junkyard motif. We did spot some tenacious desert flora about 2 feet tall, eliminating anything like privacy for those selecting this area for their enjoyable camping experience.
This area is liberally supplied with absolutely stunning geology and some great parks and monuments. It is also afflicted with the nonsense of Sedona with it’s gurus, spiritual hooey and crystal worship. It is a bit of a tragedy that the municipality of Sedona is located in a visually astonishing treasure but, since I don’t live here, it shouldn’t bother me. I would happily return here to see the magnificent surroundings even though polluted with the strange vortex thing of Sedona. Maybe it isn’t really a vortex. Maybe it is a whirlpool designed to suck the money out of your wallet only to have it delivered to the free-range chicken skin man purse of some local witch doctor. I personally think that perceived benefits from invisible unidentifiable sources of energy/juju/bliss are probably bullshit and suggested only by those obtaining financial enrichment from the gullibility of persons who really are not sick. Artificial remedies are probably the most effective combatting imaginary afflictions.
Later this afternoon, when outdoor conditions become acceptable for human life, I will break down our utility connections and slide-out supports, stow our outdoor furniture and generally prep for travel to Phoenix tomorrow. Oh Boy! New stuff.