Day 2 Sunday, June 17th (Part 2)
So, it is about 1:00 pm by now as we head back down the mountain. Again, we have no plans at all for today, so we are just winging it. I ask everyone if they would want to drive to Sedona. I had heard that it was a pretty town and we could drive there and have a late lunch/early dinner. I said it was probably about an hours drive away. Everyone was fine with that. So, off we drove toward Sedona, Arizona.
Not knowing what to expect driving from Flagstaff to Sedona, we were extremely surprised by the drive. Leaving Flagstaff, we enter Coconino National Forest. Flagstaff kind of sits at the bottom of the mountains we went up earlier in the day.
As we enter Coconino National Forest, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous!! Twisting, turning roads, with creeks running alongside the road. Trees, rocks
.I really cant describe it. And then you come into Sedona with all these red canyon walls all around the town. It was a beautiful setting.
We were very lucky when we came into town. Just as we were driving up, a car pulls out of a parking spot right on the street, so we pull in. And as fate (and remember, fate isnt always kind) would have it, the parking spot was directly in front of Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant. Well, we were all kind of hungry, and Mexican food is our favorite
.so we went right in. Im guessing it is about 3:30 in the afternoon now, so the place was busy, but certainly not packed.
We ask for a table for 5, and we had to wait about 10 minutes for a table. All the while watching them seat parties of 4 or less immediately. So, they take us to the upstairs patio type section of the restaurant which had a fantastic view.
We were given chips and salsa and a glass of water for each of us. We perused the menu and made our choices. Now we just needed a waiter
. So, we waited
..and waited
and waited. After about 10 minutes, I decided to go tell someone we had not been waited on. Finally someone came over and took our drink order. I said we are ready to order as well. So we ordered our food.
Well, let me tell you about the salsa
.it was probably the worst salsa Ive ever had. No taste. None. And they gave us 1 little cup for the entire table.
Our drinks came after a few minutes. And our food came a short time later. Now, by the time our food arrived, my drink glass was empty, as was DWs. Chase and Colton had just a little left in theirs. But did the waiter offer to refill them?? Nope. I tried to flag him down, but he never looked our way.
Now, on to the food
it was horrendous. The worst tasting food Ive EVER had. EVER. And everyone at the table said the same thing. Colton who will eat just about anything took 2 bites and said he could not eat any more. And all he had was a cheese enchilada. Chase choked down about ½ of his cheese enchilada. I took a few bites of mine, but thats all I could stand. And by this time, everyones drink glasses were empty, and the waiter had never returned.
Finally, DW said she was leaving. She had had enough. She and the kids went outside while I tried to find the waiter to pay the bill. It took me a good 5 7 minutes to flag someone down to ask for our check. The waiter never said anything about drinks or the food or anything. I paid the bill and left. In hindsight, I probably should have asked for a manager, but I just wanted to leave. I would have to say that was the WORST dining experience I had ever had.
After that, we went up and down the street going through the little shops. Most of the stuff was pretty cool, but way overpriced. I think we may have gotten a couple of things, but just little things.
All over town, they had these cool statures and sculptures and stuff. Some were painted and some carved. They were very pretty.
All in all, our trip to Sedona was worth it for the scenery, but we were SO disappointed with our meal. And the drive back to Flagstaff was just as beautiful. Especially since the sun was beginning to set.
We arrive back at the Embassy Suites in Flagstaff and the boys want to go swimming. So, they head to the pool for a swim. DW, Courts, and I just relax a bit. I know we will all be hungry shortly, but DW just wants me to go get something and bring it back to the room. So, I run up the road to Dairy Queen for burgers, fries, and ice cream.
We settle in knowing that tomorrow we will finally see the Grand Canyon in all its glory.
About 10:00 pm DW looks over at me and says
.Oh
..Happy Fathers Day. I almost forgot.
Sounds like you had a very nice trip...love the pictures.
to Emma.
