May 19, 2016, Prescott- This is a different sort of Throwback Thursday. Last Sunday’s hike took place, in between two social gatherings. It’s important, somehow, that I complete Prescott Circle Trail, before summer starts. So, May 15’s sumptuous afternoon found me hiking from Iron Springs Road to just above Granite Basin Road, a distance of 3 miles each way.

I began by crossing the first fairly busy roadway, Iron Springs Road, then down a mildly steep path, across Willow Creek’s relatively benign gorge, and along an easy trail to the overlook for Granite Basin, one of the most majestic places in Yavapai County.

Granite Mountain lords it over this area, as it does, by extension, over the cities of Prescott, to the south, and Chino Valley, to the north.

Lastly, here are a couple of flower-gems, so that the little beings are not overlooked.

This area has been an old comfort to me, both when I first came here, in April, 2011, and at various points along the Grief Road. That it is the near ending of a 55-mile circle around my adopted home base seems most appropriate. In a few days, I will complete Segment One, from Willow Trail to Williamson Valley Road. Summer looks to be soothing, followed by a return to a secure work environment.