Camp Verde, Arizona

After an overnight stay at an RV resort in Las Vegas (it was like the Caesars Palace of RV resorts!), we arrived in Camp Verde.  The park we had reserved was highly recommended so we thought we'd spend a week visiting nearby areas we hadn't spent much time in.

The best part of the stop was that my Southern California sister and brother-in-law were planning a weekend trip not too far away so we were able to plan to spend some time together.  We met up at Colt Grill in Cottonwood which was about halfway between us.

I can't believe we didn't take any pictures - what were we thinking?  We had a great time visiting and catching up and before we knew it, two hours had passed.  But we weren't done yet so we went back to our RV for some extra time (and wine).

Yogi was a good sport and made himself right at home.

And before any more time went by (and more wine was consumed), we posed for a picture.  

Cary and Debi

OH WAIT!  That was about 60 years ago!  Let's try something a little more current.

Sisters!

What a great afternoon and after seeing the kids, grandkids, and siblings within just a few weeks, I felt like we were on a 'farewell tour'.  

While in Camp Verde, we learned that there was an area of interest just a few miles away - Montezuma Castle National Monument.  

The monument protects a set of well-preserved dwellings which were built and used by the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture closely related to the Hohokam and other indigenous peoples of the southwestern United States between approximately 1100 and 1425 AD.  The main structure comprises five stories and about 20 rooms and was built over the course of three centuries.

Several Hopi clans and Yavapai communities trace their ancestries to early immigrants from the Montezuma Castle/Beaver Creek area.  Archaeological evidence proves that the Hohokam and Hakataya settled around or in the Verde Valley.  Clan members periodically return to these ancestral homes for religious ceremonies.

There was a nice walkway to be able to see the area.

Uh-oh!  That was enough of a warning for me even without a wheeled vehicle.

One of the streams that may have been used for fishing.

It was interesting to see the model on display so that we could really appreciate the architecture of the castle.

It was an interesting afternoon seeing the castle.  But it was nothing compared to spending an afternoon with my sister, brother-in-law and Yogi!