Petroglyphs to Snow drifts :)

We concluded our time in Phoenix with a trip to the Food Network's favorite pizza place in Arizona, Chris Bianco's Pizzeria Bianco.  After trying unsuccessfully to have lunch there the day before yesterday (only to learn there was a 2 hour wait), I discovered a second location, closer to our resort, and we managed to get a table with no wait whatsoever.  It is a charming atmosphere, filled with old chandeliers and mirrors and mason jar candles, and the food was divine.  Spotting a "Yogurtology" (a frozen yogurt place that was new to us) on our way in, we opted to have dessert there, and it, too, was delicious.  Our bags packed, our bellies full, and our Google Map programmed for the Deer Valley Rock Art Center, we headed to our next stop.

The Deer Valley Rock Art Center is managed by ASU (Arizona State University), though the land is owned by the state.  When thousands of petroglyphs were discovered in this area many years ago, the decision was made to build a museum into this spot and devote the entire area to preservation and education.  The logo for the center comes from one of the petroglyphs found here.  The museum offers fascinating insight into how little is known about what these symbols mean and how they were used for communication.  Still, the center is focused on the continued study and preservation of the enigmatic line drawings.  And it is wonderful to be able to take an easy 1/4 mile "hike" to see so many of them in their original location.  This was definitely a worthwhile visit, and I'm glad we returned after being met with a closed gate on Saturday.

After getting our fill of petroglyphs (and avoiding the "rattlesnake habitats" that are peppered along the trail), we made our way to beautiful Sedona, unaware at the time that we were just hours ahead of an unusual snow storm that would find us waking to a snow filled balcony.

Needless to say, Daniel was beyond delighted to have the opportunity to throw a snow ball, though the storm has put a crimp in our New Year's Eve plans. Since sleepy Sedona shuts down (literally!) at 9:00 PM, there is little to do here, yet we may have some trouble making our way to Prescott, home of the New Year's Eve boot drop that originally sparked this whole trip! :)

Whatever we decide to do, we will enjoy the red rocks, snow covered or not, during these last few days of our vacation.  While we had to reschedule our pink jeep tour, we also learned that some people had already cancelled their Amara Resort reservations, so we may be switched into a better room (with a view of those red rocks) by the end of the day.   Tomorrow morning we head out dark and early for Williams and a ride on the historic train into the Grand Canyon.  Since I won't be blogging again until we've returned from the Grand Canyon, I will take this opportunity to wish you all a very, very Happy New Year!!!