October 10, 2015, Prescott- I took three hours, this afternoon, to begin my series of hikes around Prescott Circle. It is a 51-mile loop, that connects several of our area’s natural wonders. As is my wont, I am doing the circuit in clockwise fashion. So, I started with Segment 10, which takes in a very familiar stretch: Pioneer Park. This is a huge greenbelt in northeast Prescott, with a rim trail that looks down on a series of groves, comprised of juniper pine and scrub oak. The park has 9 miles of hiking trails, in addition to Prescott Circle, which goes along the park’s northern edge, then dips down and passes through Pioneer’s ball field, before continuing on.

I have hiked in this area several times, but looking at it as part of a whole gives Pioneer Park a fresher meaning. The strength that comes from walking 9.6 miles round trip is an added benefit. Tomorrow, if my chores and acts of service are done, I will pursue the next segment, also in familiar areas: The Embry-Riddle Forest Preserve and Willow Lake.